Working on your project from home or in a busy university environment may meet difficulties, such as lack of working space, household obligations or many other distractions. Therefore, the N.W. Posthumus Institute wishes to support its PhD candidates by organizing a Writing Retreat. During this 5-day retreat (Mon-Fri), you will get the opportunity to work on your dissertation or paper in progress with 8-10 of your colleagues in a quiet place, away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Dates and location

16-21 June 2025, Abdij van Berne, Heeswijk Dinther

Special: On 17 June, the Abbey hosts a performance by Kirsten Benschop: ‘Bronnen’ (‘Sources’).

Practical issues

The N.W. Posthumus Institute pays the costs of the Writing Retreat (overnight stay, meals, coffee, tea and snacks) for participants in the Advanced Training. If you do not participate in the Advanced Training programme, you can still participate but a fee of 250 euros will apply.

How to apply

Please note that your application should be submitted by 1 May 2025.

If you are a Posthumus PhD student and would like to join this Writing Retreat, please fill out the application form and provide a short motivation (max. 300 words). The number of available places is limited (10 participants max.), so admission will be based on several criteria:

• PhDs not having participated before will have priority over PhDs who already enjoyed a Posthumus Writing Retreat in the past.
• PhDs have to be participant of the Advanced Training. (If not, a fee of 250 euro is applicable).
• In case of ex aequo, the decision will also be based on your motivation.

If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail.

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