Gopher organizes educational, recreational, and social events for all PhD students at the University of Groningen.
GOPHER is the PhD organisation of the University of Groningen, providing a platform for all PhD students to develop themselves, to network and to get to know fellow PhD students through educational and recreational events. Every PhD student is welcome to participate in GOPHER’s events and to suggest and organise new events. If you wish to get involved or just join the events, feel free to contact us!
24/10/2025
Join us for an evening under the stars! 🌌
Discover the universe at the DOT Planetarium and explore the theme “Life of a Star”.
Date: November 12, 2025
Time: 20:00 – 21:00
Location: DOT Planetarium (Vrydemalaan 2, 9713 WS Groningen)
Cost: €5
Tickets will be sent once payment is confirmed.
17/09/2025
Don't forget our social safety session in collaboration with Fairspace!
Do you want to help create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, whether at work or in your personal life?
Are you interested in learning how to take action when you witness inappropriate or harmful behavior?
Join us for an interactive training session where we will safely explore different forms of transgressive behavior, discuss setting and managing expectations, and learn practical tools for safe and effective intervention.
16/09/2025
🎃 Publish or Perish: A Halloween Tale 🕸️
A Party for PhDs and the Friends Who Keep Them Sane
Welcome to Publish or Perish: A Halloween Tale — a night of snacks, spirits (of both kinds), and spooky good times.
Whether you're deep in your research or just here for the vibes, throw on a costume, rally your squad, and join us for a night that's way more treats than tricks — because even the most overworked brains needs a break.
Expect:
🍕 Enchanted snacks
🍸 Spookie drinks
🎶 Music, dancing, and general chaos
👻 Costume contests with prizes for Best Solo and Best Group Costume
Date: Saturday, November 1st, 2025
Time: 21:00-02:00
Location: will be shared after payment
12/09/2025
Join us for another evening under the stars! 🌌
Discover the universe at the DOT Planetarium and explore the theme “Life Beyond Earth”.
Date: October 08, 2025
Time: 20:00 – 21:00
Location: DOT Planetarium (Vrydemalaan 2, 9713 WS Groningen)
Cost: €5
Tickets will be sent once payment is confirmed.
11/09/2025
Join us for an evening under the stars! 🌌
Discover the mysteries of the universe at the DOT Planetarium and explore the theme “Light on Dark Matter” with Prof. Edwin Valentijn as your guide.
Tickets will be sent once payment is confirmed.
Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 20:00 – 21:00
Location: DOT Planetarium (Vrydemalaan 2, 9713 WS Groningen)
Cost: €5
05/09/2025
Join us for a captivating day trip to Kasteel de Haar, the one of the largest and most luxurious castles in the Netherlands, located just outside Utrecht. This fairy-tale fortress, surrounded by lush gardens and centuries of history, offers an unforgettable glimpse into Dutch aristocratic life.
🚌 Transport Details:
Comfortable round-trip transportation (bus) will be provided from Groningen Train Station
🍽️ Food:
Bring your own lunch or enjoy a bite at the on-site café with views of the gardens.
Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and experience one of the Netherlands’ most enchanting landmarks!
📩 Reserve your spot now!
Date: 27th of September
Cost: 40 euros for PhD students (includes transport, and entrance fee)
05/09/2025
🎓 Are you a PhD student aspiring to continue in science? Grant applications are key!
🌟 Join our lecture, "Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing," where we cover application essentials, timing, and helpful tips. Don't miss out on gaining a competitive edge in academia!
💡
The lecture covers grant writing across different scientific disciplines (social, finance, medical, etc).
Date: October 21th, 2025
Time: 12:00-13:30
Online (the link will be sent to registered attendees)
01/09/2025
Join us on September 6th at 14:30 for a 1-hour canal cruise with drinks included!
Relax, enjoy the views, and sip as much as you like. 🍻🍹
€15 per person
22/08/2025
NEW EVENT - Getting ready to print your thesis?
Join us for an engaging and informative workshop hosted by Canon in collaboration with Proefschrift AIO, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about thesis printing and layout design. 📚 🖨️ 💡 This hands-on session will provide practical tips and guidance to help you create a professional, visually appealing thesis that matches your vision. Ideal for final-year PhD students preparing to submit their dissertations. 🎓
Participants will also receive a voucher for 10% off their thesis printing order.
Date: October 2nd, 2025
Time: 16:00-17:30
Location: To be defined
🔔 Organised in collaboration with GSMS. Sign up through the link in our bio!
📝
14/08/2025
🎓 NEW EVENT - Active bystander for social safety by Fairspace
🌟
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 (sexual) transgressive behavior and discusses how to set and manage expectations. You’ll learn what it means to be an active bystander and gain five practical tools to safely and effectively intervene when witnessing inappropriate behavior. The training also includes real-life examples and practice scenarios.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Date: September 30th, 2025
Time: 16:00–17:30
Location: To be announced
💡
21/07/2025
Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon on the water! Whether you're a beginner or experienced paddler, this kayak and canoe event is a great opportunity to unwind, enjoy summer, and connect with fellow PhD students.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 14h - 15h30
📍 Location: Will be shared after payment
💰 Price: €12 (one person kayak), €20 (two person canoe)
Note: if you register for the two person canoe, make sure to include in the form the name of the person who will join you!