Students collect credit points based on course participation and other academic activities, culminating in an IRTG certificate that highlights their extensive training and skillset.

Structured Curriculum & Credit System

Every PhD student follows a structured training program that combines mandatory courses with a broad selection of elective courses. These cover both project-specific skills (e.g., advanced microscopy, bioinformatics) and general professional skills (e.g., project management, scientific communication).

Lab Visits & External Training

Students can visit external labs, attend specialized methods courses, and participate in external summer/winter schools, broadening their expertise and establishing collaborations beyond their own research group.

• Monthly Student Seminar

A dedicated space for PhD students and postdocs to present their projects without PIs, fostering open discussion, collaboration, and interdisciplinary feedback in a protected and supportive environment.

• Regular Method Talks

Regular talks by PIs, designed for an interdisciplinary audience, providing insights into available methods and techniques across the network, helping students expand their research approaches.

• Invited International Speakers

We regularly host renowned international researchers who present their work and its relevance to SFB 1551. Students have the opportunity to meet them in small groups in a casual setting, fostering direct exchange. They are encouraged to suggest speakers as well.

• Collaborative Retreats & Events

Collaboration and knowledge exchange are central to the IRTG. We host our own Winter/Summer Schools, where PIs provide in-depth training on topics spanning polymer sciences to life sciences. Furthermore, students are invited to annual SFB network retreats, where the whole network comes together and presents project updates and discusses ongoing research.

• Conference Participation & International Exposure

PhD students are encouraged to attend and present their research at national andinternational conferences, strengthening their scientific visibility and professional network while gathering new ideas to enhance their projects. In March 2026, we organize our own SFB 1551 International Conference on “Polymer Concepts in Cellular Function” in Mainz, featuring renowned external speakers. Students will have the opportunity to present their research, engage in discussions, and expand their professional network.

• Thesis Advisory Committees (TACs)

Each PhD student benefits from personalized guidance through an interdisciplinary TAC, ensuring continuous support and progress monitoring.

• MAINZ Mentoring Program

We are proud to be part of the MAINZ Mentoring Program, an exceptional initiative that provides PhD students with one-on-one mentoring, career guidance, and networking opportunities. This program connects students with experienced professionals from academia and industry, offering valuable insights and support for career progression.

• Career Workshops & Alumni Talks

In the future Alumni talks will provide insights into different career paths after the PhD and postdoc.

We recognize the challenges of pursuing a PhD and offer access to JGU Mainz's Mental Health Services, including confidential counseling, stress management workshops, and online resources to support student well-being.

More information: JGU Mental Health Services

Online mental health resources: ME@JGU – Online Mental Health Portal

We welcome and actively promote diversity within the IRTG, ensuring an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all researchers. Different perspectives and backgrounds are a source of innovation and scientific progress.

More information: Equality and Diversity Office at JGU