International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS)

Since 2000, the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) have become a permanent part of the efforts of the Max Planck Society to promote Ph.D. students. Talented junior scientists are offered the opportunity to earn a doctorate under excellent research conditions. A shared feature of the graduate programmes is the close collaboration with universities.

In general, about half of the junior researchers who receive their training at an IMPRS are from Germany and the other half from around the world. The principal component of the 3-year study programme is the doctoral thesis representing a major piece of independent research, mainly in an interdisciplinary topic. The doctoral students also benefit from regular workshops, which facilitate the exchange of information and provide students with the opportunity to see their research topic from different perspectives.

The right to confer degrees remains with the respective university. However, supervisors at both the universities and the Max Planck Institutes look after the students, advise them and conduct the examinations.