Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Matter to Life Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (MtL-URO) offers an excellent opportunity for students in their Bachelors to perform a funded 10-week research internship under the supervision of one of our faculty Fellows.

The URO application portal for a study start in 2026 is closed.

The internship will take place in the group of one of our faculty Fellows. You can choose the lab you would like to join for your internship. During this time, you will be working on a speciﬁc research question related to the focus of the respective lab in close collaboration with and under the supervision of the local researchers. Gain practical experience into cutting-edge scientiﬁc methods, learn from esteemed and exceptional researchers, and enhance your knowledge and network in this interdisciplinary ﬁeld.
The internship will also serve as a gateway to gain insights and perspectives to the Matter to Life field and the community of researchers and students. The program is designed to establish a strong foundation, providing a solid platform to launch your academic career. In order to facilitate your research and to enhance your experience, the URO program offers ﬁnancial support for your travel, accommodation and living.

Laura stands amidst a picturesque autumn scene featuring a river winding through vibrant foliage, with a large bridge spanning across in the background

Laura Márquez Cianci

“The support from the URO-Matter to Life team was exceptional and always made me feel more comfortable and secure in a foreign country. I would definitely recommend this program to adventurous and curious students who want to explore new research pathways and living in Germany.“

Ananya stands in front of a large building with columns in the background, surrounded by manicured gardens

Ananya K Ajay

“All of us (including the Professor) had lunch together every day, and this experience of having lunch together with the entire lab helped me feel like a part of something bigger than myself, and I cherish the sense of belonging that this brought.“

Riddhiman holds an umbrella with blue and white fish designs while standing by a river

Riddhiman Biswas

”I am quite sure I would look back at my time spent in Munich as one of the important moments in my life, enriching me scientifically and culturally.“

Won Joon standing on a viewing terrace overlooking the picturesque city of Heidelberg, Germany with its distinctive red rooftops, lush green trees, and the Neckar River

Won Joon Kim

“The experience I had in the MtL URO program was almost surreal, and I urge any undergraduate student who is passionate about research and eager to grow both scientifically and personally to not hesitate and apply.”

Selfie of Li Jing in front of the river that flows through Heidelberg

Li Jing Hu

„If you like to challenge yourself, conduct state-of-the-art research in the life sciences field and experience what it is like to live in Germany: Then definitely apply for the Matter to Life URO program!“

Lasya Damaraju

“My experience in the MtL URO program is one that I will always remember and cherish. This program offers students such a unique, amazing opportunity. I enjoyed every aspect of the internship, from the fascinating research to my amazing lab members to the lovely city I was staying in.“

Portrait photo of Kueyoung in a natural outdoor setting

Kueyoung Kim

“I am confident that, many years from now, I will look back at my time with the Matter to Life URO program as one of the most influential and defining periods of my life. Not only did I grow significantly as both a scientist and person, but I also built international connections and friendships that will extend throughout my scientific career.“

Portrait picture of Khanh positioned in what looks like a hallway with bright lighting

Khanh Tran

"My experience as a Matter to Life URO candidate was truly one of the most enriching, memorable, and overall fun experiences of my life. I'd never gotten the chance to travel to Europe before, and Heidelberg – the city that I happened to land in through this program – perfectly captured the European charm I'd heard so much about.“

Irene stands between columns, with a scenic river and city landscape in the background

Irene Pellini

“The international environment and the experience of living in a foreign country have deeply contributed to my personal development, forcing me to face my insecurities and to overcome cultural and linguistic differences.”

Llazar stands in front of a spacious, modern building featuring large glass walls and columns

Llazar Shkurti

"I consider my research stay truly valuable, both in terms of my career and personal development. This internship not only provided me with first-hand experience in the research world but also enabled me to understand a bit more about my career trajectory.“

Selfie of Adrián in front of a river winding through dense green forest

Adrián Gutiérrez Cruz

“My experience as a Matter to Life URO candidate was incredible in all senses. In the first place, as I had never been to Europe before, most of the things were new for me. However, adapting to that was not too difficult and was something that I enjoyed it a lot. Germany is a beautiful country with a lot of places to visit and kind people to meet.“

Read the full stories of former participants

Who can apply?

