The LSM doctoral programme combines hands-on experimental research in an LSM faculty laboratory with a diverse mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences, and retreats. All instruction is in English. Students will be contacted in due course with sign-up details for each offered workshop/event.
In total, each student must earn 180 ECTS points during their doctoral studies. The doctoral project (including the disputation and the three TAC meetings) accounts for 150 ECTS, and the remaining 30 ECTS must be earned in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops, retreats, conferences, etc
For a detailed overview, download the curriculum guide here (PDF, 384 KB)
Information about offered courses and lectures is communicated via email!
Wondering whether you’re on track? LSM students receive an annual status report outlining the ECTS points earned and the requirements still to be completed—so you always have a clear overview of your progress. Alternatively, you can contact the LSM office at any time if you have questions or concerns.
The LSM Lecture Series is a recurring academic event where LSM faculty members and occasional external speakers share their latest research with LSM students to explore diverse ideas, spark curiosity, and foster dialogue across the LSM community.
It is strongly recommended to attend these lectures during the first semesters of the doctoral study.
LSM students are required to attend a minimum of 15 lectures from the LSM lecture series and 15 external lectures offered by other institutes on Campus Martinsried or at the University. The remaining 10 lectures may be freely chosen from either the LSM or external offerings. In total, 40 lectures must be attended by the end of the doctorate. For the LSM lecture series, an attendance list will be circulated by a student.
Attendance at external lectures must be verified by the signature of the supervisor or host.
Download the attendance confirmation list ! (DOC, 152 KB)
© Fricke Film
LSM students have access to transferable skills training covering a wide range of topics, including scientific writing, grant proposals, communication, presentation, time management, and leadership. Students are required to complete at least three two-day workshops by the end of their doctoral studies. Courses taken outside the LSM programme are also accepted — simply submit your certificate of participation to the LSM office for recognition.
© Carolin Bleese
Methods workshops typically focus on bioinformatics tools such as Python, R, and MATLAB, as well as other advanced techniques not routinely used in the laboratory. Students are required to complete 6 ECTS in methods courses during their doctoral programme. Alternatively, students are welcome to organise a methods course in a lab abroad — LSM can provide funding support for this.
Need access to MATLAB but don't have the software? You can borrow an LSM laptop — contact the LSM Office for more details.
The retreat provides an excellent opportunity for students to present their work, engage in scientific discussions, and gain insight into the diverse research topics pursued by fellow doctoral candidates. It also fosters networking and collaboration within the program in an informal setting.
LSM students are required to participate in two 3 day retreats during their doctorate and are expected to support the organisation of at least one. Students involved with an SFB research group may count two SFB retreats — properly documented and submitted to the LSM office — as the equivalent of one LSM retreat, without the organisational requirement.
The retreat programme combines social activities such as hiking with workshops on topics including Bioethics, career development, and open discussions. Students also have the opportunity to present their work in the form of a poster or talk.
© Leonie Hinderhofer (TRR356)
LSM students are encouraged to actively participate in the academic community by presenting their research — either as a poster or talk — at an international conference (at least 3 days long) of their choice during their doctorate.
A travel fund is available to support attendance. For requesting travel funds, please email the LSM office the following and put your supervisor in CC.
-Statement, that you request funding for ... (e.g. congress, summer school,) including date and place of the event
-Detailed list of all expected costs
-Part of costs for which you request reimbursement by the LSM
-Matching Funds (part of the costs that will be covered by your lab or other sources)
Students are expected to participate in the progress report and/or journal club seminars organised by their LSM faculty supervisor's group, where they conduct their experimental research.
To register participation, please complete the group seminar form (DOC, 247 KB) and follow the instructions provided.
© Carolin Bleese
LSM doctoral students are required to accumulate 2 ECTS in teaching. This can be fulfilled by supervising students, assisting in courses, or a combination of both.
Confirmation form (PDF, 331 KB)
The progress of each student’s research project is supervised by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), consisting of the primary advisor and at least two additional expert scientists. The TAC monitors the development of the doctoral project and provides guidance on scientific direction.
In addition to formal meetings, TAC members are available for consultation throughout the course of the doctoral program. The committee evaluates whether the research progress meets the requirements for a doctoral degree and decides on the student’s admission to the thesis defense.
Students should arrange an initial meeting with their TAC members to discuss the scope, impact, feasibility, and potential risks of their research project. This first TAC meeting should take place within the first six months of the doctoral program, with subsequent meetings held annually.
LSM students are expected to participate in at least four TAC meetings during their doctoral studies including the disputation.
Please download the TAC regulations (PDF, 244 KB) and TAC form (PDF, 172 KB) here !
© Carolin Bleese
International LSM students have the opportunity to attend German language courses offered by the IUCM. These courses take place either at the Biocenter in Martinsried during the semester (subject to sufficient enrollment) or in the city during semester breaks. Courses are available for all levels of language proficiency.
LSM grant: Course costs are covered upon successful completion of the exam. Reimbursement is processed within up to four weeks after the exam results are released. There is no need to contact the LSM office, as the refund is handled directly through the IUCM (exam results are sent directly to the LSM office).
For further details, please contact LSM Office