The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS-µLife) becomes permanent
Starting 2026, the Max Planck Society will permanently fund the International Max Planck Research School “Principles of Microbial Life” (IMPRS-µLife) at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and the University of Marburg
Since 2003, 280 doctoral students have earned their doctorates at the graduate school. The programme promotes international talent in microbiology and provides excellent training opportunities. Applications for the coming year are open until 31 January 2026.
Since its founding in 2003, the IMPRS became a cornerstone of the graduate microbiology training in Marburg, with 280 Ph.D. students that have successfully completed the program. The three-year program is carried out in close cooperation with the University of Marburg, as well as the affiliated centers SYNMIKRO and the Microcosm Earth Center (MEC). The program accepts around 15 to 20 Ph.D. students annually. Currently, 86 young researchers from 25 countries are enrolled in the program.
With the consolidation, the Max Planck Society is honoring the outstanding work of the Marburg IMPRS. Dr. Dušica Radoš, a microbiologist and the graduate school coordinator, explains, “In the IMPRS, international young scientists earn their Ph.D. and receive comprehensive training under excellent conditions.”
The graduate school's spokesperson, Prof. Dr. Victor Sourjik, adds: "Through the close cooperation of the participating institutions and their centers on Marburg's Campus Lahnberge, the Ph.D. students benefit from an excellent research and training environment that optimally supports and promotes them."
One of the graduate school's goals is to attract talented researchers to Marburg. Researchers study the principles of microbial life on various scales, from genes and proteins to metabolism and cellular structure, as well as microbial interactions with each other and with the environment. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms, their functions, and their interactions with living and non-living environments. Numerous working groups from the Max Planck Institute and the University, SYNMIKRO and MEC collaborate across disciplines in the graduate program.
More than half of the participants come to Marburg from abroad. This internationalisation establishes a research network that often extends throughout a researcher's career and across national borders and further strengthens the position of Marburg as an internationally recognized center for microbiology. Young researchers actively shape their experience by participating in initiatives and networking. Additionally, other aspects of science are considered, such as scientific communication, data management, and the use of artificial intelligence in research.
Prof. Sabine Pankuweit, the University of Marburg's Vice President for Equality and Career Development, explains: "Our program is based on the historically strong partnership between the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and the University of Marburg. The University is pleased to be part of this long-standing, successful collaboration, which has enabled generations of talented young researchers to become experts in microbiology."
Young researchers can apply again for a Ph.D. at IMPRS starting December 1. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. Admission to the program will be decided after a selection symposium in late April. Further information is available here.
