Our curriculum
The goal of the IMPRS-EBM curriculum is to train doctoral researchers in experimental methods, scientific reasoning and logic, effective communication and ethical behaviour, as well as providing opportunities to acquire career-critical skills.
IMPRS doctoral researchers have 4 - 5 years to obtain their degree. While the PhD thesis is the main focus of their studies, IMPRS-EBM researchers have a wealth of further training and development opportunities available to them to enhance their education, provided by the program and our partners.
Scientific training
One major aim of our scientific curriculum is to encourage our doctoral researchers to reflect on scientific questions, combining biological knowledge and quantitative-analytical thinking. Regular interactions with experts in various fields, allows students to extend their scientific knowledge and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The formal scientific training consists of mandatory courses (e.g. foundations and advanced courses, good scientific practice) and others which they can choose based on their needs and interests, such as bioinformatics, imaging, statistics and data science in biological contexts.
Transferable skills training
Our transferable skills training supports doctoral researchers in gaining a range of career-critical competencies, allowing them to develop into successful and mature scientists, with skills relatable to a range of careers.
Courses such as scientific writing, presentation and illustration are offered yearly.
Career development
Researchers will receive guidance and mentorship from their supervisor(s) and Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) members. A range of career exploration, development and planning workshops are offered by the University of Freiburg, the Planck Academy and internally at the MPI-IE.
All IMPRS doctoral researchers have a personal budget of 1.500 Euros to use for conferences, training and career development activities.
Networking
The program supports researchers to network with people within and outside of their scientific fields, through attendance at regional symposia, international conferences and our regular in-house seminar series.
The bi-annual international Epigenetics Meeting takes place at the MPI-IE, which provides a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and gives doctoral researchers the opportunity to interact with renowned speakers and junior researchers alike, from all over the world.
The annual PhD retreat, organised by the PhD representatives, is another fantastic opportunity to build connections, explore opportunities in a different city and take time to consider career options.
Further training
In addition, IMPRS-EBM doctoral researchers have the opportunity to participate in courses offered by the Graduate Centre (GraCe) of the University of Freiburg and the Planck Academy.