The CeMM PhD Program
Established in 2006, the CeMM PhD Program is an internationally recognized training initiative that has attracted top-tier students from 44 countries. The program offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scientists to access a cutting-edge, international research environment at a leading life science institute in Vienna - the heart of Europe.
Giulio Superti-Furga, CeMM’s Founding Director, serves as Dean of the PhD Program, guiding its core principles of excellence, competitiveness, internationality, mentoring, and training. Built on CeMM’s unique mode of "super-cooperation," the program is proudly run in partnership with:
- The Medical University of Vienna
- The St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI)
- AITHYRA (the Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence of the Austrian Academy of Sciences)
Training Scientists of the Future
What sets the CeMM PhD Program apart is its interdisciplinary and collaborative research culture. We bring together life scientists, medical doctors, computer scientists, chemists, and physicists to solve complex biomedical questions, fostering a diverse environment that drives innovation and scientific discovery.
The Onboarding Phase
Before diving into their research, students spend their first three months in a dedicated introductory phase designed to build a strong foundation. This includes:
- Lectures by the CeMM Faculty and the Viennese science community
- A scientific graphic design workshop
- A bioinformatics training module
- A hands-on lab rotation
- A collaborative project development phase
Our Unique "Collect-Connect-Contribute" Framework
During the research phase, training is structured around three core pillars:
- Collect: Focuses on the generation and management of high-quality data using cutting-edge technologies to address medically relevant problems.
- Connect: Moves beyond descriptive cellular observations toward a mechanistic, predictive understanding of biological systems.
- Contribute: Helps students contextualize their scientific findings within broader societal and global challenges.
Beyond the Lab: Comprehensive Career Training
CeMM PhD students are not only immersed in world-class biomedical research but also trained in vital professional skills to prepare them for future leadership roles in translational science and beyond:
- Scientific integrity & writing
- Project & conflict management
- Networking & international collaboration
- Technology transfer & patenting
- Science communication & public outreach
A Global, Inclusive Scientific Community
At CeMM, diversity drives discovery. Our PhD community includes students representing 26 nationalities, working together in English in an open, inclusive, and collaborative atmosphere. We believe that diverse perspectives inspire creativity and lead to more impactful science.
To date, more than 115 students have successfully completed their PhD at CeMM, with 84 more currently pursuing their research journeys with us.
Join the CeMM PhD Program
If you are passionate about biomedical research, eager to explore translational medicine, and excited to work in an international, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment, the CeMM PhD Program offers the perfect foundation for your scientific career.
