Smart about Stress for PhD/PostDoc Candidates

A practical programme to help you understand stress, strengthen resilience and work more sustainably during your PhD/PostDoc

Doing a PhD/PostDoc can be meaningful and rewarding, but it can also be demanding. High expectations, uncertainty, deadlines, feedback, and the pressure to keep going can easily lead to stress building up over time.

The Smart about Stress programme is designed for PhD/PostDoc candidates who want to deal with stress in a more effective and sustainable way. In this programme, you will gain insight into your own stress patterns, learn practical tools, and develop strategies that support both your wellbeing and your work.

This is not a vague or overly theoretical course. It is a grounded and practical programme, with space for reflection, personal learning, and concrete next steps you can apply in your own academic life.

What to expect

The programme includes:

intake assignment to be submitted by 19 May 2026 (time investment ca 15 mins)
plenary kickoff session June 2nd (online, morning)
online self-study training sessions during June and July (4x ca 90 mins)
structured peer meetings in small, carefully selected subgroups during June and July (4x ca 90 mins)
e-coaching with the online training modules during June, July and September
no meetings in August (summer holiday break)
coaching sessions in September in small group (1x 120 mins)

Throughout the programme, you will be invited to reflect on your own experiences, recognise what affects your stress levels and explore what helps you stay balanced and effective during your PhD/PostDoc and in the future.

Who is this for?

This programme is for PhD/PostDoc candidates who would like to:

understand their stress responses more clearly
build healthier ways of working
improve resilience and self-management
create more calm, clarity and direction during their PhD/PostDoc trajectory

Special offer

€375 (instead of €742, valid until May 17, 2026)

Interested in joining?

You can register via the form below before May 18, 2026. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with further information about your participation, practical details and payment.

I have a question before registration

Registration form