Master Lab program

Do you want to be part of cutting-edge research topics? Is your learning driven by curiosity? Are you keen on interdisciplinary science? Then the livMatS Master Lab may be just the thing for you. This research-oriented, extra-curricular program aims to foster and broaden the research interests of motivated students in livMatS-related study programs.

New challenges for summer term 2025 are now open. Application deadline is 17 January 2025. Follow link below, scroll down to Master Lab 10.0 Summer term 2025 and click on the folder to browse challenges.

To the challenges >>>

How to apply

If you interested in working on a challenge in the Master Lab Program, send an updated CV, a one-page letter of intent, and your Bachelor’s transcript of records as one PDF to masterlab@livmats.uni-freiburg.de. The letter of intent should briefly outline your academic background and motivation to tackle one research challenge of interest. HiWi contracts start on 01 April and 01 October. Research challenges are posed every semester by members of the livMatS scientific community.

How it works

Master Lab students work on the research challenge autonomously under scientific guidance and take part in the Master Lab program (see requirements and electives below). In order to support this autonomous research, each Master lab student is awarded a young researcher grant to fund a student research contract (HiWi) and consumables. In consultation with supervisor, HiWi contracts are typically 35-45 hours a month for up to six months.

Program requirements

• Kick-off workshop on livMatS research program and good research practice (beginning of semester)
• 3 block sessions on scientific communication in multidisciplinary settings - presentations and posters (during semester)
• Master Lab colloquium - students present progress and submit research poster (end of semester break)
  
  

Program Electives

• Attend select livMatS early career researcher events to network and get taste of PhD studies
• Attend select livMatS colloquium talks
  
  

Meta-learning objectives

Students who complete the Master Lab program will be able to:

• Develop and refine research ideas into concrete research aims
• Explain key principles of livMatS research program
• Communicate their research for multidisciplinary settings
  
  

Program Certificate and Testimonials

Master Lab students who complete the program - simultaneous to working towards their respective Master’s degree - will receive a certificate attesting to the program’s achieved objectives, which serves as an additional qualification for students’ future career aspirations.
Check out previous testimonials from Master Lab students