The IMP offers a dynamic scientific environment for students and scientists at all levels of training. IMP scientists have a passion for research, which extends not only to their own work but also to work of colleagues and neighbors. Research at the IMP is multidisciplinary, combining biologists, computer scientists, and physicists, for example, in one place. Regardless of one’s background, the IMP is a place to learn. The concentration of top class research at the IMP generates energy among the scientists. This intensity and excitement of discovery provide the foundations of the outstanding research at the Institute.
Researchers of all backgrounds will find intellectual stimulation at the IMP. The weekly VBC Thursday seminar series invites renowned scientists to present their discoveries; everyone is encouraged to interact with these guests. Additionally there is a monthly IMP seminar series "Max Birnstiel Lectures" to highlight additional outstanding scientific researchers from around the world. Monday seminars provide an opportunity to find out what breakthroughs are being made within the IMP and at the VBC: doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers present their work once a year to the VBC community. Journal clubs, informal seminars, and the VBC lecture series provide opportunities to delve deeper into a subject of interest. The annual IMP recess provides an intense overview of current research from all of the IMP groups.
Vienna has a continuously expanding of fering of scientific meetings and conferences. The students of the VBC International PhD program organize an annual symposium focused on an emerging field in biology, again recruiting international researchers both as speakers and as guests. Interactions with other scientific research institutions in Vienna provide opportunities to extend one’s scope beyond the disciplines investigated on the VBC campus.
The IMP has a tremendous infrastructure, on par with the best research institutes in the world despite the IMP’s relatively small size. The support facilities and services are substantial; they eliminate the need to worry about mundane details and allow everyone to focus on science. The IMP provides an extremely supportive environment for scientists at all levels. For instance, the grants department provides help with funding, public relations will prepare press releases, and the graphics department can advise on figures and presentations. Researchers will find they have few or no administrative duties, due to a talented and extremely helpful administrative support staff.
The excellent reputation of the IMP at tracts outstanding students and post-docs from around the world. Vienna is a fantastic city, with a high quality of life and an international appeal. English is widely spoken. All of these factors contribute to the international character of the IMP and make it an exciting place to pursue scientific discovery.
