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. In the lower right corner, there is a yellow button that says “Apply now.”

Join our Integrated MSc/PhD 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. In the lower right corner, there is a yellow button that says “Apply now.”

Excellent Research Opportunities!

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

Start your research career!

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

The Max Planck School Matter to Life

Crossing disciplines to understand life

Your excellent and international Graduate Program in Germany

The Max Planck School Matter to Life (MPS MtL) offers an integrated MSc/PhD Program
in the unique topic of Matter to Life for excellent graduates from across the globe.

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Full funding and no tuition fees

Just concentrate on your studies! We will financially support you with a stipend during your Master’s and a working contract during the PhD phase of the graduate program.

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Top-notch research infrastructures and teaching

Conduct cutting-edge research at the forefront of Matter to Life, a highly interdisciplinary and rapidly emerging field. With a student body from across the globe, our program is taught entirely in English.

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Unique network of world-renowned Fellows in Matter to Life

During our integrated graduate program, you will be supervised by one or more of our MPS MtL Fellows and profit from the broad and excellent School’s network.

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You will be well-prepared for diverse career options

Our graduates are prepared for a broad spectrum of careers — from academia, research management and industrial R&D to consulting, data science, and many more. Whichever path you choose, we will equip you with the skills and experience to thrive.

"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

Integrated Master/PhD Program

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.

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.

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Get to know the Integrated Master's/PhD Program!

Learn all about our School and Graduate Program in a live presentation. Meet our coordinators and students, and get answers to all your questions.
Participation is free—just register via Zoom to attend!

MtL Lecture Series with Silvia Vignolini on 15 October, 2025 at 3 pm

Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam

MtL Lecture Series with Viktorija Glembockyte on 26 November, 2025 at 3 pm

Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg

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Matter to Life Welcomes 18 new Fellows

October 01, 2025

Starting in October, there will be 18 new MtL Fellows, creating 18 new opportunities for our PhD candidates to pursue exciting research projects.

Get a glimpse into their research!

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.