PhD Training Series
(Seminar on Soft and Hard Skills in Mathematics)
Johann Radon Institute for Computational and Applied Mathematics (RICAM)
Austrian Academy of Sciences
Summer Semester 2026
Overview
We are pleased to introduce the PhD Training Series, a comprehensive skill-building program designed for PhD students at RICAM, JKU, and anyone interested in enhancing their academic capabilities. This initiative covers a broad spectrum of soft and technical skills, essential for researchers at all career stages.
What to expect?
Through this training series, participants will gain valuable insights into Soft Skills & Academic Development and Technical & Research Tools. We will invite experts from RICAM, JKU, and external institutions to deliver hands-on sessions, ensuring an interactive and practical learning experience.
Topics covered
Schedule
The seminar is held on Mondays, twice a month, at 14:00. The following schedule applies for the summer semester 2026:
1. AI tools for academic research (part I)
Date: 02.03.2026
Speaker: Dr. Beata Ondrusova, Institute for Mathematical Methods in Medicine and Data-Based Modeling, Johannes Kepler University
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how we conduct research and communicate scientific findings.
In the first lecture, we will explore how a range of AI tools can support different stages of the research process. We will cover practical applications, including generating and refining research questions, searching and synthesizing the literature, structuring and drafting manuscripts, assisting with data analysis, improving clarity and academic writing, supporting visualization and presentations, and more.
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
2. AI tools for academic research (part II)
Date: 16.03.2026
Speaker: Dr. Beata Ondrusova, Institute for Mathematical Methods in Medicine and Data-Based Modeling, Johannes Kepler University
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how we conduct research and communicate scientific findings.
In the second lecture, we will examine issues such as transparency, authorship, bias, data privacy, and the boundary between legitimate assistance and academic misconduct. Using concrete examples, we will highlight common pitfalls and discuss practical guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI in research.
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
3. Communicating Mathematics Using LaTeX
Date: 30.03.2026
Speaker: Priv.-Doz. Dr. Christoph Koutschan, the Symbolic Computation Group at RICAM
Abstract: Communicating their latest research results is an essential aspect of every scientist's professional life. This is achieved through written articles as well as oral presentations; in mathematics, we typically use the typesetting system LaTeX for both. In this lecture, I will share practical rules and advice based on my own experience, on how to make this communication as clear and effective as possible. Some of them are specific to the use of LaTeX, while others are more general. In any case, this is not an introductory talk on LaTeX for beginners, but rather I assume that the audience is already familiar with its basic commands and concepts.
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
4. Mathematics outreach and science communication for young participants
Date: 13.04.2026
Speaker: Dr. Georg Grasegger, from the Symbolic Computation Group at RICAM
Abstract: Imagine you have a great research result but nobody knows or cares. Obviously we think that most of our research is great and we do want to let people know and care. This is where science communication starts. In this seminar we see why and how to communicate mathematics to non-experts. As use cases we take a look at existing outreach activities in Linz and Upper Austria. After a general overview we focus on communication formats with young audience. We analyze what is special in this target group and learn how to prepare successful activities.
5. Social Networks and Research Communications
Date: 11.05.2026
Speaker: Dr. Beata Ondrusova, Institute for Mathematical Methods in Medicine and Data-Based Modeling, Johannes Kepler University
Abstract: Social media has become an important tool for researchers to communicate their work, build professional networks, and increase the visibility of their research. In this talk, we will discuss how early career researchers can establish a professional online presence while maintaining credibility and balancing time commitments. Topics will include selecting appropriate platforms, communicating research to different audiences, creating engaging scientific content, measuring impact, and building meaningful researcher communities.
