GSSS – From Idea to Proposal Workshop

A good research proposal brings together a meaningful research problem, well-formulated research questions, a clear theoretical positioning, and a well-suited and thoughtful research design. It also makes clear the scientific and societal contribution of the research and demonstrates the project feasibility.

In this workshop, PhD students develop a research proposal based on their own research ideas. The workshop consists of two blocks. The first block of the workshop focuses on moving from a topic to a research problem (session 1), positioning the project in the literature (session 2), and developing the research design (session 3). The second block focuses on strengthening the proposal: identifying and fixing problems in the design (session 4), sharpening the contribution and feasibility (session 5), and learning to present and defend the project (session 6). The two blocks are separated by a writing period in which students write their draft proposal and provide and receive feedback from peers and the lecturers to further develop their ideas.

Writing is an important part of the process: it helps clarify ideas and identify gaps in reasoning or tensions between different elements of the proposal. Students therefore actively work on the proposal throughout the workshop and use the in-class exercises and (peer) feedback to clarify their reasoning and identify what questions and aspects of the proposal still require attention. In the workshop, the proposal is treated as a work in progress that can change as the research develops and ideas become clear and concrete.

Tentative deadlines and feedback moments

• Proposal outline: 18 December
• (Peer) reviews of proposal outlines: 8 January
• First draft proposal: 12 February
• (Peer) feedback during first session of second block
• Proposal defense: 1 April

Please note that the exact dates are subject to change and will be confirmed in the first week of the course.