Welcome

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) exploits the successful research network between the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems, Halle, to carry out research into novel atomically engineered materials for nano-systems which tackles grand societal challenges in the fields of information technology and sustainability.

Research areas

  • Spintronics
  • Oxides and Interfaces
  • Atomically Engineered Materials
  • Computational Materials Discovery
  • Topological Materials
  • Non-Equilibrium Materials
  • Routes to Room Temperature Superconductivity

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Chiral induction effects in helical poly(amino acid)s composed of achiral monomers

Mar 12, 2026 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Local Time Germany)
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Institut für Physik, Von-Seckendorff-Platz 1, 06120 Halle, Room: 5.09

IMPRS Seminar: Konstantin & Jiabao

Mar 12, 2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Local Time Germany)
Max-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik, Weinberg 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Room: Lecture Hall, B.1.11

IMPRS Seminar: Sagar & Raffaele

Mar 26, 2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Local Time Germany)
Max-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik, Weinberg 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Room: Lecture Hall, B.1.11

Bio-inspired functionalities realized with coupled VO2 oscillators

Apr 1, 2026 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Institut für Physik, Von-Seckendorff-Platz 1, 06120 Halle, Room: 5.09

Effective Visual Communication of Science

Apr 8, 2026 09:00 AM - 01:30 PM (Local Time Germany)
Online

Our vision

IMPRS-STNS aims to support excellent young scientists on their way towards a PhD degree.

Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis and provided with a contract for a three years period.

We offer interesting interdisciplinary research surroundings and additional training in the form of lectures, workshops, laboratory training, tutorials, and special seminars.

English is the teaching language in all courses and is also spoken in the laboratories.

Our mission

IMPRS-STNS will link with partner universities in Asia, North America and Europe by funding international exchange internships for PhD students admitted to the IMPRS-STNS, a buddy program, and stipends for foreign PhD students to carry out research in Halle.

In addition, we will develop e-learning programs, especially to foster interdisciplinary research, provide transferable skills courses, and provide career counseling for the admitted PhD students. From excellent education to a first job is another key focus of the program to build a strong alumni community.

We look forward to receiving your application.

News

Person smiling, trees in the background.

Congratulations to Dr. Chris Körner for completing his PhD with highest grades!

February 12, 2026

During his PhD, Chris explored optical methods to study magnetization dynamics.

Person in lab with microscope.

A well-deserved honor: Dr. Lukas Fischer completes his PhD with summa cum laude

January 26, 2026

Lukas’s PhD thesis shows that microwave signals can manipulate magnetic domain walls in ultra-thin materials.

Scenic view

IMPRS Highlights in 2025

December 18, 2025

2025 was a successful year for the IMPRS-STNS with several defenses, an international retreat and many more events. We look forward to other exciting…

Person standing in lab, in the background UHV chamber visible.

Dr. Souvik Das concludes PhD journey with successful defense - congratulations!

December 03, 2025

Souvik's thesis explores topological materials using STM and STS revealing robust quantum states with potential applications.

Person in lab.

Congratulations on successful PhD defense to Dr. Ajesh Gopi!

December 02, 2025

“Exploring complex magnetism in van der Waals materials has been a fascinating journey, revealing how subtle structural features can create entirely…

people discussing

Chancellor’s visit to MPI of Microstructure Physics

November 18, 2025

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics on November 18, 2025 and met with IMPRS doctoral…

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