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?

• ~20 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 online 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, as well as alongside a group of peers who are equally committed to deep, sustained writing.

A detailed program will be available in the program briefing.

What to bring?

• A clear writing goal (e.g., complete a draft, revise a section, outline a proposal).
• Your laptop and charger, optionally an extra screen
• 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 and respect 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 18 participants (including organizers). Full attendance required.
• Registrations are collected until Mon, 12 Oct 2026. Preference is given to those who have not yet attended a writing retreat. 
• After 12 Oct until Tue, 20 Oct places are given on a first-come-first-serve basis. We will start a waiting list if we receive more registrations than places available.

Luis D. Palomo Cordero, PhD student Epidemiology, Swiss TPH

Nosihle Msomi, PhD student Epidemiology, Swiss TPH

Louise-A. Hantzsche, PhD student Epidemiology, Swiss TPH

We can provide a certificate for a 21-hour workload. You can use this retreat as part of a learning contract with an academic writing course or as part of Meet to Write.

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

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

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

The Writing Retreat is fully booked - if you would like to be added to the waiting list, please register below.

Last registration possible by 20 Oct 2026
See ‘Target group’ for further details