All motivated undergraduate students during their Bachelor studies in an MtL related field with a GPA of at least 1.7 are eligible to apply. Please note that applicants should be enrolled in their undergraduate studies both prior to and throughout the whole duration of the URO program.

There is one application round each year which starts in August and ends on October 1^st. The internship then takes place in the following year anytime between the months of June to November.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

When does the internship take place?

The internship can be performed within the months of June – November. You can determine the exact dates of your 10-week internship within this time frame. Please indicate your availability on the application portal.

How long is the internship?

The internship lasts 10 weeks.

Is the internship funded?

Yes! Travel to/from your home country, accommodation, and a living allowance are covered.

Where are the internships held?

The internships are held in one of the the laboratories of Matter to Life faculty members within Germany. Our faculty labs are located in Aachen, Bayreuth, Dortmund, Dresden, Erlangen, Göttingen, Heidelberg, Jena, Magdeburg, Mainz, Marburg, Munich, Potsdam, and Saarbrücken.

Starting in October 2025, our faculty will be expanded to include the cities of Düsseldorf, Heilbronn, and Münster.

Please visit the faculty member’s own website to find out where their group is located.

Is the MPS MtL URO program offered in English?

Yes, English serves as the official language of the school, ensuring that all courses, workshops, and events are conducted exclusively in English.

Whom can I contact if I have questions?

Feel free to email our coordination team at uro@mtl.maxplanckschools.de

Eligibility

What are the academic requirements?

We welcome applications from exceptional undergraduate students with a keen interest in conducting research in the field of Matter to Life. Some formal requirements apply:

You must be enrolled in your undergraduate studies for the entire duration of the internship. This means that you may only complete your bachelor's degree after completing your internship.
You must have already completed the first semester of your studies so that you can submit university grades with your application.
Proof of above-average academic performance, demonstrated by a minimum GPA of 1.7.

Do I need to study a specific subject?

Your academic focus should fall within disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, informatics, materials science, engineering, or related sub-fields like bioengineering.

Is research experience required?

No, prior research experience is not required. We provide training in the methods necessary for your project. However, if you already have research experience that has strengthened your motivation for the internship, please emphasize this in your letter of motivation.

Application process

How can I apply?

Applying to the Max Planck School Matter to Life URO program is done through an online application portal which you find on our application page, which will be accessible from August 1^st.

If you are accessing the portal for the first time, you need to first create an account. After this, you will be taken to the general Max Planck Schools portal, where you will need to choose the Matter to Life URO program.

Who is eligible to apply?

We welcome applications from exceptional undergraduate students with a keen interest in conducting research in the field of Matter to Life. Your academic focus should fall within disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, informatics, materials science, engineering, or related sub-fields like bioengineering. In your personal statement, do emphasize any prior research experience you may have had.
Please note: Applicants should be enrolled in their undergraduate studies both prior to and throughout the whole duration of the URO program.

What documents are required for the application?

CV (maximum two pages)
Current transcript of records from your university. Your high school diploma is not sufficient.
Personal statement (maximum two pages; Times New Roman, font size 12, line spacing 1.5) which should briefly introduce yourself and show your motivation for the internship
Your top three Matter to Life laboratories to perform the internship, ranked in order (to be entered in the application portal)
The time frame in which you could perform the internship (to be entered in the application portal)

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is October 1^st.

Do I need to learn German to perform a MtL-URO?

No, all internships will be conducted in English.

Do I need an official proof of English language skills?

No, an official proof is not required.

Is research experience required?

No, prior research experience is not required. We provide training in the methods necessary for your project.

Do I need to obtain Letters of Recommendation?

No.

How many applicants are chosen?

We choose the best 10 candidates applying for the URO program each year.

When do I find out the results of my application?

You should receive your results via email in February of the subsequent year.

Other

I have participated in the URO program before. Can I apply again?

Yes, but students who have not yet participated in the program will be given priority.

Does participation in the URO program increase the chance to be accepted to the MSc to PhD Direct Track program?

Participating in the URO program doesn't directly influence your acceptance into the MSc to PhD Direct Track program. However, it does provide you with the chance to become familiar with the community and ascertain if this field aligns with your research and career aspirations. During the selection interviews for the Master's phase, you'll have the opportunity to articulate more precisely why this program is your preferred choice for your academic journey.