MPGC Students’ Seminar

The MPGC Students’ Seminar offers an excellent opportunity for scientific exchange within the graduate center and is an integral component of the MPGC curriculum.

Each doctoral researcher is required to present their research at least once during their doctoral phase. During the seminar, students present the latest results of their interdisciplinary projects to a broad audience of students from the participating Max Planck Institutes and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

The interdisciplinary setting is a key strength of the seminar. Presenting to researchers from different scientific backgrounds provides valuable training in communicating complex ideas beyond one’s own field. It strengthens presentation skills, encourages clear scientific argumentation, and offers practical experience in handling questions and discussion in a diverse academic environment.

Beyond formal presentations, the seminar fosters constructive feedback on scientific results and presentation techniques. It also promotes informal discussion, networking, and exchange across research areas and institutions. Many participants identify shared interests, develop new perspectives on their work, and initiate potential collaborations through these interactions.

Held regularly throughout the academic year, the MPGC Students’ Seminar contributes to building a doctoral community while reinforcing the interdisciplinary character of the graduate center.