Event | NICA PhD Writing Retreat 2025
Event | NICA PhD Writing Retreat 2025
Date: 7-9 November 2025
Location: Utrecht region (exact location will be shared with confirmed participants)
Contact & registration: nica@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Registration deadline: 1 September 2025
Are you struggling to make progress on your writing goals this academic year? Do you find yourself caught up in other commitments—drafting yet another abstract for a CfP, preparing a funding proposal, or writing the description of a NICA PhD Council event—rather than writing your next PhD chapter? We get you.
That’s why the NICA PhD Council is organising a Writing Retreat for NICA PhD candidates! Join us in an idyllic setting in the Dutch countryside, for a full weekend dedicated to writing. With no distractions and a community of like-minded PhDs, you’ll finally have the time and space to focus on what matters—your research.
During this weekend, you’ll benefit from:
- A distraction-free, silent setting for intensive writing
- Peer support and feedback from fellow PhD candidates
- A workshop by NICA Director Pepita Hesselberth to help those suffering from writer’s block
- A chance to connect with researchers working on related topics
- Good meals and (lots of) coffee
Deposit
To register, we request a deposit payment of €100, to guarantee your active attendance and participation. If you attend the event and comply to the code of conduct, these funds will be returned into your account after the retreat.
Important: The €100 deposit is non-refundable unless a replacement is found in case of cancellation.
Registration
We have only 10 spots available. To apply, please email nica@hum.leidenuniv.nl (deadline: 1 September 2025):
1) A short motivation
2) A short abstract about your research project
3) Your writing goal for the weekend and how it aligns with your PhD trajectory.
Selection will be based on research compatibility and feasibility of your writing goals for the weekend.
Event Details
- What: NICA PhD Writing Retreat 2025
- When: 7 – 9 November 2025
- Where: Utrecht region (exact location will be shared with confirmed participants)
- How to Apply: Send your motivation to nica@hum.leidenuniv.nl by 1 September 2025