Summer is here! ☀️🚣

Join us for a fun day of kayaking or canoeing on the water. Enjoy the sunshine, explore beautiful surroundings, and connect with other PhDs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, everyone is welcome! 

📅 When: 27June, 2026 🕗 13:00-14:30

📍 Where: beDRIJFNAT, Herebrug 1, 9726 AZ Groningen

💰 Cost: 1 person kayak: 14 € | 2 person canoe: 24€ (12€ per person)

Note: the fee is non-refundable

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Print your Thesis with ProefschriftMaken

Are you approaching the last months of your PhD? Join our workshop on thesis production with ProefschriftMaken! 

Our guest speaker will guide you through the process of thesis production, shed light on potential pitfalls, introduce you to all possible options and make an outline of the schedule to make the final stage of your journey as smooth and stressless as possible.

Over the course of the webinar, we will discuss:  

• Production methods  

• Thesis layout (both cover and inside)  

• Delivery of files & Schedule  

• Tips & tricks to make your thesis look great 

This event is free of charge, but registration is required. After having registered, you will receive the link to the webinar in the confirmation email.

Date and time: June 24, 2026 and 16:00-17:00 pm

Location: 1313.0342 (Harmony building)

Cost: free

Register via this link

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

[WAITING LIST] Mission: Paintball🫟

Paint the day with action!🔫🫟

Take a break from your daily routine and jump into an action-packed paintball experience! Get ready to run, hide, and (friendly!) fire your way through exciting game scenarios filled with energy and laughter.

Team up, plan your strategy, and enjoy the thrill of the game as you dodge, aim, and outsmart the competition. Whether you’re going all-in on tactics or just having fun trying not to get spotted, it’s all about enjoying the moment and letting loose.

No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for adventure. Expect plenty of friendly competition, teamwork, and unforgettable moments (with a few colorful paint splashes along the way!).

📅 When: 27th May, 2026 🕗 6PM-8PM

📍 Where: Paintball, Groningen

💰 Cost: 22€

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Standup Comedy Night 🎙️

Get ready for a night of big laughs and sharp punchlines with Rogier Bak. An Amsterdam-born comedian with a global voice, Roger is raised between the Netherlands and the U.S. 🌍✨ His sharp English stand-up turns cultural confusion into bold, unpredictable comedy at Wicked.

Don’t miss this perfect chance to connect with others, enjoy the vibe, and laugh the night away. 😆

📅 When: April 17th 🕗 20:30 - 23:00

📍 Where: Grote Markt 33, Groningen

💰 Cost: 18€

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Lazer Tag

Close the laptop, grab the laser! 🔫💻 Step out of the office and into the arena for an adrenaline-filled laser tag game. Fast action, smart tactics, and zero stress! 🚀🎯

📅 When: 9th April, 2026 @ 18h00

📍 Where: Target Lasergame

💰 Cost: 10€ (2 games)

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🎓 Meet & Greet GOPHER — Brunch for PhD Students! 🥐

Are you a PhD student at the Faculty of Law? Join us for our Meet & Greet GOPHER event — a relaxed brunch where you can connect with fellow PhDs, meet members of GOPHER (Groningen Organisation for PhD Education and Research), and learn more about what we do!

This is the perfect opportunity to:
✨ Enjoy a casual brunch and good company
🤝 Get to know the GOPHER team and other PhD students
💡 Share your ideas and suggestions for future activities and events

Whether you’re new to the faculty or a familiar face, drop by anytime during the brunch — we’d love to hear from you and make sure GOPHER continues to support what you find valuable.

📅 Date: April, Wednesday 8th
🕒 Time: 11:00 am
📍 Location: Röling Building (Exact location will be sent by email)

Come for the food, stay for the connections — we can’t wait to meet you!

📩 Reserve your spot now!

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Girly Dance Choreography Workshop – Beginner Level

Step out of the lab and onto the dance floor! 💖✨

This beginner-friendly Girly Dance Choreography Workshop is specially designed for PhD students who want to unwind, boost confidence, and try something fun and creative—no prior dance experience required.

