Application
Our 2022 application call is open now!
Selection procedure
The application process comprises three steps. Please follow the instructions below carefully.
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 PhD program (Sept 2022). You must be fluent in written and spoken English.
Step 2: project / supervisor choice
This link takes you to a list of projects and mentors. Please review the project descriptions and engage with the associated material. If a project piques your interest, then you should email the designated supervisor for further discussion. Ensuing discussion will ensure that any decision to commit to a PhD is an informed one and you should only proceed to step 3 once you have engaged in dialog with a potential supervisor.
A first contact should be ideally made until 1 February but no later than 8 February to allow for ample time for the obtaining of references and at least one online interview with the potential supervisor and two futher faculty members. Those passing successfully through the interview will be invited to submit their formal application.
You can apply for a maximum of two projects. Generic applications will not be further considered.
Step 3: formal application
Having decided upon a project / supervisor you will prepare a formal application. This will include a letter of motivation and your CV. The letter should include an explanation of why you wish to pursue a PhD and provide a reasoned scientific argument for your choice of project. You should combine all parts of the application in a single PDF. If applying for two projects, you must tender two separate applications. Applications are submitted using this online submission system.
Closing date for the submission of applications is 20 February.
Appraisal process
Applications will be reviewed by IMPRS faculty. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the host institutions in April, 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.
Successful applicants will be notified by beginning of May.
Schedule of upcoming events
12 Jan – 08 Feb First round of application process
08 Feb Deadline first contact
20 Feb Deadline formal application – portal closure
07 March Invitations for selection symposium sent
25-27 April Selection Symposium in Plön and Kiel
02 May Letters of acceptance sent
19 Sep Start of program