Curriculum, Training & Events

IMPRS-ML provides high-level scientific training in a superb and vibrant research environment with state-of-the-art facilities for doctoral researchers striving for a successful career in science. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive curriculum thus ensuring that our students have access to a wide range of relevant learning and training opportunities.

The majority of curricular activities are chosen by the students themselves allowing them to tailor their learning in a way that best suits their needs and interests. Students are required to earn 25-30 ECTS credits during their doctoral studies, which can be accumulated by participating in a variety of different activities as outlined below. We believe that our flexible approach maximises our students’ opportunities to further their learning.

The IMPRS-ML curriculum has five main components:

Interdisciplinary Research Day
IMPRS-ML Seminar
Advanced Methods and Specialised Training
Transferable Skills and Career Development
Other Curricular Activities incl. IMPRS-ML Retreat

In addition to the curricular activities organised by IMPRS-ML, our students can participate in numerous advanced courses, lectures and workshops offered by our university partners. Moreover, students are encouraged to participate in external training activities including EMBO workshops, advanced summer schools and Marie Curie Training Courses, which offer excellent opportunities for training, networking and scientific exchange. A generous travel allowance is available to fund external training activities and conference attendance.

Through our curriculum, we ensure that our students have access to the most relevant and up to date training and are exposed to cutting-edge research taking place within the institute. Networking is an important feature of our curriculum and we encourage our students to get to know each other at the events we organise. For more information on a particular activity, please see below.

Orientation Days

All incoming students participate in our annual Orientation Days in October.

The programme includes:

Visits of the MPIB core facilities and technical services
Workshops in intercultural communication and good scientific practice
Introduction to the program and curriculum
Networking opportunities with new and current students
Team building activities

Research Day

In March and September, our Research Day is a celebration of science, curiosity, and community at IMPRS-ML. Bringing together PIs, postdocs, and PhD students, the event showcases the breadth and diversity of research across the program through talks and poster presentations. Beyond the science, the Research Day offers a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues across disciplines, exchange ideas, spark new collaborations, and experience the vibrant, collaborative research culture that defines life at IMPRS-ML.

IMPRS-ML Seminar

Twice a year, the IMPRS-ML community comes together for the IMPRS Seminar, providing our PhD students with a platform to present their research findings to their peers.

Poster and talk sessions allow the participants to practice their presentation skills in a professional yet friendly environment whilst familiarising themselves with the projects and research approaches of their fellow students.

There are prizes for the best talk and poster voted for by the audience followed by a BBQ in summer and a Christmas party in winter, giving our students the opportunity to socialise and network.

The summer seminar is jointly organised with our partner program IMPRS-BI to expose our students to a broader range of scientific topics.

Advanced Methods and Specialised Training

IMPRS-ML organises dedicated workshops offering students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with specific advanced methods and techniques that are not routinely used in their laboratories. A range of workshops are delivered by members of the MPIB core facilities, utilising the state-of-the-art facilities available at the institute (e.g., cryo-EM, flow cytometry, imaging, mass spectrometry).

Transferable Skills and Career Development

IMPRS-ML offers an extensive training portfolio in transferable skills and career development covering topics including scientific writing, communication and presentation skills, project management, statistical analysis, leadership skills, and many others. This allows our students to acquire a wide range of transferable skills, thereby making them more competitive on the global job market in general and for leadership positions in particular.

IMPRS-ML Retreat

Every year, IMPRS-ML organises a 3-day retreat, which takes place at various locations in Germany and Austria.

Every retreat has a theme and previous themes included:

Team and leadership skills (outdoor training)
Career opportunities in academia and beyond
Cutting-edge methods and technologies
Science communication
Mental health

Whatever the theme, our retreat aims to combine learning with socialising, away from the research environment. Our retreats are a great platform for bringing everyone together and encouraging our students to get to know each other better.