Are you about to start writing your master's thesis, but are you not sure how to start?

This workshop teaches you everything you need to know. From using the right reference software to structuring your research process: you'll receive countless useful tips that will give you a head start. 

After the workshop you:

1. Can identify criteria for a relevant/feasible topic
2. Can develop a research question
3. Can create a feasible planning
4. Will be able to recognize basic elements of academic writing style and source references
5. Will be able to identify options for using AI-tools responsibly to support the thesis process.

This workshop will be taught by BETA alumna Clara Luxardo. She graduated in the master's program Environmental Resource Management (ERM). She won the annual Master's Thesis Award 2025 for her thesis "Pastoral socio-ecological systems in transition - a case study in the high-altitude rangelands of Mustang Nepa". Clara is currently a PhD candidate and associate researcher at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at VU Amsterdam, affiliated with the Environmental Policy Analysis Department. Alongside her research, she works for the EU Horizon RETOUCH Nexus project as the case study leader for the Netherlands. Together with an international consortium, the project address the hydro-climate crisis in Europe through the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus approach. Clara supports a Dutch water authority in developing a freshwater availability program for the North Holland region. 

 

Practical information:

• Location of this workshop: VU NU 3A06
• Language: English 

This workshop can only be followed physically at the VU. Online participation is not possible. If you cannot come to the VU, you can follow the other workshop online on October 9th.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Dibbets - k.i.dibbets@vu.nl 

SIDE NOTE: The focus of the workshop is primarily on master's students, but as bachelor's student you may also apply! Furthermore: the workshop is designed to accommodate a broad array of disciplines and will not delve into details specific to particular fields.