Orientation Phase

After the TAGS students have been selected (see Section 4.3), we envision an eight-week orientation phase, during which the students should get acquainted with their new situation.

• Together with their supervisor, they will select the co-supervisor and discuss with them their future research direction(s), followed by some in-depth reading about research topic.

•  There will be lectures in the morning, which will cover good scientific practice (two weeks), general information about the other country and the partner institutions. The students may also get to know the envisioned collaborating group (e.g. through skype conferences).

• In the afternoon, the prospective students will first get to know their new research group. During the second month, they will attend two lab rotations (1 week each) in a different group (for details see scientific training (i)).

  At the end of the orientation phase, the prospective student should file a project proposal on her/his PhD project. This proposal should contain

•  the scientific questions to be addressed within the project,

•  the methods and resources utilized to achieve the defined goals,

•  the work to be done during the research residence at the partnering institute, as well as

•  a time management structure (e.g. Gantt Chart) for the duration of 3 years. The latter should contain statements on milestones to be achieved after each year. 

PhD Project

The individual PhD projects.......

Fast-Track Options

Usually, TAGS welcomes applications of students that hold a MSc degree in chemistry, physics, material science, or engineering. However, students with an outstanding BSc degree may also directly enter the network (fast track). In this case they are obliged to successfully complete a one-year program of courses from the regular MSc programs before entering the PhD phase.  

International Experience

Arguably one of the most important parts of our training measures is a mandatory research residence that every TAGS-student has to carry out in the partner country. The time abroad typically amounts to ca. 6 months (with a minimum of 3 months/stay). At the partner institution, the student works on the collaborative aspect of her/his research project under the supervision and scientific advice of the hosting PI. The student will be trained to use and will have access to the specific equipment of the hosting group. Additionally, the student may engage in local seminars, soft skills training, and additional language courses. 

Scientific Teaching

Lab Rotation

Lecture Series

Unique Instrumentation

Summer and Winter Schools

Guest Lecture Series

Local Elective Courses