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International Max Planck Research School for Living Matter

Welcome to the
International Max Planck Research School for Living Matter

Formerly known as IMPRS-CMB (International Max Planck Research School in Chemical and Molecular Biology), our graduate program is now called International Max Planck Research School for Living Matter: from molecules to dynamics (IMPRS-LM).

Building on the experience of the past 18 years, the IMPRS-LM offers an international, interdisciplinary, and modern PhD program for young scientists that are interested in dissecting the molecular, chemical and physical properties that characterize bio-molecular interactions.

  • How do molecules interact?
  • When and where do interactions occur within a cell or an organism?
  • What is the molecular outcome of an interaction?
  • How can we modulate or control a specific interaction (also for therapeutic purposes)?
  • How do many interactions come together to form a dynamic and self-organized biochemical network?

With the understanding that the complex organization of cellular identity is based on the dynamics of the interaction networks at the molecular scale, to answer the question ‘what is life?’, we want to train a new generation of life scientists that are passionate about biology, that would like to understand the chemistry at the basis of life and that are fascinated, like physicists, by the dynamic behaviour of living matter through time and space.

Read about our Faculty and their science, our training possibilities and apply to join us for your doctoral degree in Dortmund, Bochum and Essen.

Recent News and Upcoming Events

13
JAN

IMPRS-LM Distinguished Guest Seminar

The next IMPRS Distinguished Guest is Prof. Christian Behrends, Professor for Systems Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany. Title of the talk: “Exploring the role of ubiquitin in lysosomal damage response processes”. MPI Lecture Hall at 11:00.

20
JAN

Intercultural Training

Working in an international research setting can be both exciting and challenging. This workshop is designed to strengthen your intercultural awareness, enhance your communication skills, and support you in navigating cultural differences in academic and everyday contexts. 1-day workshop for the IMPRS students recruited in 2025 (9AM-4PM)
Trainers: Antje Peukert (MPI of Molecular Physiology) & Sigrun Wegener-Feldbrügge (HHU Düsseldorf)

22
JAN

Good Scientific Practice - Avoid Scientific Misconduct

This workshop will introduce you to the rules of research integrity, which were proposed and approved in the scientific community to preserve the freedom of research and prevent research misconduct. It will cover topics such as Data storage, handling and protection, Documentation, Publication process, Authorship, Plagiarism and Conflict resolution. Trainer: Michael Mende, GSP | ARM!d
Workshop for IMPRS students recruited in 2025. DATES: 22 January (9AM-5PM) & 23 January (9AM-1PM)