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.

MtL Lecture Series with Andrea Musacchio on 16 July, 2025 at 3 pm

Andrea Musacchio
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund & University of Duisburg-Essen

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

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

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.

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!

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.

Hand cradles a rising rocket, symbolizing support for innovation. Nearby are gears and a lightbulb, indicating ideas and progress.

Future-oriented Continuation of the Max Planck School Matter to Life

March 14, 2025

Starting in 2025, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation will support the Max Planck Schools. This funding will ensure the continuation of the Max Planck School Matter to Life as well as the other two Max Planck Schools and their future-oriented development into an innovative career program for international talents.
Read the full article on the Max Planck Schools website.