Good to keep in mind

Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)

Within the first 6-9 months of the doctorate each fellow has to assemble a Thesis Advisory Committee and arrange the first meeting of the TAC.

Conference support

Each IMPRS fellow can apply to IMPRS for financial support of up to 1500€ to attend a conference(s). If you would like to make use of your 'conference fund' please contact the IMPRS office BEFORE going to the meeting.

Moving to Freiburg

The city

Freiburg, known as the capital of the Black Forest, is located in the southwestern region of Germany, near the borders with France and Switzerland.

Accommodation

For the first three months of your PhD you can stay in the institute's guest house, so that you don't have to worry about where to sleep before arriving in Freiburg.

PhD overview

PhD Overview

Our program provides outstanding students with excellent research-oriented interdisciplinary training in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Epigenetics, Immunobiology and Molecular Biology. We train students to become self-reliant and to acquire and utilize the knowledge necessary for their research project. Students have the chance to interact with experts in various fields both to extend their scientific knowledge and to learn critical thinking as well as acquire problem-solving skills.

IMPRS doctoral researchers have 3 to 4 years to obtain their degree. Most of this time they work on their individually supervised research project. In addition to the experimental part all students have access to and are obliged to participate in curricular activities of the program. These are:

scientific and soft skill courses
institute seminars
PhD retreat
conference attendance
career evenings

Our students receive student contracts according to the guidelines by the Max Planck Society for the duration of their PhD (3-4 years). The payment is sufficient to cover the monthly living costs in Freiburg. There are no tuition fees to be paid.

Overview of PhD at IMPRS-IEM

Zoom Image

This diagram summarizes the various offerings for IMPRS-IEM students. Yellow - prePhD phase and University interactions; Green - Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC); Orange - mandatory IMPRS-IEM curriculum; Pink - additional course offers including language classes; Purple - Institute seminars; Blue - PhD retreat and conferences [less]