The CeMM PhD Program offers an exceptional doctoral training experience that combines rigorous academic coursework, hands-on research, and personalized mentoring, and is based on the guidelines of the Medical University of Vienna (Doctoral Program UN94). Designed for aspiring scientists in molecular medicine and biomedical research, this innovative PhD program in Austria begins with an intensive 3-month Introductory Phase. During this period, students are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that fosters critical thinking, scientific responsibility, and a collaborative peer network.
Throughout the four-year PhD program, candidates engage in a structured curriculum that includes foundational seminars in molecular medicine, cell biology, and bioethics, along with dissertation seminars and regular Journal Clubs. Weekly institute-wide seminars provide an interactive platform for students to present their research and receive feedback from leading experts and CeMM Faculty. By the end of the first year, each student will nominate members for a dedicated PhD committee comprising two established researchers in the relevant field. This committee will convene annually throughout the program to provide ongoing scientific guidance and career development support.
By integrating high-level scientific training with professional development, the CeMM PhD Program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship necessary to become leaders in academic and translational research.
CeMM PhD Yearly Overview
1st Year
The first year of the CeMM PhD Program is designed to help students become familiar with the CeMM research environment, build essential scientific skills, develop the outline of their PhD project, and obtain preliminary research results. This year combines practical training, coursework, and interactive scientific engagement in a highly collaborative and international setting.
Introductory Program
All new PhD students begin their studies with an intensive Introductory Program, which lays the foundation for a successful research journey.
- Kick-off lectures and seminars (4 weeks): A dynamic series of talks and seminars delivered by CeMM Faculty, successful scientists, and professionals from the Viennese biotech, medical, and academic research communities. These sessions help students develop into knowledgeable, critical, and responsible researchers while forming valuable peer connections.
- Bioinformatics course (2 weeks): Hands-on training led by the CeMM Bioinformatics group, focusing on R programming, statistics, and essential data analysis tools. This course ensures that students gain the practical skills needed for computational research.
- Lab rotation (4 weeks): Students join a host laboratory at CeMM (outside their own lab) to explore different research approaches, meet new colleagues, and learn techniques relevant to their future PhD projects.
- Project development (2 weeks): A focused period for reviewing relevant literature and formulating project ideas. Students are supported through workshops and group sessions aimed at strengthening their research planning and writing skills.
PhD Project Proposal & Mandatory Coursework
After six months, each student presents a detailed PhD project proposal to the CeMM Faculty, receiving constructive feedback to refine and strengthen their research direction.
Throughout the first year, students participate in mandatory coursework, including:
- Basic seminars and propedeutics in molecular medicine, cell biology, and ethics.
- Dissertation seminars and regular Journal Clubs.
- Weekly CeMM-wide seminars featuring international high-impact researchers.
These activities ensure broad exposure to current topics in biomedical science and support continuous academic development. Students also have dedicated meetings with guest speakers, offering opportunities to network and discuss their research.
PhD Committee & Thesis Proposal
By the end of the first year, students formally establish their PhD committee—a group of experienced researchers who provide scientific guidance and career mentorship throughout the PhD. Additionally, students submit their thesis proposal in accordance with the guidelines of the Medical University of Vienna (Doctoral Program UN94).
2nd Year
In the second year of the CeMM PhD Program, students fully immerse themselves in their PhD research projects. This phase emphasizes independent thinking, the deepening of expertise, the advancement of their research, and active participation in CeMM’s collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. With strong support from mentors and peers, students continue to grow into critical, independent scientists.
During the second year, PhD students strengthen their scientific network, develop presentation skills, and make significant progress on their PhD projects. Throughout the year, they also continue to expand their knowledge and competencies through structured academic activities:
- Mandatory coursework, including basic seminars, dissertation seminars, and Hot Topics Journal Clubs, where PhD students analyze and discuss recently published scientific papers with faculty. This setting strengthens their ability to think critically and stay updated on the latest advances in biomedical research.
- Attendance of CeMM seminars, featuring international, high-impact researchers, along with dedicated meetings between speakers and PhD students to foster direct scientific exchange.
- Work-in-progress presentations at weekly in-house seminars open to all CeMM scientific staff . These sessions help PhD students improve both their scientific communication and presentation skills, while receiving valuable feedback from peers and faculty.
In addition to internal milestones, students are encouraged to attend at least one international conference or summer school to gain exposure to the broader scientific community, present their work, and expand their professional network.
The year culminates with the second PhD committee meeting, where the student’s advisory team reviews research progress and provides scientific and career guidance.
3rd Year
During the third year of the CeMM PhD Program, students focus on advancing their PhD research project toward publication. By the end of the year, the project should evolve into a manuscript ready for submission to a peer-reviewed journal as a first-author publication—a key milestone in every PhD student’s academic development.
In parallel, students are encouraged to reflect on their career development. Participation in the CeMM Career Days is strongly recommended, providing insight into diverse career paths in academic research, biotech, industry, and science policy. Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to attend and present at international scientific conferences, where they can showcase their work, engage with the global research community, and build meaningful professional connections.
Throughout the year, students continue to participate in essential academic activities, including:
- Mandatory attendance of dissertation seminars and Journal Clubs, where they stay up to date with current literature and sharpen their critical thinking skills.
- Participation in CeMM seminars, featuring international, high-impact researchers, as well as dedicated meetings between guest speakers and PhD students for in-depth discussions and career insights.
- Work-in-progress presentations at the weekly in-house seminar, offering PhD students an opportunity to receive constructive feedback to refine their work and improve their scientific communication skills.
- The third PhD committee meeting, offering structured guidance on research progress and next steps.
The third year at CeMM is a time of consolidation, reflection, and progress—when students work toward scientific publication while preparing for the final stage of their PhD journey and the transition to the next phase of their research careers.
4th Year
As the final step of the CeMM PhD Program, students submit and defend their PhD thesis, marking the formal completion of their doctoral journey at CeMM. After graduation, students are highly encouraged to confidently take the next step in their scientific careers, whether in academic research, clinical practice, or the biomedical and biotech industries. With a strong foundation in critical thinking, experimental design, and interdisciplinary collaboration, CeMM alumni are well-prepared for research-based positions and leadership roles across the global life sciences landscape.
The final phase includes:
- PhD thesis submission and defense, in accordance with the guidelines of the Medical University of Vienna
- A formal transition from student to independent scientist, supported by CeMM’s training, mentorship, and international network
Graduates of the CeMM PhD Program are individuals committed to scientific excellence, and their career paths are wide open for research-based positions in academia, healthcare, and the life sciences industry. The program equips them with the skills, mindset, and international outlook to thrive in today’s global biomedical research landscape.
