IMPRS MolPlant (Max Planck) interviews
IMPRS MolPlant (Max Planck) interviewsA research talk, a paper discussion and match-making
How the interview runs
- Interview with presentationA 10-minute talk on previous scientific work, then 5 to 10 minutes of questions.
- Match-makingIndividual meetings with potential supervisors and their groups.
Source: mpimp-golm.mpg.de
Ten minutes on your past work
“During the interview, candidates will give a 10 minute oral presentation about their previous scientific work (e.g. their Masters thesis) and are then asked questions by the audience for 5-10 minutes.”
IMPRS MolPlant (International Max Planck Research School), MPI of Molecular Plant PhysiologyDoctoral programme selection process and tips page
Plan a 10-minute talk
Candidates give a 10-minute talk on previous work, such as a master’s thesis, then take questions.
Example“Your presentation should therefore be clear to an audience that may not be familiar with your topic.”
IMPRS MolPlant (International Max Planck Research School), MPI of Molecular Plant PhysiologyDoctoral programme selection process and tips page
Pitch it to non-specialists
The talk should be clear to an audience unfamiliar with your topic.
ExampleTough questions after the talk
“Be well prepared for the scientific discussion after your presentation since you might get a lot of tough questions”
IMPRS MolPlant (International Max Planck Research School), MPI of Molecular Plant PhysiologyDoctoral programme selection process and tips page
Prepare for hard questions
The school warns of possibly many tough questions after the presentation.
ExampleA paper discussion
“With the paper discussion, we would like to see how well you deal with primary literature, even if it is outside the direct research area of your Masters project.”
IMPRS MolPlant (International Max Planck Research School), MPI of Molecular Plant PhysiologyDoctoral programme selection process and tips page
Read outside your project
The paper discussion tests how you handle primary literature, even outside your own area.
ExampleMatch-making with supervisors
“Candidates who convince us during the interview will move into the match-making phase. Here, you will have the opportunity for individual meetings with potential supervisors and their group members.”
IMPRS MolPlant (International Max Planck Research School), MPI of Molecular Plant PhysiologyDoctoral programme selection process and tips page
Prepare to meet groups
Candidates who convince the panel move to individual meetings with potential supervisors.
ExampleNo AI-generated content; declare AI edits
“Note that it is not permitted to use AI to generate content for your application. If you use AI to enhance aspects of your application (language, layout), you must indicate so.”
IMPRS MolPlant (International Max Planck Research School), MPI of Molecular Plant PhysiologyDoctoral programme selection process and tips page
Declare any AI help
The school does not permit AI-generated application content and asks you to declare AI used for language or layout.
ExampleLast reviewed