Training & Development

In addition to research within their groups, doctoral researchers at MPIP benefit from a variety of scientific and professional training opportunities.

Scientific Training

The MPIP offers a multidisciplinary lecture series on methods and research topics in soft matter science, taught by experts from the different departments of the institute.

The MPIP Lecture Series – Advanced Soft Matter Science introduces key experimental and theoretical techniques and topics used across the institute.

Topics include, for example:

• scanning force microscopy

• electron microscopy

• NMR spectroscopy

• fluorescence microscopy

• molecular simulations

Upcoming lectures are announced within the institute via email and via posters inviting all interested staff members to join.

Professional Development

Doctoral researchers can also participate in a wide range of professional skills training.

These include:

• courses offered by the Planck Academy of the Max Planck Society

• workshops organized locally at the Max Planck campus in Mainz during Soft Skill Weeks twice a year

Examples of workshops include:

• scientific writing

• presentation skills

• grant proposal writing

• critical reasoning and analytical thinking

• strategies for mental health and wellbeing

These programs support doctoral researchers in developing transferable skills that are valuable for careers in academia, industry, and other sectors.