Bootcamps for Higher Degree Researchers

Are you ready to supercharge your research progress? ANU Researcher Development Bootcamps offer an opportunity to achieve breakthroughs in your work, guided by experts. Our intensive, three-day programs are designed to help you unlock your full potential as a researcher.

Why Choose Our Bootcamps?

Proven Results: Seriously - we’ve studied it! HDR candidates who do a bootcamp are more likely to finish their degree and experience much less stress along the way.

Expert Guidance: Learn from experts who will challenge your thinking and help you take your work to the next level.

Focused Environment: Accomplish in three days what might typically take weeks or months.

Peer Support: Join a community of researchers who are all working on a similar goal. Meet people from around the university and grow your network.

Our Bootcamp Program includes:

The Original Thesis Bootcamp (the famous 20,000 word challenge!)

The legendary bootcamp that’s been featured in Nature. Set yourself a stretch goal of writing 20,000 words in just three days. Designed for HDR candidates in their final stages, this intensive weekend will revolutionise your writing habits and propel you towards completion.

Expert Facilitators: Prof Inger Mewburn (@thesiswhisperer), Simon Clews and Dr Lindsay Hogan.

Register here for the September 9, 10 and 11 bootcamp. 

Editing Bootcamp

Master the art of editing your own work in this comprehensive bootcamp. Learn what examiners really want, how to identify common dissertation problems, and use cutting-edge AI tools effectively. Perfect for candidates with a full or nearly complete draft ready for refinement.

Expert Facilitator: Prof Inger Mewburn

Register here for the March 25, 26 and 27 bootcamp or here for the 19, 20 and 21 November bootcamp. 

Literature Review Bootcamp

Are you already drowning in journal articles and notes? Confused about how to start your literature review and looking for some strategies to structure this chapter? Professor Inger Mewburn HATES writing literature reviews, so she has looked for every hack and trick to make it less painful. We can’t promise to solve all of your problems, but we reckon this bootcamp will help with most of them!

Expert Facilitator: Prof Inger Mewburn

Register here for the April 1, 2 and 3 bootcamp or here for the November 5, 6 and 7 bootcamp.

Statistics Bootcamp

Transform your approach to data analysis in just three days. Develop a comprehensive Data Analysis Plan and identify the precise statistical methods your research demands. Ideal for first-year PhD and MPhil candidates.

Expert Facilitator: Prof Alice Richardson

The next bootcamp will take place in 2026. 

Confirmation Bootcamp

Master the art of crafting a compelling set of confirmation documents and a fantastic presentation that will convince your panel that your research plan is robust and doable. Learn to articulate your research problem, position your work within the literature, and outline your methodology with precision. Essential for first-year candidates preparing for this crucial milestone.

Expert Facilitator: Prof Inger Mewburn (@thesiswhisperer)

Register here for the March 18, 19 and 20 bootcamp or here for the August 25, 26 and 27 bootcamp. 

Ethics Bootcamp

In this intensive three-day bootcamp, learn the insider secrets to crafting ethics applications that sail through the approval process. Led by seasoned experts who understand the nuances of ethics committees, you'll transform your ethics application from a daunting hurdle into a polished case for your research approach and future plans.

Expert facilitators: drawn from the ANU Research Office

Details to be confirmed - check back here. 

Journal Article Writing Bootcamp

Break through your writing barriers and finally complete that paper you’ve been promising yourself. Open to all ANU researchers, from PhD candidates to Professors. Multiple attendances welcomed – because every paper is a new challenge.

Expert Facilitators: Prof Inger Mewburn (@thesiswhisperer)

Register here for the 12, 13 and 14 November bootcamp.

Best Seller Book Bootcamp

Transform your research into a bestselling book. Over three Fridays, learn the art of crafting an irresistible book proposal that publishers will compete to acquire. Open to all ANU researchers, including alumni and visiting faculty.

Expert Facilitator: Simon Clews 

Register here for the August 8, 15 and 22 bootcamp.

How to Apply

Our bootcamps are in high demand, with limited spaces available. Your application will be assessed based on:

• Your current research progress
• Your goals for the bootcamp
• Personal circumstances (we prioritise people with caring duties and health needs)

For more information, including session times and dates, follow this link or contact: researcherdevelopment@anu.edu.au