Structured PhD Training
To complement the ambitious scientific projects and to provide the best preparation for future academic or industrial careers, all ILRS doctoral researchers can participate in an extensive training programme – both in laboratory methods and in transferable skills. In addition to courses organised by ILRS directly, the doctoral researchers have access to the broad graduate training network in Jena, particularly to the offers of the JSMC and the Graduate Academy Jena.
The ILRS curriculum is composed of the following elements:
Practical Courses: Each member of the ILRS Faculty offers a training course in his or her field of expertise to the doctoral researchers. In small groups, the doctoral researchers can gain hands-on experience in the latest methods and technologies and also receive practical advice from the experts in the field.
Transferable Skills Courses: These courses provide valuable additional training that goes beyond the scientific education. Topics covered include among others “scientific writing”, “presentation training” and “career perspectives”. The doctoral researchers are welcome to make their own suggestions for training contents. Language courses in English and also German for foreign researchers are also offered on a regular basis.
Group Seminars: The doctoral researchers regularly present their results to their fellow ILRS members and to the faculty. The seminars are aimed at informal scientific exchange, and the discussion gives valuable hints for practical work and for presenting scientific results.
ILRS Symposium: At the annual Symposium, ILRS doctoral researchers present their work to a wider audience in talks and a poster session. The ILRS scientific advisory board each year gives awards for the best presentations. External keynote speakers from the research fields of ILRS are invited to round off the scientific programme.
Public Relations Activities: ILRS doctoral researchers are encouraged to participate in activities to advance the public understanding of science and to present their work to the general public. This includes events such as the Girls’ Day / Boys’ Day, the Long Night of Sciences or guiding visiting groups at the participating institutions.
