Graduate school

Orientation Week & Core Course

The MDC Graduate School regularly organizes Orientation Weeks for new doctoral researchers, covering university regulations, MDC training activities, the Graduate School structure, curriculum and credit system, as well as essential topics such as good scientific practice, collaboration, and open science.

In 2024, a scientific Core Course for new PhDs was introduced, led by MDC faculty. It is designed to offer an overview of research spanning all MDC topics and focus areas, fostering a foundational understanding of the institute's diverse scientific landscape.

Orientation session: Communication workshop

Supervision and research progress

Day-to-day supervision by a group leader is complemented by annual meetings with a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), comprising the PhD supervisor and two additional scientists. Over the course of their studies, each doctoral researcher will have at least three meetings with the TAC. These meetings are designed to offer researchers advice and provide formal, consistent guidance on the progress of their dissertation project.

 

The MDC places great emphasis on embedding the principles of Good Scientific Practice in its early-career researchers and scientists.

Science and research-related training

The MDC offers a variety of lectures, seminars, and courses essential for the development of early-career researchers.

Nobel laureate Thomas Südhof speaking to a packed lecture hall at the MDC

© Peter Himsel / MDC

Available courses include computational training, experimental science and methods, analytical tools, and more:

• Computational and quantitative training - statistics, bioinformatics, data analysis and visualisation, machine learning
• Software training & programming -  Fiji, R, Python, open source tools
• Experimental science - technology platforms, imaging, stem cell technology, organiods
• Research translation - spin-out, IP, drug discovery, introduction to translation
• Other research-related training - scientific writing, research integrity, good scientific practice

Training in Good Scientific Practice is mandatory for all doctoral researchers. 

The Graduate School offers training and travel grants to support participation in international scientific courses and workshops, as well as for extended visits to partner laboratories abroad.

Key competences training

The MDC offers a range of key competency courses on campus tailored to the needs of early-career researchers. These include courses in scientific writing, communication and presentation, project and time management, teamwork and networking, or intercultural competence.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training is given special attention at the MDC, including workshops, interactive sessions, and seminars that promote awareness, encourage inclusive practices, and support a respectful, collaborative research environment.

Career development is supported by the MDC Career Center, which offers training and counseling on topics such as career pathways, grant and fellowship applications, or management and leadership. Additionally, English and German language courses are available.

Science communication and outreach

Doctoral researchers are expected to present their work to the scientific community at various forums, including MDC student seminar presentations, PhD retreats, campus symposia, or international conferences. 

The MDC Graduate School supports participation in international conferences via travel grants.

Other opportunities include: 

• Teaching opportunities, e.g. in the Gläsernes Labor on campus (only in German)
• Outreach and communication to public (e.g. participation in science-slams, the Long Night of the Sciences, Berlin Science Week, activities in the Gläsernes Labor / Life Science Learning Lab).

Emanuelle Charpentier presents the CRISPR-Cas system in front of the MDC audience. Image: Anyess von Bock.

Additional activities and events

Doctoral researchers interested in event planning can participate in organisation of various scientific events, conferences, and symposia over the year, including topic-specific events within different special research programs. 

MDC-FMP PhD Retreat

MDC doctoral researchers, in collaboration with their colleagues from the Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), organize annual PhD retreats, bringing together young scientists from all research areas of both institutes. Highlights of the scientific sessions include plenary talks by internationally recognized scientists. The scientific program is usually complemented with social activities, as well as panel discussions on various scientific topics and their relevance for society.

Graduation ceremony

Every year, a Graduation ceremony, an event to celebrate and honour the last years's graduates is held  at the MDC. An MDC PhD prize, a recognition of the best student publication, sponsored by the Society of Friends of the MDC, is awarded every year. Since 2007, the Prize for Best Scientific Image has been presented during MDC Graduation ceremony, as well.

Special research programs events

Scientific events that bring together members of the specialised research programs, as well as internationally recognized guest speakers from all over the world, are organised at the MDC and partner institutions, including winter and summer schools, symposia or joint retreats.

IPSCC - International PhD Student Cancer Conference

Since 2007, the IPSCC - International PhD Student Cancer Conference has brought together PhD students from 14 leading cancer research institutes across Europe. Organized by PhD students for PhD students, the conference provides participants with the opportunity to present their research and connect with top scientists in their field. The MDC is one of the partner institutions, co-organizing this event.

Community events

Different community events, such as Friday After Hour, Summer Fest, Christmas Party, or Glühwein stand in winter and ice-cream stand in summer, are organised to support networking of our researchers, and provide an opportunity to relax and have fun. 

Annual PostDoc Day and Career Day are organised on campus to offer insights and facilitate discussions on the wide range of career possibilities, both within and beyond academia.

MDC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Weeks strengthen our community by fostering open communication and building shared understanding.