In this supportive and relaxed environment, you’ll learn a full choreography that embraces feminine energy, expressive movement, and powerful stage presence. The workshop focuses on:

• ✨ Basic foundations and easy-to-follow steps

• 💃 Confidence-building techniques

• 🎶 Musicality and body awareness

• 🌸 Expressive “girly” style and attitude

Whether you're completely new to dance or just looking for a joyful break from research life, this session is all about having fun, feeling empowered, and connecting with fellow doctoral students in a playful and inclusive space.

Come as you are, wear something that makes you feel fabulous, and get ready to move, smile, and shine! 💕

Date and time: March 28th, 2026, 13:00

Location: Al-Nour Studio

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Cardio & Fat Burning Workshop 🏃🥵

Join us for Cardio and Fat Burning, a high-energy 1-hour workout session designed especially for PhD students who want to recharge, de-stress, and boost their fitness. This session focuses on calorie-burning cardio exercises that elevate your heart rate, improve endurance, and help you stay active despite a busy research schedule.

No prior experience is needed. ✨
Healthy drinks included! 🥤

Date and time: March 28th, 2026, 12pm

Location: Al-Nour Studio

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Wellness Lab: Body & Mind 🌿

Join us for a practical and restorative session designed for PhD students who would like to explore simple tools for managing stress and supporting focus.

During this interactive workshop, we will combine:
🌸 the creation of a personal diffuser

🧘‍♀️ guided meditation to settle the mind, and

🤸 gentle stretching to release common desk-related tension.

The session is designed to be accessible, practical, and directly applicable to everyday research life — from writing and deadlines to meetings and presentations.

No prior experience is needed. ✨

Date and time: March 28th, 2026, 10:15am

Location: Al-Nour Studio

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

[Waiting List] 🧖‍♀️ Spa Afternoon 🌿

Take a well-deserved break and join us for a relaxing Spa Afternoon for PhD Students! Enjoy a few hours of rest and recharge with access to wellness facilities, light refreshments, and good company. A perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and care for your well-being. 🌿

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

⏰ Time: 16h30 - 22h

📍 Location: Spa Well

💰 Price: €17 (spa entrance)

If you are interested in booking a 25 minute massage you can look into spawell.nl for availability and book it through us with a 10% discount.

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

*Reimbursements are not possible for this event

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Cinema Series: Ammonite (2020)

🎬✨ As part of the Cinema Series, this time we came up with Ammonite (2023) in collaboration with Stadium Generale, a historical drama set in Victorian England. It explores how film captures the nature of science — sometimes with striking realism, sometimes through bold imagination — and how this shapes our understanding of scientific discovery and its impact.

The film follows Mary Anning, a dedicated fossil collector on the rugged southern coast of Britain. Despite limited resources, little formal education, and exclusion from the male-dominated scientific community, her discoveries made crucial contributions to modern palaeontology and provided evidence for prehistoric extinction. When Charlotte Murchison arrives to stay with her, an unexpected bond forms between the two women.

The screening will open with a short introduction placing Anning’s work in historical and scientific context, reflecting on how fossil collecting influenced evolutionary thought and how women’s contributions to 19th-century science were recognized — and how we recognize them today.

Trailer: Amomonite

Cost: 3 euros (non-refundable)

📅 Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026

⏰ Time: 15:00 – 17:15

📍 Location: Forum, Nieuwe Markt 1 Groningen

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🌿 Relaxation Massage Workshop 🌿 (4 hours)

Join us for a cozy, heart-centered massage workshop where you’ll learn how to give and will also receive a full-body relaxation sequence, designed to support circulation and release tension.

Working in pairs, you’ll be guided step-by-step through a gentle series of strokes and pressures. You’ll learn how to use your breath, posture, and intention to connect through touch, cultivating relaxation, presence, and flow.