6. Unlocking Funding: Opportunities and Tactics for Young Researchers
Date: 08.06.2026
Speaker: Priv.Doz. Dr. Andrea Navarro-Quezada, Research Support Office, Johannes Kepler University
Abstract: This lecture will offer a concise and practical introduction to the world of research funding, explaining how young researchers can navigate it strategically. I will provide an overview of national and international public agencies and funding programmes, highlighting differences in priorities, timelines, and review cultures. The focus will be on funding pathways for PhD candidates and early-career researchers. Participants will learn how to identify the most suitable opportunities by aligning their research topic, eligibility criteria and career stage. The session will also provide tips and tricks for writing competitive proposals, such as crafting a compelling problem statement and clear objectives, demonstrating novelty with credible feasibility, building a coherent methodology, budget and timeline, and articulating impact. Attendees will gain practical insights for their next proposal submission.
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
7. Introduction to Git: A Beginner's Guide to Version Control
Date: 15.06.2026
Speaker: Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Matthias Gsell from the Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz
Abstract: This hands-on lecture introduces Git, the most widely used version control system in modern software development. Participants will learn the core concepts behind version control, explore Git's internal architecture, and gain practical experience with essential commands for tracking changes, collaborating through remote repositories, and managing parallel development with branches. The session also covers merge conflict resolution strategies, an overview of major hosting platforms such as GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, and closes with best practices and common pitfalls. No prior experience with Git is required.
Participants are required to bring their own laptops. In addition, each participant will need a Git account for the hands-on exercises, regardless of the platform used (GitHub, GitLab, etc.).
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
Former seminars (summer semester 2025)
1. AI tools for academic research
Date: 03.03.2025
Speaker: Beata Ondrusova, Institute for Mathematical Methods in Medicine and Data-Based Modeling, Johannes Kepler University
Abstract: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into academic writing is fundamentally changing how researchers read, create, write and communicate their work. This presentation explores the transformative impact of AI tools on the writing process, from gathering information, reading, drafting a paper, editing, and plagiarism detection. By examining state-of-the-art AI applications, the seminar session will demonstrate how these tools enhance productivity, improve writing quality, and simplify the writing process. Additionally, ethical considerations, including authorship integrity and the potential for bias, will be discussed to encourage responsible AI integration.
Lecture outline:
- Gathering information (literature search, literature management)
- Reading (engaging with the text)
- Writing a first draft
- Editing the draft (improving readability)
- Plagiarism detection
- Other useful tools (e.g., presentation tools, mind maps, grant writing)
- Ethical considerations
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
2. Funding Opportunities and Grant Success Stories
Date: 17.03.2025
Location: RICAM, Room 416-2
Speakers:
Peter Kritzer, Johann Radon Institute for Computational and Applied Mathematics, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Lucia Rossi, Institute of Discrete Mathematics and Geometry, Technische Universität Wien
Dominik Dold, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Vienna
Stefan Takacs, Institute of Numerical Mathematics, Johannes Kepler University
Lecture Outline
This lecture is divided into two sessions:
Funding Opportunities
Our colleague, Dr. Peter Kritzer, will speak about funding opportunities for researchers who are close to finishing their PhD program or in the early years of a PostDoc. In particular, Peter will highlight funding schemes by the Austrian Science Fund and the European Union.
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
Grant Success Stories
We are pleased to welcome our three guests:
Dr. Lucia Rossi (University of Vienna)
Dr. Dominik Dold (University of Vienna)
Dr. Stefan Takacs (Johannes Kepler University, Linz)
They have already been awarded the ESPRIT, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and Erwin Schrödinger grants, respectively. Lucia, Dominik and Stefan will share their experiences with these grants and provide personal tips for applying for funding.
3. RICAM / JKU Betriebsrat procedures training
Date: 31.03.2025
Location: RICAM, Room 416-2
Speakers:
Christoph Koutschan, Johann Radon Institute for Computational and Applied Mathematics, Austrian Academy of Science
Kurt Hingerl, Center for Surface and Nanoanalytics (ZONA), Johannes Kepler University Linz
Lecture Outline
This lecture is divided into two sessions:
RICAM Works Council Procedures Training
Our colleague Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Inf. Dr. Christoph Koutschan, a member and treasurer of the work council of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, will speak about the works council procedures at RICAM. Here are more details about his talk:
The works council of the OeAW, which has been founded 50 years ago, is an organization that represents the employees within the Academy and stands up for their legal rights. We give a quick overview of the duties of the works council and the kind of social services it offers to OeAW (thus, in particular, RICAM) employees.
