“Progress, not Perfection”
- Kate Larsen
Rediscover that writing a PhD thesis can move forward smoothly and be a rewarding achievement
Preparing a high-quality dissertation is a thrilling journey, but also one with the risk of getting lost. It is a complex process in which many PhD students are facing problems, especially during the writing stages.
To help you when you lose your way in what might feel as a labyrinth of sentences, pages, and arguments, ARTISA has developed writing weeks with an integral approach.
Aimed at accelerating progress of your thesis in a short period of time, the program is adjusted to your needs with tailor made coaching on your writing. Rediscover that writing a PhD thesis can move forward smoothly and be a rewarding achievement
Daily Structure
- Each day of this thesis writing week has a clear structure offering you the serenity and space to write productively and inspired.
- We begin the day with yoga and meditation (optional) so you can start writing with a relaxed body and a fresh, sharp mind.
- After breakfast, you will briefly discuss your goal for that day and check the need for a coaching session.
- You can write during the rest of the day as long as required, maximum tailored to your own work rhythm.
- During breaks and meals you can meet other participants and share your experiences.



Integral approach of PhD coaching
Our integral approach of individual coaching is tailored to your needs in two fields: in the field of writing and in the field of personal processes to stimulate your writing process.
Coaching consists of daily individual goal-setting and regular individual coaching sessions on your writing. You will receive tailor-made feedback on specific issues, for instance: how to improve the quality of your dissertation and writing, how to solve any (writing) obstacles, and how to improve your daily working method.
Upon arrival there will be an intake and in conclusion you will receive specific recommendations to continue the writing process fruitfully at home.
We don’t provide academic writing courses, but offer individual coaching in the way you expect from a supervisor: we read your texts carefully and critically, help you with the structure, logics, style, and stimulate you to present your findings optimally. We provide coaching in every stage of your PhD research, from presenting the first data to writing the discussion, conclusion and introduction.
Don’t be surprised when you’ll regain the joy in writing and, like many PhD students before you, leave with more written pages than you expected, new insights, inspiration and energy, sun tanned skin and a big smile of fulfillment.
Our writing weeks have been already highly successful for candidates from both the alpha, gamma and beta sciences (including medical sciences).
Goals
- Promote qualitative and quantitative output.
- Increase writing skills and thus the coherence and readability of the dissertation.
- Develop the following writing skills:
- Structuring the text, seeing the larger context and building the text accordingly.
- Creating textual flow, ensuring that the text is legible at all levels.
- Adding personality and emotion. Convince the reader of the urgency and relevance.
- Learning to write from the reader’s perspective.
- Efficiency in conveying the message, concise and correct.
- Contribute to innovation through new inspiration and creative angles.
- (Re)finding job satisfaction and pleasure in writing.
Target group
This writing retreat is open to PhD candidates from all disciplines, whether affiliated with a university or pursuing their doctorate independently. Our writing weeks have proven highly beneficial for participants across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medical sciences.
Facilitators

Dr. Frank Leoné
- PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience
- Assistant professor at University of Twente, Netherlands
- Co-founder of AKKU trainingbureau, Head of Marbelous Minds
Dr. Frank Leoné holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience. His writing experience includes fields as broad as Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, Philosophy, and Law, as well as extensive experience writing for grants and advisory work. He currently is assistant professor Professional Learning & Technology at University of Twente. Previously he worked at Radboud University Nijmegen and was self-employed in Marbelous Minds, a startup dedicated to making learning more fun. He leads the PhD writing week at Artisa.

Dr. Heleen van Luijn
- PhD in Psychology of Culture and religion
- Philosophy MA
- Founder of Dutch Institute for research and PhD supervision
Dr. Heleen van Luijn studied Psychology of Culture and Religion and Philosophy at Radboud University in Nijmegen. She did her PhD on a study into an ambivalent child wish of women. She has been working for more than 35 years as a researcher, teacher and manager at different Dutch universities and research institutes. She worked for Tilburg University, Free University Amsterdam (VU), the Royal Academy for Sciences (KNAW), the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) and the Roosevelt Academy. She was also a research fellow at the department of Social Medicine of Harvard University.
During her career she supervised many students, researchers and PhDs. In 2012 she founded the Dutch Institute for Research and PhD Supervision. She is (co-)author of many articles and several books. She leads the PhD writing week at Artisa.
Facilitation by zoom in our open retreats
During our other open retreat weeks, we offer the possibility for PhD students and academics to receive one-to-one writing support sessions by Zoom or Skype. These sessions are provided by Dr. Catherine Brys, a qualified and experienced academic writing coach.
Daily Schedule
The schedule is flexible and can be adjusted to your needs
- 07.30 – 08.15: Yoga and meditation
- 08.15 – 09.00: Breakfast
- 9.00-9.15 Daily goal setting + setting an appointment for a personal coaching session (±3 in total)
- 9.15-11.00 Writing session 1
- 11.00-11.15 Coffee break
- 11.15-13.00 Writing session 2
- 13.00-13.45 Lunch
- 13.45-14.30 Relaxation time, unwinding (optional)
- 14.30-16.00 Writing session 3
- 16.00-16.15 Coffee break
- 16.15-17.15 Writing session 4
- 17.15-18.45 Time for exercise and unwinding – reading
- 18.45 – 19.00 Check-out
- 19.00 -20.30 Dinner
- after 20.30u Free time / presentations/ watching a movie