What to expect:

🧠 Part 1: Theory of Massage

´´Unwritten´´ rules and principles that create a safe, respectful and comfortable environment for both the therapist and the patient.

👐 Part 2: Upper Body

In the first part of the massage, we will explore the upper body, activating the upper back, shoulders, arms, hands, and finishing with a soothing head and face massage to awaken radiance and calmness.

🦶 Part 3: Lower Body

In the second part of the massage, we will move to the lower body, grounding through the lower back, legs, and feet, inviting deep release and full-body balance.

 🥐 Brunch Break

Enjoy a delicious, nourishing brunch break to fully recharge.

No experience is needed, just bring a friend (or meet one there!) and comfortable clothing you can move in.

🧘‍♀️ Perfect for anyone seeking connection, relaxation, and mindful touch.

Date: March, Saturday 21st, 10:00 to 14:00

Price: 10 euros per person.

📩 Reserve your spot now!

* Preference will be given to those signing up with a friend (just fill out the form once specifying the name of your friend and a tikkie link for 20 euros will be sent).

 * For those signing up individually, spots will depend on pairing. While filling the form you will be asked if you have any gender preferences for pairing.

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

English Job Hunt in the Netherlands for Internationals — with Make it North

📚 Category: Educational event
📅 Date: March 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 13:00
📍 Location: Academy Building, Room A2 (Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen)
💶 Cost: Free

🌍 Are you an international student or jobseeker looking for English-language jobs in the Netherlands but unsure how to approach Dutch companies or prepare strong open applications? Join this career workshop organized by GOPHER in collaboration with Make it North, specially designed for internationals aiming to build their careers in the Northern Netherlands.

During the session, we will share practical strategies for finding jobs and internships, explain how networking can open doors, and show you where to look and how to stand out in the job market. You will also learn how to prepare effective open applications, including tips for crafting a strong CV and cover letter that highlight your strengths to local employers. The workshop also includes insider advice for PhDs exploring career paths beyond academia. All international students and jobseekers are welcome, so sign up and join us!

❓ Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of slots.

📝 Registration (via Make it North):
https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/workshop-how-to-make-it-in-the-north/

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🍀 Join Us for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration! 🍻-WAITING LIST

Come raise a glass with us at one of the most iconic Irish pubs in Groningen! We invite you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a free beer and great company. Expect a night full of Irish cheer, music, and good vibes – don't miss out!

📅 When: March 17th, 8pm (Free beers will only be given between 8pm and 9pm)
📍 Where: Location will be sent by email

⚠️ Requirement: Wear a green accessory or green clothing

Grab your friends, wear some green, and let’s make it a celebration to remember! ☘️

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of spots

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Kick off the year with a perfect strike! 🎳🥳

Join fellow PhD candidates for a fun, relaxed bowling evening! Whether you’re a strike champion, a bowling enthusiast, or just in it for the snacks, this is the perfect chance to connect, laugh, and enjoy a casual night out together — all for just €5, snacks included.

Date and time: March 12th, 2026 | 6PM

Location: Bowling Centrum Groningen

Cost: 5 euros including snacks

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🍸🍹Mix & Mingle: Cocktail Workshop!🍹🍸 - WAITING LIST

📅 Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2025
⏰ Time: 16h – 18h
📍 Location: Lust (Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 58, 9712 EL)

💰 Price: €20 per person

 What's in store:
🍸 Learn to craft two delicious cocktails and one mocktail
🥂 Enjoy your creations as you go – three cocktails included in the price!
🎉 A fun and interactive experience, perfect for cocktail lovers and beginners alike.

Come shake things up with us and enjoy an afternoon of creativity, laughter, and great drinks! 🍹

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions.

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

If you're aiming to continue in science post-PhD, grants are crucial. Join us for the online lecture for "The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing", where we'll cover application essentials, timing, and tips to boost your chances. Let's dive in together! 

