The IMPRS-ESM offers a structured, international PhD programme. As such, it focuses on individual research and academic training of doctoral candidates. Essential to the IMPRS-ESM is that each doctoral study is supervised and guided by an advisory panel of three to four senior scientists who are experts in the chosen field of the PhD study. Doctoral fellows will spend most of their time carrying out their specific research and discussing their results and/or encountered difficulties with fellow students and supervisors.
Doctoral candidates are encouraged to participate in external scientific opportunities such as conferences, workshops and summer schools, presenting their own research. To broaden general knowledge of the Earth system, the school offers a curriculum of lectures, seminars and hands-on training courses. The curriculum varies each semester and is largely tailored to the needs of PhD candidates. The current course offers can be found on the IMPRS-ESM website. Doctoral candidates are required to obtain 12 IMPRS-ESM credit points before submitting their theses. Furthermore, they are encouraged to present and discuss their projects and results to all researchers at the MPI-M and the university at a regular seminar meeting. Once a year, doctoral candidates present their most recent results to fellow students and senior scientists during the IMPRS-ESM Annual Retreat.
The IMPRS-ESM is guided by an executive committee and the head of the school. The IMPRS-ESM office runs the daily administrative affairs. The school recruits applicants internationally on an annual basis and admits new doctoral candidates following a competitive selection process. Doctoral positions are offered for the duration of three years. International PhD candidates receive special support during the transition phase to help them get started in Germany, and they are offered German language classes.
Not required by the IMPRS-ESM