Projects

The IMPRS FMD offers collaborative projects to the doctoral students. Applicants to a doctoral position should indicate which project they are applying for in their application. Before applying, read carefully our application procedure, with a list of required documents. You can find all project at a glance here: IMPRS Projects 2026.

• Project 01 Chiral bio-inspired metamaterials for sensing and photocatalysis
  Required background: Chemistry or physical chemistry. Previous experience in optical spectroscopy, nanomaterials, or nanoparticle synthesis is appreciated but not essential. PI: Antonio Carone, MPI of Colloids and Interfaces In collaboration with: Ilko Bald, University of Potsdam
• Project 02 Designing polyhedral and shape-changing architectures from glycan building blocks
  Required background: Applied mathematics or computational science background, with strong interest in geometry, topology, or structural/computational modelling. Experience with computational geometry or scientific programming (Python, Houdini, Blender) is a plus; motivation to learn is essential. PI: Myfanwy Evans, University of Potsdam. In collaboration with: Martina Delbianco, MPICI
• Project 03 From well-defined glycans to responsive nanomaterials
  Required background: MSc degree in chemistry or related subjects. Experience in organic chemistry and/or materials science. Motivation to learn new characterization methods and molecular modelling, independent thinking, team spirit, and communication will be the main drivers of a successful project. PI: Martina Delbianco (MPI-KG). In collaboration with: Yu Ogawa (MPI-KG) and Myfanwy Evans (Uni Potsdam)
• Project 04 Guiding Matter with Light: From Chiral Particle Separation to Functional Photonic Assemblies
  Required background: MSc in physics, soft matter/materials science or a related field. Familiarity with optics, soft matter, colloid/interface science is an advantage. Prior experience with optical setups, polymer and colloidal science is welcome but not required. PI: Svetlana Santer, University of Potsdam. In collaboration with: Huachuan Du, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces
• Project 05 Light-emissive biohybrid materials from bioluminescent bacteria
  Required background: Prospective students should hold an M.Sc. in physics or a related discipline. Candidates should have a solid foundation in optical materials and biophysics, together with a strong interest in these fields. Prior experience in spectroscopy, (biological) imaging, and microfabrication is advantageous. PI: Vera Titze, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces. In collaboration with: Carsten Beta, Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam.
• Project 06 Programming Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Assembly through Controlled Hydration
  Required background: Materials chemistry, polymer physics, and polymer chemistry; advanced research experience with SAXS and NMR is a plus. PI: Wenyang Xu (Dr., Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces), Silvia Vignolini (Prof. Dr., Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces) In collaboration with: Rainer Haag (Prof. Dr., Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin), Chuanxiong Nie (Dr., Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin)
• Project 07 Shining light on synthetic cell division and condensate endocytosis
  Required background: MSc in (bio)physics, chemistry, soft matter/materials science, engineering or a related field. Familiarity with membrane biophysics, colloid/interface science is an advantage. Prior experience with fluorescence/confocal microscopy, vesicle preparation, or optical setups is welcome but not required. PI: Rumiana Dimova (Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces). In collaboration with: Svetlana Santer, Univ. of Potsdam
• Project 08 Tailorable Amino-Acid-modified Cellulose Nanomaterials for Biological Interactions
  Required background: This interdisciplinary PhD project combines materials chemistry, supramolecular science, nanotechnology and biology. The candidate should have sufficient knowledge in polymer chemistry, especially in colloidal chemistry and carbohydrate chemistry. Research experience with biology is highly encouraged. PI: Rainer Haag (Prof. Dr., Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin). In collaboration with: Silvia Vignolini (Prof. Dr., Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces), Wenyang Xu (Dr., Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces), Chuanxiong Nie (Dr., Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin).
• Project 09 Water-Soluble Polypeptide for Structural Coloration
  Required background: The candidates are supposed to possess knowledge and also be experienced in organic chemistry, polymer science, and materials characterization. PI: Silvia Vignolini (MPIKG), Dr. Xiaowen Wu (MPIKG). In collaboration with: Helmut Schlaad (U Potsdam)