JKU Works Council Procedures Training
We are pleased to welcome our guest, Univ. Prof. DI Dr. Kurt Hingerl, a member of the Betriebsrat für das wissenschaftliche Personal (works council for scientific staff) of the Johannes Kepler University.
Prof. Hingerl will speak about the main idea of works council activities, and also address more general questions, including the balance or trade-off (goal conflict) between being engaged as a PhD student in the works council community and focusing on pursuing one’s own PhD. He will also touch on the unique challenges that arise when your “informal” employer is also your academic supervisor or mentor.
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
4. HPC usage and good practices: Introduction to the use of the Ricam HPC "Radon1"
Date: 28.04.2025
Location: RICAM, Room 416-2
Speaker: Florian Tischler, Johann Radon Institute for Computational and Applied Mathematics, Austrian Academy of Science
Abstract: In this session, you will learn everything about using the HPC cluster, how to access Radon1, available nodes & software and how to run your own programs on it, from simple interactive programs to GPU usage to parallelized applications in batch mode.
Slides are available in the password-protected download area. The access data can be requested from the organizers.
5. University Mathematics Teaching in Practice: Tips, Tools, and Case Studies
Date: 12.05.2025
Location: RICAM, Room 416-1
Speakers:
Lucia Del Chicca, Pädagogische Hochschule OÖ & Department for STEM Didactics, Linz School of Education, JKU Linz
Jan-Michael Holzinger, Department for STEM Didactics, Linz School of Education, JKU Linz
Lecture Outline
This lecture is organized into two sessions:
First, our colleague, Dr. Lucia Del Chicca, will present on the following topics:
- Different Types of university courses with a focus on “exercises”
- Balancing teaching and research responsibilities: challenges and benefits
- Inclusive teaching practices (supporting students with disabilities)
- Responsibilities and expectations : preparing and delivering lectures or tutorials, assessment methods, grading, and feedback
- Personal experience with “Analysis 1 Übungen für Lehramt”
We are also pleased to welcome our colleague DI. Jan-Michael Holzinger, who will address the following key points:
- Working with KUSSS at JKU
- Software Systems and Tools for supporting teaching at JKU
- Personal experiences from teaching “Mathematics for AI”
6. EFFECTIVE MATH PAPERS: FROM WRITING TO PRINTING
Date: 26.05.2025
Location: RICAM, Room 416-2
Speaker: Olivier Ramaré, CNRS / Institut de Mathématiques de Marseille, Aix Marseille Université, France
Abstract: This talk shall cover the manner to write a paper, what is a proper structure, how to write a title, an introduction and proofs, how to cite, what are good examples, and the likes. If you are in your way to writing a paper, please bring it along or, if you can, send it before to me (I won't publish it before you :)). This talk will be open to the audience questions. Time depending, we will address the submission / revision steps.
7. Scientific Presentations and Communication
Date: 23.06.2025
Location: RICAM, Room 416-2
Speaker: Karli Kai Gillette, Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, United States
Abstract: This seminar will cover the main components of giving an effective scientific presentation, with a particular focus on engineering and mathematical disciplines. We will go through and discuss presentation style, accounting for an audience, slide content and structure, and other hints, tips, and tricks for presenting scientific research effectively in different formats and across disciplines.
Contact
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us at
Email: phdseminar(at)ricam.oeaw.ac.at
Office: Room 409, or Room 431: (RICAM, SP2, 4th floor).
JOIN US AND TAKE YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
Organizers: Argyrios Petras & Sumaia Saad Eddin
The first organizer is supported by the Austrian Science Fund (P 35394-N), the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (PFA-Mod) and the State of Upper Austria, and the second organizer by the Austrian Science Fund (P 35863-N).
