Workshop: Preparing for the PhD thesis introduction (“kappa”)
This workshop explores the challenges of writing the framing introduction (often called the “kappa”) for an article-based thesis and how to prepare for it.
Date: 5 February 2026
Time: 09:00 - 15:00
Venue: Crafoord Hall
Last day of registration: 26 January 2026
Organiser: SLU Grogrund and Spira research schools
Location: Alnarp, Online
Registration to: asa.lankinen@slu.se
Writing the kappa is an essential part of the PhD journey, and there is never a perfect time to start. The workshop is therefore open to PhD students from the first to the final year. For PhD evaluation committees, the kappa demonstrates how well the student understands their research, its importance, and their underlying motivation. For the student, the kappa is also a valuable resource when applying for positions in industry, academia, or other sectors.
The workshop begins with a seminar that situates the thesis introduction within the broader PhD process, including more practical aspects of the kappa writing, different ideas for writing your kappa, how AI could be an asset in this process and experiences from previous students. The aim is to clarify the purpose of the PhD kappa and the need for a strong, unifying narrative. The workshop then takes a more practical approach, focusing on how to build an effective framing introduction. Participants will receive some short preparatory homework in advance.
Preliminary program
Moderator Åsa Lankinen
9.00-9.15 Welcome and introduction, Åsa Lankinen and Salla Marttila
9.15-10.15 Publishing, the thesis template and writing (Kristoffer Antonsson and Jannie Teinler, SLU University Library)
10.15-10.30 Break
10.30-11.30 Different ideas for writing your kappa (Prof. Bredan McKie, Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Prof. Thomas Randrup, Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management)
11.30-12.00 AI as a kappa writing tool? (Matthew Low, EPU)
12.00-13.00 Lunch
13.00-13.30 Experiences from some previous PhD students: panel discussion
13.30-13.40 Support for help with your popular science text in your thesis (Karin Montgomery, Science Communication@LTV)
13.45-14.45 Group discussion about homework task
14.45-15.00 Final discussion in the whole group