Helmholtz Munich Graduate School (HELENA)
HELENA: Advancing the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders
Join HELENA for a journey towards a successful future.
HELENA serves as an exceptional springboard for doctoral researchers pursuing careers in research, industry, and management. The program offers:
- Intensive scientific training over all research topics
- Integration into a lively multidisciplinary and international faculty
- Supervision and mentoring by a personal thesis advisory committee
- Opportunities to work on translational projects bridging basic and clinical research
- Access to cutting-edge technology platforms and professional biostatistics training & coaching
- Financial support for active conference participation and international research stays
- Scientific Training and Career Development Program (for doctoral researchers & postdocs) focused on fostering professional skill growth
- Career guidance and coaching through the Career Center, including Individual Career Development Plans
HELENA ensures the highest international quality standards by offering doctoral researchers secure 3+1-year contracts, supervision agreements, and dedicated personal Thesis Advisory Committees that foster scientific independence and exploration. The program emphasizes good scientific practice through mandatory training in Good Scientific Practice and Statistics & Reproducibility, alongside initiatives such as professional supervisor training in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich and MPI Biochemistry. Additional support is provided by Ombudspersons and elected Doctoral Researcher Representatives, who advocate for their peers and help cultivate a dynamic and enriching educational environment. On average, over 100 doctoral researchers successfully complete their doctoral theses through HELENA every year, earning degrees from partner universities. The two best dissertations are awarded the prestigious HELENA Doctoral Researcher Award (€ 2500).
The research schools within the Helmholtz Munich Graduate School (HELENA) provide a specialized, interdisciplinary environment for advanced research and academic growth. They foster collaboration, intellectual exchange, and innovation among doctoral researchers through seminars, workshops, and research stays, promoting critical thinking and scientific excellence.
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HELENA offers you comprehensive scientific and professional training. It includes mandatory elements, scientific training, and professional skills development. You have the flexibility to tailor your curriculum by choosing from a variety of lectures, courses, seminars, retreats, summer schools, and scientific conferences. Additionally, you can complement your training through courses and seminars offered by universities or other graduate programs, which can be accredited by HELENA upon certification from the respective institutions.
The Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) plays a vital role in guiding and supporting you throughout your thesis journey. Composed of experienced faculty members and experts in the relevant field, the TAC provides valuable feedback, advice, and oversight to ensure the successful completion of the research project. The committee members collaborate closely with you, offering guidance on research methodology, data analysis, and overall project direction. Through regular meetings and constructive discussions, the TAC assists in maintaining high standards of academic excellence and helps you navigate any challenges or obstacles encountered during the thesis process.
The Campus Management System (CaMS) is a platform that provides convenient features for booking courses, seminars and coaching sessions, as well as accessing your training course progress. It also includes the organizational processes for doctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Munich Graduate School. All data management within CaMS complies with data protection regulations.
Your Doctoral Representatives
Each year, doctoral representatives are elected to advocate for the interests of doctoral researchers at Helmholtz Munich. They are also part of DINI and act as a bridge between doctoral researchers and Helmholtz Munich’s management.
For 2024–2025, your representatives are:
- Almudena Garcia & Yonca Büke Seymen (Elected Representatives)
- Joshua Hadi (Deputy Representative)
National Representation – Helmholtz Juniors
In addition to local support, doctoral researchers at Helmholtz Munich are also represented at the national level through the Helmholtz Juniors network. This group connects doctoral researchers across all Helmholtz centers in Germany, working on key topics such as career development, supervision, and doctoral policies.
The Helmholtz Juniors for 2024–2025 from Helmholtz Munich are:
- Kevin Merchant & Ekin Cicek
Doctoral Researchers’ Initiative (DINI) is a community-driven initiative that organizes various activities for doctoral researchers, helping you connect with peers, expand your professional network, and make the most of your time at Helmholtz Munich. The team also maintains close communication with the Helmholtz Munich Graduate School Office and management to ensure that doctoral researchers have access to relevant resources, training, and support.
All research at Helmholtz Munich is conducted according to the rules of Good Scientific Practice. The ombudspersons are the first point of contact for good scientific practice at Helmholtz Munich. They advise employees on all matters of good scientific practice and investigate allegations by talking to those involved. They also mediate in cases of conflict between doctoral researchers and their supervisors. All conversations are strictly confidential. These six ombudspersons are currently Prof. Dr. Dr. H.-Erich Wichmann, Prof. Dr. Rolf Holle, Dr. Melanie Waldenberger, Prof. Dr. Paul Pfluger, Dr. Siegfried Ussar and Prof. Dr. Aloys Schepers.
Helmholtz Munich Graduate School Team
Research School Coordinators
