PhD Programme

Organization of PhD study at IMG

The aim of postgraduate studies is to gain new knowledge about the chosen field and to acquire practical laboratory skills and habits. These include planning, conducting and critically evaluating a scientific experiment, understanding the principles of evaluation, writing scientific publications, and presenting your own results.

For the PhD programme we accept students who:

• have successfully completed a master’s degree or an engineering degree in biology, chemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine or other fields,
• wish to pursue cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular or developmental biology, immunology, genetics or virology,
• want to develop their scientific research skills under the guidance of experienced staff in an international atmosphere.

The dissertation is carried out in one of our 26 research laboratories under the supervision of an experienced researcher.

At IMG, we focus on research in the following areas:

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Admission to the PhD programme

Acceptance precedes:

1. Submission of an on-line application and successful completion of an interview with the head of the selected laboratory,
2. Acceptance into a postgraduate program in the selected biomedical PhD program – typically at:
   • Faculty of Science of Charles University (in Developmental and Cell Biology, Immunology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics and Virology, Animal Physiology or Bioinformatics),
   • or the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague (fields of study Bioinformatics or Synthesis and Production of Pharmaceuticals).

Details can be found on the admission procedure page and in the frequently asked questions. You can also contact our PhD Coordinator who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Course of PhD studies: activities and courses

Study requirements are governed by the rules of the graduate board of the particular study programme.

For study programmes of Charles University, the rules of doctoral study programmes in biomedicine apply. Their professional guarantors are graduate boards composed of leading research experts (including those from IMG).

In cooperation with your supervisor, you will create an individual study plan and attend several recommended courses and lectures in the first 2-3 years. You can choose from:

• lectures organized by the individual graduate boards,
• lectures and courses under the auspices of the IMG, especially the course Advances in Molecular Biology and Genetics is important for new PhD students.

At the beginning of your PhD studies, you will have a popular IMG Bootcamp (welcome weekend), and during your studies, you will present the interim results of your project at an institutional seminar, a student PhD Conference and international conferences.

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Evaluation of the course of PhD studies

The progress of doctoral studies is continuously evaluated at least once every 2 years.

The meetings have the form of scientific mentoring. The student prepares a presentation on the progress of their project, followed by a detailed discussion with the supervisor. The aim of these consultations is to:

• assess progress to date in the dissertation and studies,
• give feedback on the project,
• advise you on the future direction of your research,
• resolve any problems related to your research work.

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Completion of PhD studies

The IMG PhD programme is formally a four-year programme, with an expected duration of 3-5 years, and a maximum duration of 8 years.

Completion requirements vary slightly between the different graduate boards (or fields). In principle, however, to successfully complete your studies you must:

1. complete a minimum of two recommended courses or lectures,
2. pass an internationally recognised English language exam (e.g. First Certificate; not applicable to courses under the Developmental and Cellular Biology graduate board),
3. publish at least two scientific articles with a defined impact factor during the course of your studies (or have them accepted for printing); you must also be listed as first author on at least one of the articles,
4. pass the state doctoral examination,
5. defend your doctoral dissertation.