Writing retreat for PhD students
For PhD students who are currently in the last phase of their research process
All news & updates
Apply now!
Writing retreat organized by ELS Academy, VSR and SLSA
ELS Academy, VSR and SLSA would like to invite you to a writing retreat for PhD students who are in the process of writing substantial parts of their thesis. During this retreat, participants will have the opportunity to completely focus on writing their thesis, away from all distractions, in a picturesque monastery near Ghent. It is available to members of the SLSA or VSR, or attendees of ELS’ previous events (the ELS Academy community) This writing retreat will be from Tuesday 18/11, 12:00h until Thursday 21/11, 12:30h, at the monastery Oude Abdij in Drongen (Belgium). The venue is a 20-minute bus ride away from the centre of Ghent, which is well connected by train. Costs of accommodation and food will be covered; travel expenses have to be covered by participants themselves. The venue will be accessible to wheelchair users and dietary options are available.
- Who it’s for:
Late-stage PhD researchers (year 3+ FT / year 5+ PT) with limited access to external/institutional funding. Applicants must be current members of SLSA/VSR or regular ELS participants. - What’s included:
Accommodation & meals, £100 travel bursary (for 5 SLSA participants), guest speaker session (TBC), walking seminars, networking. - To apply:
Fill out the form by 12 Sep 2025: https://forms.gle/rt2s2B4RSq1UNUYu9. You’ll need:
A 300-word statement on how the retreat supports your research and a brief declaration of funding access. - If oversubscribed, selection will be by lottery (SLSA), with a waitlist in place.Refundable deposit (£35) due by 30 Sep if selected.
If you have any questions, please contact raoul.rombouts@ugent.be or diksha.sanyal.23@ucl.ac.uk.
