| Graduate Research Training Group - Institute of Physics |
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| Why become an official member (not only a guest)? |
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Your PhD is more than just research.
The official GRK Certificate validates your extra efforts and gives your CV a decisive advantage, officially honoring your commitment directly at your PhD defense.
- Proof of Soft Skills: Formally documents your teaching, leadership, and outreach experience—achievements that a standard doctoral transcript hides.
- Edge in Industry: Provides HR managers with independent, certified proof of your project management and communication skills.
- Defense Distinction: Officially honors your commitment to the scientific community, presented directly at your PhD defense.
How to qualify:
PhDs who actively contribute to the doctoral seminar are eligible to receive the certificate.
It honors additional achievements in fields like:
- Teaching & Mentoring: Leading exercises and (co-)supervising Bachelor or Master theses at the Institute of Physics.
- GRK Engagement: Active group participation, organizational roles, or serving as a (co-)speaker.
- Outreach & Science Communication: Working with school pupils (e.g., Schülerpraktikum, PhySch).
- Professional Development: Active participation in GRK workshops.
Every year, our doctoral researchers step out of the lab for a dedicated two- to three-day workshop. This retreat trains essential skills in scientific communication, project organization, and independent planning.
What to expect:
- Safe-Space Exchange: A welcoming, familial atmosphere that encourages active participation, lively poster sessions, and presentations—without the pressure of large international conferences.
- External Insights: Keynote lectures from external speakers working at the forefront of fields related to our CRC.
- Integrated Training: A unique combination of soft-skill courses (e.g., leadership, project management) and technical seminars (e.g., handling large datasets, version control).
- Excursions & Team Spirit: Exploring cutting-edge research facilities—such as our 2025 trip to the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator at the MPI for Plasma Physics in Greifswald—paired with social activities that build lasting networks and a healthy team atmosphere.
More about our Workshop | Retreat
We also organize soft-skills courses in between dependent on your specific needs.
The GRK offers various individual funding tracks financed through the Collaborative Research Center 1477 LiMatI and/or the IRTG IQS.
Fundings are available for:
- hiring student assistants
- traveling and participation costs for conferences, workshops, summerschools etc.
- inviting guests e.g. scientific speakers, interesting talks
CRC LiMatI and IRTG IQS do also offer funding of measures promoting career development for female researchers, promotion of compatibility of family and career and promotion of diversity.
Start your doctorate with clear expectations.
Mandatory for LiMatIs!
A supervision agreement supports transparent communication and successful collaboration between you and your supervisors.
Interested in joining the GRK?
Become Part of our Community and shape the future of research together.