About the International Max Planck Research School initiative

International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRSs) are the brainchild of the Max Planck Society of the Advancement of Science and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK). The initiative, which was launched in 1999, aims at improving education and training for talented young scientists through creating centres of excellence for graduate education and research.

IMPRSs offer structured PhD degree programmes in a usually interdisciplinary and international context. Supported by a multi-layered advisory system – usually including a Principal Advisor and an Advisory Panel – IMPRS students have the opportunity to conduct thesis research in a highly stimulating environment. Research activities are typically accompanied by additional training opportunities including workshops, advanced courses, auxiliary skills training and an annual conference.

The research schools are joint efforts of usually one or more Max Planck Institutes, at least one German university and other – sometimes foreign – research institutions. The unique combination of research opportunities, expertise and resources emerging from these partnerships enable IMPRSs to offer their students a rather unique environment for research, training and international networking during their degree studies.

The IMPRS initiative was launched in 1999 and has thrived ever since. Today more than 60 IMPRS across Germany are offering state-of-the-art doctoral programmes to international and German students.


To find out more about the aims and objectives of International Max Planck Research Schools click here.