Student examining a sample under a microscope in a research lab – part of the Integrated MSc/PhD Program at the Max Planck School Matter to Life

Join our Direct Track Program!

Obtain a Master's and PhD in five years

Matter to Life Students collaborating in a modern research lab using advanced scientific equipment for experimental work

Excellent Research Opportunities!

Built up and benefit from an outstanding network and work in cutting-edge research facilities

Start into your research career!

Learn from world-renowned scientists
All courses taught in english
Generous financial support

The Max Planck School Matter to Life (MPS MtL)

"The Matter to Life program is the perfect choice for me where I could understand what life is from the perspective of Biology, Chemistry and Physics during the Master’s phase and then continue in my area of interest in the PhD phase."

Nitin Bohra, MtL Master Student

Matter to Life student wearing safety goggles examining a liquid sample in the lab

Master to PhD Direct Track

The MPS MtL program is structured in two phases. You will enter the program with a Bachelor's degree and begin your two-year master study at one of two teaching universities depending on your specialization. In the subsequent PhD phase, you will conduct your research at any of the almost 60 MPS MtL Faculty labs.

Graphic: Checklist above which a hand with a magnifying glass can be seen

Application

Current Bachelor's students with backgrounds in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Molecular Systems Engineering, Physics, Molecular Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related subject are encouraged to apply to the Max Planck School Matter to Life.

Matter to Life student wearing a lab coat smiling at the camera – portrait in a research setting

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

We offer a 10 week research internships for undergraduate students!
When?
Yearly, during the months of June – November in a laboratory of one of our MtL Faculty members.
Apply now for an internship in 2026!

Illustration of two students sitting at a desk, watching a female scientist on a laptop screen during a virtual meeting. Text above reads “Info Sessions” and below reads “Undergraduate Research Opportunities.” Background includes science-themed icons like DNA, molecules, neurons, a clock, and a calendar with a checkmark.

Get to know our Undergraduate Research Opportunities program!

From 1 August to 1 October 2025, you can apply for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities 2026. Join one of our free info sessions on Zoom to get an overview, to connect with coordinators and past participants and to directly ask us any questions you may still have!

MtL Lecture Series with David Zwicker on 17 September, 2025 at 3 pm

David Zwicker
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen

Three students pose playfully in front of a MPS MtL banner in front of the castle, while another student lies on the ground taking their photo with a camera. The student in the middle is mid-jump, while the two others stand on either side, pointing at them.

Ringberg Symposium 2025

July 30, 2025

Above lake Tegernsee in the picturesque scenery of Castle Ringberg, our PhD students and Fellows came together to present, exchange and discuss the science embedded in Matter to Life. This beloved tradition also marks the official transition of our latest Master cohort into the PhD phase, including a celebration ceremony in their honor. Read the full recap here!

Seven graduates of the Max Planck Schools standing with their certificates in front of a Max Planck Schools banner – celebrating the successful completion of a scientific program

A Historic First

June 24, 2025

On June 3, 2025, the Max Planck Schools marked a historic occasion with their inaugural graduation ceremony, held at the Bildungscampus in Heilbronn.
The event honored both the academic success and the innovative research contributions of these talented young scientists from the Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics Schools.
We offer our sincere congratulations to all graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their professional journeys.

In Honor of a Pioneering Scientist

May 23, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Philippe Bastiaens who was a valued Fellow of the MPS MtL since its founding.

In tribute to his legacy, our students have shared what Philippe meant to them personally and to the Matter to Life initiative.

Individuals standing at a round table, having a conversation, holding cups, with a wooden wall in the background.

MtL Spring Days 2025

May 19, 2025

MtL Days

We held our MtL Spring days earlier this year in this city of science, at the Forum, to learn more about the ecosystem that is being engineered and fostered across the Heilbronn campus.
Read the recap!