This workshop is offered in cooperation with the High Performance Center Simulation and Software based Innovation.

When and where?

06.07.2026, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Group session
07.07.2026 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Individual one-to-one sessions

online via zoom.

What it is about? 

Finally done! The doctoral thesis has been submitted, now the final task is to master the disputation. The seminar aims at preparing students for the viva defense by honing presentation skills so as to effectively argue points convincingly and think on one’s feet during the question and answers session.

The workshop provides information about the formal procedure, the requirements, the social setting of a Ph.D. examination and the dos and don’ts of a PhD examination. In this seminar we will use video recording as a tool to enable the participants to capitalize on their strengths and to improve their performance. This workshop places particular emphasis on preparing strategically one’s position in the lead up to the viva defense and dealing with the questions & answers session in the second part of the viva defense. On the first day, participants attend the workshop all together as a single group. On the second day, the participants join the trainer for a series of one-to-one sessions characterised by a dedicated tailor-made approach.

Content

• Selecting a committee: what should I take into account?
• The dos and don’ts in oral Ph.D. examinations.
• How do I stay my ground during the questions and answers session (Q&A)?
• How do I deal with stage fright?
• How do I structure the preparation phase most effectively?

Target group & course language

Doctoral candidates who will soon be handing in their PhD thesis (or have just submitted it).

Quantity of participants: 12

Course language is English.

Technical requirements

• PC or laptop with a reliable Internet connection.
• A webcam and  a microphone
• The online seminar takes place via zoom

Trainer

Prof. Dr. Matteo Garavoglia,  Impulsplus

Matteo Garavoglia holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and has 15 years of experience working as a trainer. 

Registration

Please submit your binding registration by June 24, 2026, using this online registration form. The number of places is limited; they will be allocated after the registration deadline. 

When you register, please note the (expected) date of your disputation in the comment field.

The course is open to all PhD students of RPTU as well as to PhD students of the Fraunhofer Institutes IESE and ITWM. Participation is free of charge. Please note the information on the  conditions of participation and registration. 

If you have any questions, please contact the REaCh office: reach-info[at]rptu.de