"General competence" (3 CP) encompasses modules on interdisciplinary communication and cooperation, scientific writing and presentation techniques, good scientific practice, law, ethics, self-evaluation, and research data management.

"Topical competence" (6 CP) includes initial positioning with the supervisors, and from there compiling a tailored course program.

Below, you'll find a selection of seminars out of KIT's course catalog that are open to and explicitly welcoming the participation of KCDS Fellows. The list is not conclusive - if you choose courses that are not listed here, please contact the lecturer and ask whether doctoral researchers are welcome in the course.

KCDS keeps doctoral researchers at pace with the rapid scientific progress in the field by topical summer schools with international lecturers. The summer schools are organized by the KCDS Fellows, with KCDS financial and organizational support.

KCDS Fellows independently organize one retreat and one hackathon/datathon in their research duration for scientific exchange. Active participation in at least one of such events per year is mandatory and credited. This helps the participants in developing organizational and leadership skills, and is a good opportunity to practice presentation skills and get peer feedback for their project.