The Helmholtz International Graduate School (HIGS) is a graduate school established by the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres to provide high-quality training and research opportunities for international students in natural sciences, engineering, and health. It is a joint initiative of the Helmholtz Centres and their partner universities in Germany.
HIGS offers structured Ph.D. programs that provide students with a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects under the guidance of experienced researchers and faculty members. The program is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and experience to become successful researchers and leaders in their chosen fields.
The Ph.D. programs offered by HIGS cover a wide range of research areas, including energy, environment, health, information technology, and materials science. Students can work on projects at one of the Helmholtz Centres or their partner universities or undertake collaborative research projects involving multiple institutions.
HIGS provides students with a range of benefits and resources, including:
Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment
Stipends and allowances to cover living expenses
Language courses and intercultural training
Networking opportunities with leading researchers and institutions
Opportunities to attend international conferences and workshops
Mentoring and career development support
The HIGS program is open to international students worldwide, and applicants are selected based on their academic excellence, research experience, and potential for future success.
The Helmholtz International Graduate School (HIGS) provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment to support the research projects undertaken by its students. These facilities are located across the Helmholtz Centres and their partner universities in Germany and cover various scientific and technological disciplines. Some of the research facilities available to HIGS students include:
High-performance computing facilities are used for large-scale simulations and data analysis in climate research, materials science, and biomedical research.
Photon and neutron sources: HIGS students have access to world-class facilities such as synchrotron radiation sources and neutron scattering facilities, which study the properties of materials and biological systems at the molecular level.
Advanced imaging and microscopy: HIGS students have access to various advanced imaging and microscopy facilities, including electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. These facilities are used for nanotechnology, cell biology, and materials science research.
Biobanks and genomics facilities: The Helmholtz Centres operate large-scale biobanks and genomics facilities that provide HIGS students access to a wealth of biological data and samples for research in fields such as personalized medicine, genetics, and drug discovery.
Environmental research facilities: The Helmholtz Centres operate several research facilities dedicated to studying the environment, including atmospheric and climate research stations, marine research vessels, and environmental monitoring networks.
These research facilities are staffed by experienced researchers and technical experts who train and support HIGS students. HIGS also provides funding and support for students to attend conferences, workshops, and other scientific events, which gives them further opportunities to collaborate and network with researchers worldwide.
The Helmholtz International Graduate School (HIGS) offers several fellowship opportunities to support international students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. program in the natural sciences, engineering, and health fields. These fellowships are designed to cover the cost of tuition, living expenses, and research expenses.
Some of the fellowships available to HIGS students include:
Helmholtz Association Ph.D. Fellowship: This fellowship provides financial support for up to three years to international students pursuing a Ph.D. program in a Helmholtz Centre or partner university in Germany.
Helmholtz Graduate School Environmental Health Fellowship: This fellowship supports international students pursuing a Ph.D. in environmental health research at one of the Helmholtz Centres.
Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) Fellowship: This fellowship financially supports international students pursuing a Ph.D. program in materials science, coastal research, or regenerative medicine at the HZG.
Helmholtz Graduate School for Macromolecular Bioscience Fellowship: This fellowship supports international students pursuing a Ph.D. in macromolecular bioscience at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research.
In addition to these fellowships, HIGS students may be eligible for other funding opportunities, such as travel, conference, and research grants. These opportunities provide students with additional support to help them achieve their research goals and develop their professional skills.
The selection process for HIGS fellowships is competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on their academic excellence, research experience, and potential for future success.