Newsletter No. 4

04 May 2026, 9am - 4pm: VDTR Open Research Day

29 May 2026, 9.45-11.30pm: VDTR Welcome Cafe for new doctoral students

Have you recently joined the VDTR? Are you about to embark on your doctoral studies? If so, join us for this VDTR onboarding event!

• 9.45-10: Get to know the doctoral school, its structure and opportunities
• 10-10.30: Overview over the most important steps of your PhD studies, helpful sources and support offer for the planning of your PhD
• 10.30-11.30h:Time for informal questions or the joint planning of support structures

No registration needed - just drop by in Office 060 (Schenkenstrasse 8-10, second floor)!

Writing Wednesdays - two dates left!

Looking for a place to write your dissertation?
Do you want to be surrounded by others working on the same task? Whether you at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of your doctoral project – writing is one of the most challenging tasks. To make it more enjoyable, structured, and supportive, we would like to invite you to our Writing Wednesdays! 
Book your spot!

May and June 2026: PhD Completion Workshop Series

Finishing a dissertation is no small feat — and the final stretch is often harder than expected. If you're aiming to submit within the next six months but finding it difficult to get there, this workshop is for you.

Across four sessions in May and June, our trainer tackles the key issues that delay PhD completion.

20 May 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completion Workshop Series I - 6 Reasons You're in Year x of Your PhD and Still have no clear plan

03 June 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completion Workshop Series II - Working on the Dissertation, not just in it

17 June 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completions Workshop Series III - Revising Chapters Effectively

24 June 2026, 2-4pm: PhD Completions Workshop Series IV - Submission, Defence, and what comes after 

Take a look at the comprehensive training offer on u:rise! 

Many training opportunities for the next semester are already available, including several training dates for the basic teaching qualification and various courses on the use of AI in research and teaching. Contact us if you need help finding the right course for you, we are happy to help!

05 May 2026, 6.30pm: Book presentation with Laura K.Fields

In Furious Minds, Laura Field, who spent close to a decade in conservative academic circles, chronicles the rise of the New Right—the network of academics, public intellectuals, and influencers who provide ideological fuel to Trumpism. This movement includes figures such as Patrick Deneen, Christopher Rufo, Peter Thiel, and JD Vance. Their agenda is built to last, and it has dire long-term implications for liberal democracy.Following Laura Fields' presentation, Dorit Geva, Professor of Gender and Politics at the University of Vienna, will deliver a response. There will then be time for questions from the public.

The event will take place in the Franz König Lecture hall in the universitys main building.

Please register your participation here.