UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE International

Photos: Fabian Stürtz (Plants and reseachers) | Thomas Josek (Main entrance uni) | Britta Hoffmann MPIPZ (Research building MPI for Plant Breeding)

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Birds of a feather flock together. To inspire talented students for cutting-edge research - that’s the goal of all universities which focus on the education of early-career researchers and excellent research. That’s why in the area of doctoral training the University of Cologne works closely together with the institutes of the Max Planck Society in the shape of International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS). Young and talented scholars enjoy first-class supervision and excellent conditions for research work in these joint international research schools. There is such an IMPRS in the field of Plant Sciences, managed by the IMPRS co-ordinator Dr. Johanna Spandl at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ). A further partner in this IMPRS alongside the University of Cologne is Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. The research focus of this IMPRS at the MPIPZ is: “Understanding complex plant traits using computational and evolutionary approaches.”

An article by Svenja Rausch

“The IMPRS at the MPI for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) was founded in 2001 together with the University of Cologne. Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf joined in 2013. The intention of the doctoral programme is to attract the most promising young researchers from around the world by offering comprehensive and high-quality training for doctoral candidates in the field of plant sciences. Several of the highly dedicated research group leaders in the IMPRS are also involved in the CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences”, explains Marcel Bucher, Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Cologne and Director of the Botanical Institute.

Within the programme, outstanding research work with an interdisciplinary approach is being conducted in the fields of plant genetics, structural biology, cell biology and bioinformatics. The unique partnership between the MPI and the University permits research at the very highest level through a close exchange of know-how between research staff on the one hand and the very good infrastructure both on campus as well as at the MPI on the other. Both aspiring scholars as well as already established researchers profit from this: “As a doctoral candidate in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS), I have the opportunity to use both institutions for my research work and that makes it easier for me to set in motion new partnerships. What’s more, I am really pleased to be associated as a doctoral researcher not only with the University of Cologne but also with the MPI for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) and thus to be able to integrate the institute’s excellent reputation into my CV and profit from it in future”, explains Georgios Saridis, a Greek national who is an IMPRS doctoral candidate at the Botanical Institute and a member of Professor Marcel Bucher’s research group.

Apart from research, the three-year programme, which leads to the doctoral degree, also offers courses in the latest technologies at the universities of Cologne and Düsseldorf as well as at the MPIPZ. The working language is English. “Each doctoral researcher is supervised by a committee of three experienced scholars and is free to consult his/her personal supervisor at any time. In addition, there are lectures and seminars on topics such as scientific communication, time management, career planning or leadership skills. IMPRS doctoral researchers may also register with the Graduate School for Biological Sciences (GSfBS) and take advantage of its activities and services” says Dr. Johanna Spandl.

“The course offer is very broad and includes workshops on specific methods, e.g. statistical data analysis, but also on ways to improve soft skills: For example, at the beginning of my doctorate I attended a course on project management which helped me from the outset to plan and focus my work”, says Oliver Artz, IMPRS fellow in Cologne. He is very enthusiastic about the IMPRS and continues: “By attending workshops together but also through regular seminars and retreats there is the opportunity to meet lots of plant researchers and talk about problems and obstacles. Apart from excellent research, this possibility to exchange ideas and the helpfulness of other researchers make Cologne particularly attractive for doctoral studies in the field of plant sciences. In particular the IMPRS helps to build a bridge between the University and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research.”