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Within the framework of the implementation of the SDG 4 – “Quality Education” and SDG 17 – “Partnerships for the Goals A scientific and methodological seminar titled “From Literature Review to Viva Success” was held at the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences for doctoral students and early-career researchers. The invited guest speaker was Saule Suleimanova, a PhD researcher and graduate of the international Bolashak scholarship program. She successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at the University of Reading (United Kingdom) and currently works there as a researcher.

During the seminar, the speaker shared her personal academic experience of completing a PhD within an international research environment. The event focused on two main topics: “Literature Review without Stress” and “Success in Your Viva” (Successful PhD Defense).

In the first part of the seminar, Saule Suleimanova discussed modern approaches to writing an effective literature review. Participants explored strategies for working with international scientific databases, organizing academic sources, and conducting critical analysis of existing research. The speaker also shared practical recommendations on structuring literature reviews, managing academic references, and identifying the novelty of a research study.

The second part of the seminar focused on preparation for the Viva – the oral defense of a doctoral dissertation, which is a key component of the British doctoral examination system. The speaker explained the structure of the viva process, common questions asked by examiners, and strategies for confidently presenting research findings. Particular attention was also given to psychological preparation, stress management, and the development of strong academic argumentation skills.

During the open discussion, participants addressed common challenges faced by doctoral students on their path to completing and defending their dissertations, including managing large volumes of scientific literature, maintaining publication productivity, and balancing research with teaching responsibilities. The speaker provided practical advice on overcoming these challenges and emphasized the importance of academic community support and effective mentorship.

The seminar served as an important platform for international academic exchange and contributed to strengthening doctoral training and promoting collaboration in higher education.