Ready to make serious progress on that manuscript, proposal, or protocol? Join fellow PhD students for three inspiring days of focused writing, fresh mountain air, and cozy vibes in the hills above Liestal.

What’s waiting for you?

• 16 structured writing blocks to dive deep into your work.
• Stunning views, delicious meals, and movement breaks to recharge.
• Dedicated time to finally clear your mind and just write.
• A quiet, supportive space away from emails, distractions, and Zoom calls.

The GSMHS Writing Retreat is designed to help you make focused, meaningful progress on a specific writing project. To ensure a productive experience, please come prepared to work independently but alongside a group of peers equally committed to deep, sustained writing.

What to bring?

• A clear writing goal (e.g., complete a draft, revise a section, outline a proposal).
• Your laptop and charger.
• Relevant materials: notes, articles, reference documents, data, etc.
• Headphones (optional, if you prefer music or ambient sound while writing).
• Any tools or resources you typically use when writing (e.g., citation software, notebooks, pens).

What to do during the retreat?

• Treat each writing block as uninterrupted time to work toward your goal.
• Participate in goal-setting and reflection sessions to track your progress.
• Stay fully present—please clear your calendar of meetings and other responsibilities.
• Be respectful of others’ focus and maintain a quiet writing environment.
• Use breaks to refresh and prepare for the next writing session.

This retreat is a commitment to yourself and your writing. Come ready to focus, reflect, and leave with tangible progress.

• University of Basel PhD students of the Faculty of Medicine and of Swiss TPH (free of costs).
• All levels of experience and all stages of PhD research and writing.
• Maximum 16 participants (including organizors).
• We will start a waiting list if we receive more registrations.
• Places are given on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Milagros Alvarado, PhD student Epidemiology

Nosihle Msomi, PhD student Epidemiology

Daniel Salunga, PhD student Public Health/Epidemiology

We can provide a certificate for a 12-hour workload. You can use this retreat as part of a learning contract for the complete Meet to Write offer.

Travel from and to the location (Basel SBB – Liestal).

Accommodation, meals, coffee & tea. Other beverages are at your own expense.

You will share a room with one or two other participants. If you prefer a private room, please contact the hotel directly to make your own arrangements and cover the additional cost.