Give researchers the time and support to make meaningful progress
Researchers produce their best work when they have the time and conditions to think deeply and write without interruption. Our academic writing retreats help universities create exactly that environment and support researchers’ development, productivity, and well-being.
For PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, grant applicants, and academic staff.
Why universities choose writing retreats
Major progress
Participants complete or significantly advance an important writing project.
Renewed motivation
Researchers return to their work with renewed confidence and momentum.
Stronger manuscripts
Researchers develop clearer ideas and produce stronger, more coherent manuscripts.
A supportive community
Researchers build meaningful connections with peers.
Better focus
Researchers experience sustained concentration.
Sustainable habits
Researchers leave with habits that support consistent progress beyond the retreat.
How the retreat works
Each element of the retreat is designed to help researchers make progress, stay focused, and return with momentum.
Time to arrive and settle in.
Welcome and overview of the retreat.
Define clear and achievable writing goals.
Recharge and connect.
Focused writing time.
Step away and rest.
Keep your momentum going.
Good food and conversation.
Individual coaching with Gaya is available during all writing sessions.
All activities (breaks, walks, sports, etc.) are optional.
Participants start each day by defining realistic writing goals that keep them focused and productive.
Structured writing blocks create uninterrupted time for deep work and consistent progress.
One-on-one support is available throughout the retreat to help participants overcome obstacles and move forward.
Regular breaks, good food, movement, and time outdoors help restore energy and sustain concentration.
Short inputs on writing, focus, and productivity equip participants with tools they can apply immediately.
Each day ends with reflection on progress and planning the next steps to maintain momentum.
A supportive environment and shared experiences foster connection, motivation, and meaningful exchange.
Two ways to organise your writing retreat
Flexible formats for your institution
German
French
In their own words
About the trainer
Dr. Gayannée Kedia is a researcher in social psychology and neuroscience, an academic writing coach, and the founder of A Brilliant Mind. She has worked at top universities in France, the UK, Germany, and Austria, and brings first-hand experience of the challenges of academic writing.
Since 2020, she has supported thousands of researchers through workshops, courses, coaching, and writing retreats. Her approach combines academic experience with insights from psychology and neuroscience to help researchers write more effectively, focus more deeply, and develop sustainable ways of working.
She’s also the co-founder of INKOO.ai, a startup developing tools to help researchers work smarter and communicate their ideas more clearly.
Universities and organizations we work with
FAQ
The typical duration is between three and five days. The programme can be adapted to your available time, objectives, and budget.
The ideal group size depends on the venue and the level of individual support required. We will recommend a suitable number after learning more about your institution and participants.
No. Participants can work on dissertations, journal articles, book chapters, grant proposals, or other academic writing projects.
Yes. The retreat focuses primarily on the writing process, concentration, planning, and sustainable working practices. These are relevant across disciplines.
Participants can receive individual guidance on their writing process, project organisation, focus, motivation, and next steps. The exact level of individual support depends on the selected format.
Yes. We can provide a fully organised retreat in Graz, including the programme and agreed logistical arrangements.
Yes. Your university can organise the venue and local logistics while we design and deliver the programme.
Yes. The retreat can be combined with workshops on scientific writing, focus, productivity, time management, or writing effectively and ethically with AI.
Our primary language is English, as it is the language of international research and allows us to support researchers from diverse backgrounds. But we also offer the retreat in German and French.
