Academic skills, archipelago views, and community

"Doing a PhD is increasingly demanding, and many students face high stress while dealing with challenges that go well beyond their research. This retreat gives them access to tools they wouldn’t normally get in their regular training, such as handling stress, communicating their work clearly, and thinking more entrepreneurially", says one of the organisers, Šarūnas Girdzijauskas, Deputy Director of Third Cycle Education (FA) at EECS.

Over two days, 3–4 June at Djurönäset in the Stockholm archipelago, participants engaged in one of three tailored training tracks:
• Increasing academic productivity and managing stress – strategies to stay focused, complete projects, and thrive throughout your PhD journey.
• Research communication – how to present your research clearly and compellingly, whether in the classroom, on stage or in a pitch.
• Research innovation – insights into intellectual property, business models and early-stage commercialisation. 

Girdzijauskas adds: "It also helps build a sense of connection across EECS, which, as the largest and quite diverse school at KTH, can sometimes feel a bit fragmented. The retreat acts as the kind of social glue our school needs, while offering students meaningful support and practical skills to navigate their doctoral journey successfully.”  

Fabian Schmidt, PhD student at EECS who has attended all three retreats during the last years, says, "For me, the retreats have been a valuable part of my PhD. Each track has provided skills that go beyond my regular studies — from setting expectations and managing time to pitching research more clearly and even learning the basics of business planning," says Fabian Schmidt. "I am very grateful that KTH and specifically the organisers offer this opportunity to learn and connect".

A retreat with long-term impact 

Now in its third edition, the retreat has become a much-anticipated event for EECS PhD students. The format – lunch-to-lunch with everything included – provides a welcome break from daily routines and a focused space for professional and personal growth.  

"Just as important as it has been to meet colleagues from other divisions in the scenic Stockholm archipelago, which encourages both focus and informal exchange. Activities like the Checkpoint 59 challenge made the retreat even more memorable, bringing in teamwork and creativity alongside the formal program", Fabian Schmidt adds (one of the Checkpoint 59 challenge-winning team).

Missed this year’s retreat?

Don’t worry – it will return in summer 2026! Places are limited, and priority is given to students based on their year of enrolment, so stay tuned and register early to secure your spot. 

The retreat is free of charge, with transportation, accommodation, and meals covered by the school. However, please note that no-shows may result in your division being charged.