Program - Max Planck School Matter to Life
The Max Planck School Matter to Life (MPS MtL) offers an international 5-year MSc to PhD Direct Track Program: We welcome applications from students with bachelors/undergraduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, bioengineering or related subjects to apply to the Master’s phase (so called 1st phase) of Matter to Life (2 years). You can choose between our teaching universities who offer different scientific foci. Heidelberg University has a focus on Molecular Systems Chemistry and Engineering, University of Göttingen concentrates on Complex Systems and Biological Physics.
Upon completion of the first phase, you can continue your research during the second, the PhD phase (3 years) in the laboratory of any Matter to Life Faculty member.
Your way in Matter to Life
Master Program - 1st Phase of the Direct Track
Matter to Life is an interdisciplinary study program spanning biology chemistry and physics. It is led and taught by experts in the field and focused on questions including: How do we get from molecules to cellular systems to decision making processes? The program is taught entirely in English and targets an international student body.
You will spend the first phase at your chosen teaching university. In the first semester you will study a common curriculum with shared lectures between the universities so that you have a strong grounding in the fundamentals required for further study in Matter to Life and an insight into the interdisciplinary nature of the field. In the second semester you will concentrate on specialized courses which depend on the focus of your chosen University. In the third and fourth semesters you will focus on research and work in Faculty's laboratories and research groups. After completing the first phase, you will receive a Master's degree and can continue directly with the second phase.
To enable you to devote yourself fully to your research, we will support you with a generous stipend during this phase.
In addition to your studies, you will not only have Matter to Life specific symposia twice a year, but also the opportunity to pursue your interests by attending scientific talks and workshops. A Buddy with students of the older cohorts and a mentoring program with the Fellows will help you arrive in Germany, make friends, ensure a smooth start and help you explore your scientific opportunities during your studies.
See our Master program page for more details about the individual teaching universities and the application page for more details on the application process.
PhD Research Phase - 2nd Phase of the Direct Track
Upon successful completion of the 1st phase of Matter to Life, you may proceed to the 3-year research PhD phase. During this phase you will follow your research interest under the supervision of one of our Faculty members. You will graduate with the academic title "Dr. rer. nat.", the German equivalent to the PhD awarded in English-speaking countries.
Once you have finished the first phase of Matter to Life with an average grade of 2.0 or better you can progress to the second phase of the Matter to Life graduate program. You will work with a Matter to Life Faculty member on a mutually agreed research project. You will then have access to cutting-edge science and modern research facilities as well as to the excellent network of students and Fellows in Matter to Life. We strongly encourage exchange and cooperation within the MtL network as well as with cooperation partners outside of Germany. The mentoring program continues giving you access to advice and help during your PhD and for your future career. On top of this, we offer – in addition to our MtL Symposium twice a year - training on core and lab skills and other broader topics for example conflict management etc.).
You will have a thesis advisory committee consisting of experts in your field which will meet annually to discuss your results and progress in the past year and offer you support and scientific input for the upcoming year.
During your research phase, you will be employed on a full employment contract. Visit the PhD phase page for more information.
Alumni Network
After your graduation, you become a member of the alumni network of Matter to Life which brings together the current students of Matter to Life as well as the Faculty members and former members. In this way your network can encompass additional connections to industry and academia giving you excellent career opportunities.
Before you decide to start with the Matter to Life direct track, you can apply for a ten-week entirely funded, undergraduate research opportunity (MtL URO) in our Faculty. Come to Germany and work in one of our Faculty laboratories during a break in your Bachelor studies, get to know new people and experience what it is like to be part of Matter to Life.
More details are available on our URO page.