The lecture introduces the academic career trajectory, the grant landscape, funding agencies and their expectations, and the key components of a competitive CV. You will also learn when to start preparing—and what to focus on at each stage.

The workshop is delivered by Ingrid Molema, who brings extensive experience in both applying for and evaluating grant proposals.

Information on the Parts 2 and 3 of this series, offered by the Graduate School of the University of Groninge can be found in this link; https://www.rug.nl/corporate-academy/courses/beginners-guide-to-grant-writing-ca?lang=en.

Date: February 25th, 2025

Time: 12:00-13:30

Online (the link will be sent to registered attendees)

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🌟 Create a Safer Community Together!

Do you want to help create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone? 🤝✨

Are you interested in learning how to take action when witnessing inappropriate or harmful behavior? 🛡️🙋‍♀️

Join the session organized by GOPHER in collaboration with Fairspace. 🎓 This interactive training explores different forms of transgressive behavior and discusses how to set and manage expectations. 💬

Date and time: February 23rd, 2026 and 16:00 to 17:30pm

Location: Feringa building, room: 5616.0144 ( Nijenborgh 3, 9747 AG Groningen)

Cost: free

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of slots.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🦘🤸‍♀️✨ Jump XL Groningen – PhD Trampoline Outing

Take a break from research and deadlines and come bounce it out with fellow PhD students at Jump XL Groningen! Join us for an energetic and stress-relieving trampoline session where you can jump, flip, laugh, and reconnect outside the office and lab.

Whether you’re a trampoline pro or just in it for the fun, this is a great chance to unwind, meet other PhD students, and do something totally different from your daily routine. Comfortable sportswear recommended—and bring your best jumping spirit!

Let’s defy gravity together and make some high-flying memories ✨

📅 Date: Thursday, February 12th, 2026
⏰ Time: 18:00-19:30
📍 Location: Jump XL (Antillenstraat 9A, 9714 JT Groningen)

💰 Price: €12 per person (Includes anti-slip socks)

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🧖‍♀️ Spa Afternoon 🌿 - WAITING LIST

Take a well-deserved break and join us for a relaxing Spa Afternoon for PhD Students! Enjoy a few hours of rest and recharge with access to wellness facilities, light refreshments, and good company. A perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and care for your well-being. 🌿

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, February 10th, 2026

⏰ Time: 16h30 - 22h

📍 Location: Spa Well

💰 Price: €17 (spa entrance)

If you are interested in booking a 25 minute massage you can look into spawell.nl for availability and book it through us with a 10% discount.

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

*Reimbursements are not possible for this event

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Experience the joy of Bollywood dance with high-energy music, expressive moves, and easy-to-follow choreography. This fun and vibrant workshop—perfect for anyone looking to dance, sweat, and celebrate Bollywood vibes! 💃🎶

Date and time: February 7th, 2026 and 12-2pm

Location: Al-Nour Studio

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Wellness Lab: Body & Mind 🌿

Join us for a practical and restorative session designed for PhD students who would like to explore simple tools for managing stress and supporting focus.

During this interactive workshop, we will combine:
🧘‍♀️ guided meditation to settle the mind,
🤸 gentle stretching to release common desk-related tension, and
🌸 the creation of a personal aromatherapy breathing tool, which we will use together in a short breathing practice.

The session is designed to be accessible, practical, and directly applicable to everyday research life — from writing and deadlines to meetings and presentations.

No prior experience is needed. ✨

Date and time: February 7th, 2026, 10:30am

Location: Al-Nour Studio

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

✨ A Magical Night Awaits! ✨

Looking for a magical break from your research routine? Join us for an unforgettable evening surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight in the historic Martinikerk.

Enjoy beautiful live music 🎶 in one of Groningen’s most stunning venues — the perfect way to unwind 😌, recharge, and treat yourself to a soulful night out. ❤️💫

Location: Martinikerk

Price: 40 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of slots.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🧀🍷Indulge in a cozy and delicious evening at our Cheese Fondue Event! 🧀🍷

What's in store:

• Savor the taste of two distinct cheese fondue types.

