International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology


The International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology is a structured doctoral program of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the department of Biology of the University of Konstanz. Its goal is to provide training and education to PhD students from over the world in a work environment. Research focuses on behavioral science, ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology and neurobiology. The IMPRS for Organismal Biology was founded in 2009. In October 2010, the first 30 doctoral students began their research. The faculty consists of more than 30 leading scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and the Department of Biology from the University of Konstanz.

Structure of the program

The program consists of the PhD thesis and an additional Doctoral Curriculum. In addition to the first supervisor, the doctoral thesis is also supervised by a doctoral committee. The additional curriculum includes courses in key skills qualifications, laboratory courses, scientific symposia and regular student meetings. The additional doctoral curriculum is tailored to the specific needs of each doctoral candidate. The doctoral program with all its rights and duties of doctoral candidates and supervisors is defined in the supervision agreement of the IMPRS for Organismal Biology

Development of enrollments

The IMPRS for Organismal Biology takes on new doctoral students once a year in an extensive application process. In 2009, 30 doctoral students were accepted. 2010, 14 doctoral students. In 2018, the total of 75 students came from 35 countries.