This is day one of a two-day workshop designed to help ISTA PhD students develop the key skills needed to write and present a strong research proposal for their Qualifying Exam. On Day 1, students will learn how to develop a clear storyline, structure their proposals effectively, and write key sections such as the title, abstract, and specific aims. Through hands-on exercises, they’ll analyze successful proposals, refine their own abstracts, and practice articulating their research ideas clearly. Day 2 (held 1–2 months later) builds on the work done in Day 1. Students will return with a draft proposal outline and focus on how to write great sentences and paragraphs for clarity and impact. They will also participate in a “mock panel” session, where they’ll present and defend their ideas in front of peers, simulating the Qualifying Exam environment. The course provides diverse opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and revision, ensuring students are confident in both writing and presenting their research proposals. Students will be asked to complete pre-course tasks, including selecting two successful proposals from their field, submitting a brief abstract of their research, and bringing two relevant research papers from the literature to the first session. About the instructor: Dr. Alison Green received her PhD in chemistry from the University of Melbourne. She then moved into scientific publishing. Advanced Materials (Wiley) was where she honed her skills. Alison was later appointed to Editor-in-Chief of the Australian Journal of Chemistry. Soon after, she started the journal Environmental Chemistry. Alison is a native English speaker and fluent in German.
Target group: 2025 cohort of PhD students.
Participation in day 1 of this workshop is required for PhD students in the 2025 cohort (Core Essential Skills requirement) -- students can choose from one of four sessions (one in June of year 1 for those students applying for the DOC fellowship and/or doing their QE early, and three if Fall of year 2). Participation in day 2 (separate Athena listing) is highly encouraged, and counts toward the elective Essential Skills requirement for PhD students.
Prerequisites: None
Evaluation: Attendance and participation on one of four offered dates.
Teaching format: None
ECTS: 1 Year: 2025
Track segment(s):
Core curriculum
Teacher(s):
Hania Koever
Teaching assistant(s):
- Teacher: Hania KÖVER