Group Activities

Application Period: 1 and 20 February
 
The Graduate School is funding for three types of self-organised group activities for doctoral students:

• research-based working groups
• peer mentoring groups
• writing retreats

In 2026, up to 14 groups can be funded, with a maximum of CHF 5,000 per group (smaller amounts may also be requested). Each group must be organised by at least three doctoral students enrolled at the PhF (two in the case of peer mentoring groups) and should be designed to benefit a broad range of PhF doctoral students, for example through a public activity such as a workshop or panel discussion. Activities are not part of the curriculum and do not carry ECTS credits. Multiple applications are permitted, subject to available funds.

Please note for planning purposes: For billing reasons, the activities can only take place from April to November.

For more details and application forms please check the individual group sections below:

Self-organised working groups built around a shared research theme or project encourage independent idea development while strengthening exchange and networking through joint initiatives. Activities usually take place at UZH.

Application
Please complete the application form for self-organized working groups in a research context  and submit as PDF it via UZH Selectus by February 20 after discussing it with the relevant doctoral coordinator: UZH Selectus application for self-organized working groups
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your doctoral coordinator.

Activities eligible for funding include

• Regular meetings to work on the shared research theme
• Workshops
• Small conferences or panel events
• Networking events with other early-stage researchers
• Other suitable activities 

Budget items that can be financed include

• Event costs (e.g., coffee breaks, lunches, flyers)
• Fees for external experts
• Travel and accommodation costs for external experts. Preferential consideration is given to train travel.
• CO2 compensation tax for flights taken by external experts, calculations should be made using Atmosfair 

Funding Criteria

Funding criteria primarily focus on the project's scientific quality, relevance, and originality. In the case of equally evaluated applications by the Steering Committee, an equitable distribution of supported working groups among the Subject Boards will be considered.

The objective of peer mentoring groups is to support career development within a group of aspiring and advanced researchers (the "peers"). These self-initiated groups aim to discuss conditions and requirements for an academic career and conduct activities collectively to acquire necessary qualifications (e.g., methodological or interdisciplinary skills). The focus is on mutual support and establishing a network among colleagues. Knowledge and experiences gained personally are shared among group members within the peer mentoring group. Consequently, groups should include members at various stages of their academic careers, both doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers.

Application

Please complete the Application form Peer Mentoring Group and submit it as PDF via UZH Selectus Peer Mentoring Groups by 20 February. This step is to be followed by a discussion with the relevant doctoral coordinator. The UZH Selectus Peer Mentoring Groups. Should you have any questions, please contact your doctoral coordinator.​​​​​​

Peer mentoring groups usually run over several years. Active participation and ongoing recruitment are important quality indicators. Ideally, former mentees later take on mentor roles and share their experience with new members. Groups typically consist of 12–20 participants. Activities usually take place at UZH, with exceptions possible in justified cases.

Activities eligible for funding include

• Regular meetings for peer exchange
• Workshops
• Writing retreats
• Small conferences or panel events on current career development topics
• Networking events with other early-stage researchers
• Other suitable activities

Budget items that can be financed include

• Event costs (e.g., coffee breaks, lunches, flyers)
• Fees for external experts
• Travel and accommodation costs for external experts. Preferential consideration is given to train travel.
• CO2 compensation tax for flights taken by external experts, calculations should be made using Atmosfair 
• Travel costs for members of the peer mentoring group, including postdocs

Application 

Groups of at least three individuals, including a minimum of two enrolled PhF doctoral students, are eligible to apply. Postdoctoral researchers can also be part of the organizing team and/or participate in group activities.

The Graduate School's funding is annual, but a multi-year perspective is valuable for peer mentoring groups. Therefore, applications for continued support are encouraged.

Funding Criteria

The activity program contributes to career advancement and professional development of the peers and has a long-term perspective. In cases where applications are equally evaluated by the Steering Committee, an equitable distribution of supported peer mentoring groups among the Subject Boards will be considered.

The Graduate School provides funding for doctoral students organizing a writing retreat for concentrated work on their dissertations. Writing retreats typically last for three days.

Application

Please complete the application form for the writing retreat  and submit it as PDF viaUZH Selectus Writing Retreats by 20 February. You will need to discuss this with your doctoral coordinator first. Should you have any questions, please contact your doctoral coordinator.

Budget Items Eligible for Funding

• Travel: up to max. 100 CHF per person
• Accommodation: up to max. 180 CHF per person per night
• Meals: up to max. 20 CHF per person per day
• Room rental: actual costs in CHF
• Travel and accommodation for external experts: actual costs in CHF, for CO2 tax calculations please use Atmosfair 
• Honorarium for external experts: actual costs in CHF

Allocation

In the case of equal evaluation of applications by the Executive Committee, the decision will be made by lottery. In 2026, a maximum of five writing retreats can be funded.