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Join the Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials!

We are looking for excellent students from all over the world to join our program. And we invite YOU to submit your application for admission to the Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials. If you would like to join us, apply over our application portal which you can find on our Application page.

The recruitment window is now closed!!
Next application window opens in September 2026.

All participating locations depicted on map of Germany. In a circle around are the names of the institutes and cities.

Combining excellence

Seven Max Planck Institutes - all of them world-class research institutions by themselves - bring together their expertise in the research on quantum materials and thus offer a truly unique graduate program in this intriguing research area. Learn more about the institutes participating in the Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials.

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Training the top researchers of tomorrow

In our Graduate Center, we out a strong focus on the education of our students. Access to world-class research facilities will be complemented by a wide range of graduate courses, covering all aspects of research in quantum materials.

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Research at its very best

The research projects pursued by our students are at the very center of their training. At all institutions, the students have direct access to state-of-the art facilities and can collaborate with world-leading experts in the field of quantum materials.

World map with countries marked in green, indicating where our students come from.

Current students

MPGC-QM currently (May 2024) has 75 PhD students coming from 22 different countries.
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Quantum Materials

The term “quantum materials” refers to a rapidly evolving research frontier that aims to understand, control, and ultimately design materials in which quantum physics enables novel functionalities. Recent developments include the discovery of novel phenomena resulting from the topology of the electron wavefunction in solids, the dynamical control of many-electron states (such as superconductivity) by coherent light fields, and the synthesis of heterostructures and devices comprising atomically sharp interfaces of quantum materials exhibiting diverse electronic ground states.

Join the Graduate Center!

In order to maintain the leading role of the Max Planck Society in the field of quantum materials, we are looking for students in relevant research fields such as physics, chemistry and material sciences. Applicants should have an excellent Bachelor or Master degree in one of these fields. Students in our Graduate Center will pursue research projects that push the frontiers of the field of quantum materials and will benefit from close collaboration with world-leading experts at all participating institutions.

Application call for the autumn term 2026 is now closed!!

News

Andrea Cavalleri, founding director of the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD), and one of the MPGC-QM Board Members ...

We are very happy to announce that the Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials grew by a new member, Dr. Julien Barrier

Physicists at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) in Hamburg have discovered a striking new form of quantum ...

MPGC students and group leaders gathered in front of the gate of the Ringberg castle
This year’s MPGC-QM (Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials) retreat at Castle Ringberg brought together graduate students, faculty, and invited lecturers. During this retreat, the participants shared their latest research, learned new insights from experts, and strengthened the community’s collaborative spirit.
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