WRITING RETREAT & SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

From July 15 to 18, 2025, we had the honor of hosting our 8th ÖGP Summerschool and our 7th ÖGP Writing Retreat. Twenty-two JuWis gathered in Reichenau an der Rax at the Flackl Wirt Hotel to write with focus, discuss their projects with experienced mentors, and network with early-career scientists from all over Austria.

Participants could choose between three days of Summerschool plus two days of Writing Retreat or the full five days of Writing Retreat—both options offered engaging content, opportunities to exchange ideas, and time for concentrated writing. The special thing? A friendly, inspiring, distraction-free environment. For every writing style there was the right option: free writing with a view of the beautiful landscape, or guided group writing with a set schedule.

Highlights included two inspiring keynotes: Judith Glück gave practical tips on what makes research proposals successful and shared tricks for the road ahead. Barbara Stiglbauer showed how teaching, practice, and research can be brought together. Two workshops deepened Open Science (Hilmar Brohmer) and research communication (Natalie Badstuber). Participants also had the chance to present their research questions in Flash Talks and receive peer feedback.

To keep the days productive yet varied, there were morning yoga sessions to energize the start, and those who wished could arrange a jog. In the evenings there was time to relax or enjoy a social game night (ever heard of “Publish or Perish”?). Of course, meals and plenty of coffee were provided. A bonus for relaxation were the baby goats and sheep on the hotel grounds 😊

If you couldn’t join this time—another Writing Retreat is surely coming. We’re already looking forward to it. Until then, happy writing!