IMPRS-TP PhD Pogram
The main goal of the IMPRS-TP is to provide interdisciplinary training in molecular, cellular and systemic neuroscientific and psychiatric research to outstanding students in an environment of scientific excellence and collaboration.
Training
During the course of their studies, students are exposed to a wide range of scientific questions and methods covering areas of molecular medicine, natural sciences (mainly neuroscience), psychiatry, neuroimaging, design-based stereology and clinical studies. Interdisciplinary training is combined with specialized training in the supervisor’s laboratory, thereby providing both a broad and in-depth training. This scientific training is complemented by training in transferable skills to prepare doctoral students for challenges of a professional career in academia, industry or medicine.
Translational Research across Disciplines and Institutions
The IMPRS-TP program promotes and encourages cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional interactions in a translational research setting. This is reflected in the research topics and curriculum and is necessary in order to foster cutting-edge research into complex disorders like mental illnesses.
Our PhD students participate in clinical studies, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of symptoms, diagnostics and the impact of psychiatric disorders and their neurobiological background: an essential step towards the comprehension of translating basic neuroscience into clinical practice.
In addition to theoretical courses, the IMPRS‑TP program puts a major emphasis on practical courses and workshops. This allows students to gain knowledge and experience in areas of research they might use, but also the opportunity to collect data provided by collaborators – i.e. in genetic imaging studies. The IMPRS‑TP offers the possibility to receive hands-on experience from the Max Planck Institutes and Ludwig-Maximilians-University.
Our PhD Tracks
Traditional PhD Track
The traditional PhD track within the IMPRS-TP graduate program offers outstanding students interdisciplinary training in molecular, cellular, and systemic neuroscience and psychiatric research. This track encompasses a diverse range of scientific approaches and techniques, spanning molecular medicine, neuroscience, psychiatry, neuroimaging, clinical studies, and more. Students engage in both broad and specialized training within their supervisor's laboratory, equipping them with a comprehensive skill set. The program's emphasis on translational research across disciplines and institutions fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, crucial for advancing cutting-edge research in complex mental illnesses. Additionally, practical courses and workshops, alongside participation in clinical studies, enrich students' research experience and understanding, facilitating the translation of basic neuroscience insights into clinical applications.
Residency PhD Track for Medical Doctors
For Medical Doctors we also offer an integrative PhD Program within our Residency PhD Track. The PhD can be done with any of the Faculty Members of the IMPRS-TP. The residency training can be completed either at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry or the Department of Psychiatry at the LMU.
Curriculum
Detailed information on the curriculum can be found here.