How to apply
Our application portal for the 2025 IMPRS annual call is closed.
The next IMPRS call will be in the beginning of 2026.
OUR SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Application process (three steps)
Step 1: eligibility check
To be eligible to apply to IMPRS you must hold a Master of Science degree, Diploma, or equivalent. It is not necessary to have the degree at time of application, however, you must have been awarded your degree prior to start of the doctorate program (envisaged 1 September, 2025). To proof your graduation time we would ask you for an official statement by your university but only after you have been pre-selected for the final round.
You must be fluent in written and spoken English. We do not require an official language certificate, but your proficiency will be tested in the interview phase by the panel.
Step 2: project / supervisor choice
For this year’s projects and mentors go to ‘Open Projects’. Please review the project descriptions and engage with the associated material.
Candidates seeking more information about the project are strongly encouraged to contact the principal investigator directly at the email address listed in the project description prior to submitting their formal application.
Having decided upon a project / supervisor you will prepare a formal application.
You can apply for a maximum of two projects.
Step 3: formal application
Your application will include a letter of motivation addressed to the appropriate principal investigator (max. 1 page), your CV, your bachelor and/or master degree plus transcript of records, and contact information for two references. The letter should include an explanation of why you wish to pursue a doctorate and provide a reasoned scientific argument for your choice of project.
Applications without a clear connection between the motivation letter and the described project will not be further considered.
You should combine all parts of the application in a single PDF. We explicitly ask you to refrain from submitting application photos. If applying for two projects, you must tender two separate applications, each specifically tailored to the described project. Once again, generic applications will be rejected.
Applications are submitted using our online submission system. The portal is now closed.
Appraisal process
Applications will be forwarded to the relevant principal investigator who will contact you if they wish to proceed with your application. Suitable applicants will be invited to a first (online only) interview.
Applications will be reviewed by the application panel. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the host institution March 31st-April 1st, under the condition that travelling and in-person meetings will be possible. If not, this final round of interviews will also take place via video conference. Directly after the selection symposium, the IMPRS faculty will decide who of the candidates will be offered a position.
Successful candidates will be notified as soon as possible after the final decision.
TIMELINE 2025
06-26 January: Application portal open (contact with principal investigator encouraged but not necessary)
13 Jan - 07 Feb: First round of interviews (online only)
12 February: Invitations to Selection Symposium will be sent by email
31 March - 1 April: Selection Symposium in MPI (final round of interviews, in-person)
2 April: Successful candidates will be informed by email
1 September: Start of program