A writing retreat is a collaborativ effort of researchers to meet up over a few days to work on individual writing goals in a supportive, non-surveillance environment. The writing process can be shared with the group during joint breaks, also with the intention to help each other out with helpful advice and encouragement.
This May, we will hold the seventh Writing Retreat of the SSECR Junior Network. It will take place from 2 to 5 May 2026 at the Gästehaus Lichthof of the Kloster Mariazell Wurmsbach in Rapperswil-Jona, directly at the lake of Zürich . The retreat is directed to all members of the SSECR Junior Network and other interested PhD students within the field (Early Childhood Research).
How much does it cost?
For Juniors under the age of 35 who have to pay for their own accommodation, the cost is CHF 55 per night. For researchers older than 35 or people who receive financial support from their university, the cost is CHF 120 per night (meals included). The common working room as well as a simple dinner, which we organize ourselves, is funded by the SSECR.
You can choose to stay one to three nights or just work with us during the day.
Registration open until April 1, 2026.
A group size of 10 people is targeted to support quality exchange in a
manageable group. SSECR members are prioritised over non-members
for the registration.
For further information, please contact Marius Vogt (marius.vogt@phsg.ch)
We are looking forward to a productive time in good company.
Nine PhD candidates in Early Childhood Research took part in our autumn writing retreat — a weekend entirely devoted to making progress on their dissertations.
With a calm setting in the mountains, participants could dive deeply into their work while also taking time to recharge with walks and fresh air. What made the retreat especially enriching was the mix of research backgrounds. Students from different disciplines came together to share ideas, motivate one another, and explore new perspectives on their work.
Our spring writing retreat was fully booked, with 11 junior researchers gathering for a focused and inspiring weekend dedicated to dissertation work. Set in a peaceful location with stunning mountain views, the retreat offered the perfect balance of productivity and relaxation — including refreshing walks in nature.
Our recent writing retreat from September 27th to 30th welcomed eight junior researchers, each taking valuable time to advance their dissertations in a calm and inspiring atmosphere. The weekend combined dedicated writing sessions with refreshing nature walks, offering participants stunning mountain views and a chance to recharge. This blend of focused work and relaxation created an ideal environment for productivity and reflection.
Eight junior researchers attended, enjoying a lovely and productive weekend devoted to advancing their dissertations in a serene atmosphere. To balance work, we took walks with breathtaking views of the mountains. If you're interested in writing alongside fellow PhD students in Early Childhood Research, be on the lookout for updates on our next writing retreat scheduled for autumn 2024. Stay tuned through the SSECR newsletter!
We finally got to hold our first SSECR Junior Network Writing Retreat from July 22nd to 25th 2022 at Lake Lucerne. We were nine Ph.D. students who spent a lovely and productive weekend at «Bildungshaus Stella Matutina», where we had our own seminar room to write (or whatever one set out to do) in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. To compensate for the work, we exercised in the morning, went swimming during the day, played card games in the evening, and enjoyed the great nature and view whenever we needed a short break. Do you also want to write in great company and get to know other Ph.D. students in Early Childhood Research? We are planning a second writing retreat in summer 2023. Stay tuned for updates in the newsletter of the SSECR Junior Network!