The Research Careers Campus Graz showcases people and networks which shape our research environment here in Graz - towards a more collegial, friendly and diverse academia, where all research talents can thrive.
Today, we showcase the Writing Group for Early Career Researchers, and its organizers, Tiana Jerkovic, Hanna Stein, Viktoria Wind, and Markus Wurzer. Here are their three answers to three questions.
1) What is your activity called and why does it exist?
Our activity is called "Writing Group for Early Career Researchers" and is supported by the DocAcademy and the Research Careers Campus of the University of Graz. It was founded due to the need for regular writing sessions that provide a more focused atmosphere. We meet every Monday from 3 pm to 6 pm in person and online, where everyone works silently on their individual projects in three structured sessions, with breaks in which we discuss our goals for the next session. Additionally, group members often arrange individual (online-)writing sessions or writing days according to their needs.
2) What do you personally get out of your engagement with it?
We personally benefit from the regular writing sessions and from the supportive and motivating environment when writing side by side. Writing can be a positive and fulfilling process but it can also be frustrating at times. Sharing these often ambivalent experiences in these sessions raises awareness that we are not alone in having them. Also, we get in contact with Early Career Researchers from many different disciplines, and even make new friends while writing together.
3) Why should others join and how can they join?
If you are struggling to reserve time for writing in your academic everyday life or if you are looking for a group that motivates you to work focused on your text close to a deadline: You are welcome to join! We welcome people from all disciplines and at all stages of their career up to post-doc. If you are interested, simply send an e-mail to one of the coordinators who will add you to the Moodle course:
- Tiana Jerkovic (tiana.jerkovic@uni-graz.at)
- Hanna Stein (hanna.stein@uni-graz.at)
- Viktoria Wind (viktoria.wind@uni-graz.at)
- Markus Wurzer (markus.wurzer@uni-graz.at)
Thank you for the insights! Interview: Johanna Stadlbauer, RCC, 03.06.2025 (Picture Credit: Johanna Stadlbauer)