Interdisciplinary seminar series

In the context of increasingly complex scientific and societal challenges, research questions often extend beyond the boundaries of a single discipline. This course is designed for early-career researchers who want to strengthen the communication, collaboration, and critical reflection skills required to work effectively across disciplines.

Through a sequence of seminar presentations, peer feedback, and guided reflection, doctoral candidates learn how to present their research clearly to a non-specialist academic audience and how to meaningfully engage in constructive interdisciplinary dialogue with peers from other fields.

The course includes the following sessions:

• 1 introductory session - Introduction to the course objectives and structure, examples of interdisciplinary seminars, and familiarisation with the feedback framework used throughout the course

• 2 sessions of 1st round seminar presentations - Participants present their research and receive initial feedback from peers, mentors, and teachers. These sessions provide concrete guidance on how to improve both content and delivery ahead of the second round. (In-person attendance is mandatory for those presenting their seminar)

• 1 workshop session on storytelling and body language - An interactive, in-person workshop focusing on how storytelling, structure, and body language contribute to effective and engaging academic presentations (In-person attendance is mandatory)

• 3 sessions of 2nd round seminar presentations - Participants present an improved version of their seminar, integrating feedback and newly acquired communication skills, and receive final feedback from peers and teachers. (In-person attendance is mandatory for those presenting their seminar)

• 1 final public speaking and social networking session - A session focused on applying presentation skills to broader academic contexts outside of the classroom.

• Optional: one-to-one online coaching session - Upon request, each doctoral candidate may book a personalised 30-minute coaching session to fine-tune their seminar before the final presentation.

Through active participation in all seminars, doctoral candidates will:

• Become familiar with current research topics in other disciplines

• Learn how to provide structured, constructive feedback to peers

Through preparation of your own seminar, doctoral candidates will:

• Learn how to explain the core elements of their research to a diverse academic audience

• Clearly present the scientific question, methodology, and initial findings of a research project

• Practice storytelling, slide design, and visual communication

Through reflection on the experience, doctoral candidates will:

• Learn how to give, receive, and integrate feedback to improve their presentation skills

• Reflect on the peer-learning process and the role of feedback in scientific practice

The exam will be composed of:

• 2 seminar presentations (recorded for personal use)

• At least 2 written peer feedback reports for other doctoral candidates

• 2 self-reflection reports based on individual appreciation of performance

• Active participation in seminar sessions (preferably in person; online participation is possible)