Scientists in protective clothing behind an optical setup.

Exploring the Frontiers of Light-Matter Interaction

The International Max Planck Research School for Advanced Photon Science (IMPRS-APS) is a graduate school dedicated to the advancement of photon science, spanning areas such as ultrafast laser science, attosecond physics, high-precision spectroscopy, biomedical applications of advanced spectroscopic methods, data science, and laser particle acceleration. Doctoral candidates benefit from extensive training opportunities, including interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, soft skills, industry exposure, and more.
Group photo of the IMPRS-APS at the annual meeting at Schloss Ringberg in 2025. People putting their hands up in the air, laughing and smiling. Blue sky and green grass with a building in the background.

Established in 2006 at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and directed by Nobel Laureate Prof. Ferenc Krausz, the IMPRS-APS provides a unique and stimulating environment for PhD students who are passionate about exploring the frontiers of light-matter interaction.

Program Highlights


▶ Interdisciplinary collaboration
▶ Cutting-edge facilities
▶ Comprehensive training
▶ Career development


Student Experience


▶ Annual meetings
▶ Soft-skills courses
▶ Special lectures

Latest News


photo of Erika Keil

A role model for women in STEM

May 13, 2025
Meet our alumnus Erika Keil!
photo of Alina Bach (woman with long brown hair)

A chemist and a cat lover

May 07, 2025
Meet our new doctoral candidate Alina Bach!
collage of our new IMPRS-APS students

Meet our new doctoral candidates

April 29, 2025
Congratulations to the nine new doctoral candidates who have been selected to become part of the IMPRS-APS!

Events

May 2025
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Company Visit at Mynaric

May 20, 2025 from 09:30 AM to 02:30 PM (Local Time Germany)

Company Visit at Mynaric

May 20, 2025 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM (Local Time Germany)
Bertha-Kipfmüller-Straße 2-8, 81249 Munich

Visit to the FRM II research reactor

Jun 20, 2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
Garching

10th Max Planck Symposium for Alumni and Early Career Researchers - SustainAbility

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 1, 2025
Harnack-Haus (Haupteingang), Ihnestr. 16, Berlin-Dahlem