Beyond the Lab
Your Scientific Community in Dresden and Beyond
Joining the IMPRS-CellDevoSys means becoming part of something bigger. We're proud to be embedded within:
Dresden’s vibrant PhD community, where students across biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science meet through shared predoc-driven programs, like joint courses, seminars, and retreats.
The Max Planck Society, a global network of research excellence, offering career development and funding support.
A campus that connects MPI-CBG, CSBD, MPI-PKS, and leading universities, making interdisciplinary collaboration more than just a buzzword — it’s our daily life.
Our students also join a growing group of international alumni, now shaping science and industry worldwide.
DIPP PhD Student Community & Activities | Science Across Disciplines, Friendships Across Fields
We support our PhD student’s ideas and initiatives, both on and off the bench.
Every year, our PhD students come together for a multi-day retreat across the DIPP — a space to share research, exchange ideas, and build friendships beyond the lab. PhD student-driven events like campus-wide chalk talks, shared courses, career days and peer-led workshops foster a culture of openness, creativity, and cross-disciplinary thinking. They’re not just good for science: they’re essential to building confidence, communication skills, and a sense of scientific and interpersonal belonging.
Max Planck Society | World-Class Science, Rooted in Independence
Founded in 1948, the Max Planck Society (MPG/MPS) is one of the world’s most prestigious research organizations. The MPG is known for its commitment to basic science and groundbreaking discoveries — including more than 30 Nobel Prize winners. As a Max Planck PhD researcher, you carry a name that opens doors worldwide, signaling excellence, curiosity, and scientific integrity. This affiliation stays with our students for life, connecting them to a global network of alumni, institutes, and opportunities.
Through PhDnet, our PhD students also have a direct voice in shaping policies, building networks, and representing student interests across the entire Max Planck system.
Alumni Community | High-Level Careers, Real World Mentors
Our alumni go on to do meaningful and impressive work. With nearly full tracking of our graduates, we know that all our alumni (who we can track!) are currently employed in high-level scientific or science-adjacent roles. Many continue in basic research at top-tier institutes such as Harvard University, École Normale Supérieure, the European Molecular Biology Laborotory (EMBL), and the University of Cambridge. Others bring their expertise into cutting-edge science-driven companies such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Procter & Gamble and Exscientia. No matter the path, they share one thing in common: an IMPRS training that opens doors and prepares them to lead in academia, industry, and beyond.
Graduation isn’t goodbye: After completing their PhD, our students remain part of the community. Through our Alumni Mentoring Program, current researchers are paired with former IMPRS students working across academia and industry. These one-on-one partnerships offer valuable career insight, strategic feedback, and support during the transition into postdoctoral research, industry roles, or beyond.
Our alumni generously share their experience — helping the next generation navigate their path with confidence and clarity.