• Enjoy a delightful selection of fresh vegetables and artisanal bread from Broodje van Eigen Deeg, perfect for dipping.

• Pair your fondue with wine, beer, or alcohol-free beverages.

Surprise: Did you like the cheeses? You have a 10% discount on a purchase made that evening.

Important Note: The shop is kept cool to maintain the quality of our products. Please come dressed warmly in your favorite sweater or hoodie to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

We look forward to sharing a cheesy evening with you!

Price: 20 euros per person.

Date: Wednesday, January 28th

Time: 6:30 PM (sharp!) - 8:30/9:00 PM 

Location: De Kaaskop Groningen, Zwanestraat 24

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

[CANCELLED] Cinema Series: There Will Be Blood (2007)

🎬✨ Join us for a screening of There Will Be Blood — Paul Thomas Anderson’s powerful exploration of ambition, greed, and power during the rise of the American oil industry. Anchored by an unforgettable performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, this film delivers a stark and immersive cinematic experience.

🎓🗣️ Professor Julian Hanich will introduce the film and lead the discussion afterwards, offering insights and space for reflection and conversation.

Trailer: There Will Be Blood Trailer

Cost: 3 euros

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

⏰ Time: 18:00 – 21:00

📍 Location: LUST

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Zumba Class 💃🕺🎶

Take a break from research and deadlines and join our Zumba class for PhD students! Burn calories while dancing to upbeat music, relieve stress, and have fun with fellow doctoral students. No dance experience needed—just bring your energy and enjoy moving your body! ✨

Date and time: January 24th, 2026, 1pm

Location: Al-Nour Studio

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🤸 Stretching Workshop 🦾

Join us for a fun, relaxing stretching session focused on pain relief and feel-good movement. We’ll mix active and passive stretching with yoga-inspired exercises to ease tension, improve flexibility, and help your body unwind. 🧘

Expect gentle, accessible movements for the neck, shoulders, back, and hips, plus calming breathing to melt away stress. No previous experience needed, just come as you are and move at your own pace. 🌿

A refreshing break to stretch, relax, and leave feeling lighter. ✨

Date and time: January 24,2026 and 12-1pm

Location: Al-Nour Studio

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

Muscle Strengthening Workshop 💪🏻💪🏻

Join us for a muscle strengthening workshop designed to challenge and tone your body! This class will guide you through effective exercises to build power and improve your fitness. 

All levels welcome!

*Healthy drinks included

Location: Al-Nour studio

Date: January 24th, 2026

Time: 11:00h

Cost: 5 euros

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions

🎓 PhD Day 2026 – From Surviving to Thriving 🥐*

🌟 You’re invited to a day designed to empower, inspire, and support you at every stage of your PhD.

PhD Day is the largest annual career and development event for PhD candidates in the Northern Netherlands, organized in partnership with the University of Groningen. Join us for inspiring keynote talks, interactive workshops, a career market, and networking sessions — all designed to help you grow from surviving to thriving in your PhD journey.

🤝 We can’t wait to welcome you for a day full of learning, connection, and growth!

🎓 Participants can earn 1 ECTS credit.

📅 Date: 23 January 2025, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
📍 Location: Feringa Building, Nijenborgh 3, University of Groningen

👉 More information: PhD. Day

(*) Event not organised by us

Kick off the year with a perfect strike! 🎳🥳

Join fellow PhD candidates for a fun, relaxed bowling evening! Whether you’re a strike champion, a bowling enthusiast, or just in it for the snacks, this is the perfect chance to connect, laugh, and enjoy a casual night out together — all for just €5, snacks included.

Date and time: January 22, 2026 | 6PM

Location: Bowling Centrum Groningen

Cost: 5 euros including snacks

Registration is mandatory because there is a limited number of seats.

By filling out the registration form, you agree to our terms and conditions