Curriculum
The International Max Planck Research School for Living Matter (IMPRS-LM) offers an exceptional environment for talented and ambitious young scientists embarking on an academic career in the life sciences. As a PhD student, you will join a world-class research group and lead an innovative, cutting-edge project, supported by access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading experts in structural biology, synthetic biology, chemical and cellular biology.
Our mission is to equip students not only with advanced technical skills but also with the intellectual rigor and communication abilities essential for scientific excellence. The IMPRS-LM PhD program is designed to foster independent thinking, experimental quality, and the ability to translate complex biological questions into testable hypotheses.
The curriculum is built around a comprehensive training framework that combines scientific depth with personal and professional development:
- Seminar Series, featuring speakers from the school or the international community,
- Biennial Scientific Retreats (2–3 days) to bring together the local scientific community (students & faculty),
- Biennial International Symposium, a scientific meeting fully organised by the students of the program,
- Hands-on Scientific Workshops covering key methodologies such as Cryo-EM & Cryo-ET, X-ray crystallography, Advanced light microscopy, Mass spectrometry,
- Core Tools Training in essential digital and analytical skills (e.g. programming (Python, R), Image analysis (ImageJ/Fiji, macro scripting), data visualization and scientific illustration (Adobe Illustrator, vector graphics),
- Transferable Skills Courses
- Career Development Workshops
Upcoming Workshops (2025–2027):
- Python for Scientists – February 9–13, 2026
- Good Scientific Practice – January 22–23, 2026
- Teamwork & Leadership in the Doctorate – April 13, 2026
- Presentation Skills Course – June 15–18, 2026
- Introduction to Scientific Writing – October 19–23, 2026
- Effective Visual Communication of Science – planned for 2027
- Introduction to Data Visualization with R – planned for 2027
- ImageJ Macro Scripting for Automated Image Analysis – planned for 2027
- Vector Graphics for Scientists – planned for 2027
Through this dynamic, interdisciplinary training program, IMPRS-LM empowers students to become not only outstanding researchers but also confident, well-rounded scientists ready to shape the future of life sciences.