Join our Direct Track Program!

Join our Direct Track Program!

Obtain a Master's and PhD in five years
Excellent Research Opportunities!

Excellent Research Opportunities!

Built up and benefit from an outstanding network and work in cutting-edge research facilities
Start into your research career!

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
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
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.
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 Events & Insights

Three female and three male students take a selfie. The scenery of Ringberg Castle can be seen in the background
We recently celebrated the Master graduation of our 3rd cohort of PhD candidates in style at this year’s edition of Ringberg symposium.
Read on and get an impression! 
Graphic with text "Become a Fellow of the Max Planck School of Cognition, Matter to Life or Photonics". A yellow circle that says “Apply Now” at the bottom right. In the left corner is a black and white picture of a woman looking at something unrecognizable in her hand

3rd Fellows Open Call

August 01, 2024
The Max Planck Schools invite outstanding and dedicated scientists to apply for this year's Fellows Open Call! We are looking for group leaders who will bring in their expertise and strengthen our program and mentor ambitious international PhD candidates in three interdisciplinary areas: Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics.
Get to know the Max Planck School Matter to Life!
During the application phase, we offer several virtual info sessions with members of Matter to Life. This is your opportunity to ask us truly anything: Regarding the program structure and curriculum details, the application process and requirements, information on funding and support for students. Some sessions even include meeting current MtL students and learning about their experience firsthand.
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