Our new doctoral program in Experimental Plant Biology brings together experts from the National Centre for Biomolecular Research, the Department of Experimental Biology, and other research teams not only from Masaryk University. It offers students the opportunity to focus on topics such as plant adaptation to climate change or modern biotechnology. The program also includes specialized PhD retreats for experience exchange and networking.
Why Was the New Program Created and What Makes It Unique?
As the program’s guarantor, Associate Professor Petra Procházková Schrumpfová, explains, the program is designed as an ambitious and integrative platform that leverages both traditional and cutting-edge approaches, from molecular biology and physiology to biotechnological applications.
“We have created a program that connects supervisors and their teams from various departments of the Faculty of Science, CEITEC Masaryk University, the Czech Academy of Sciences (e.g., Institute of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Botany, or CzechGlobe – Global Change Research Institute), and other Czech research institutions. This gives students the opportunity to work with top supervisors across the country. The doctoral studies provide ample opportunities for independent research projects, while also deepening expertise through specialized lectures related to their own research, as well as career skills and soft skills. Compared to other doctoral programs, Experimental Plant Biology offers a unique chance for students to build both professional and informal contacts with leading plant biology scientists from other Czech universities, research institutions, CAS institutes, and the commercial sector-mainly thanks to regularly organized specialized PhD retreats, which all participating students, supervisors, members of the subject-area board, and invited guests actively attend,” concludes Associate Professor Procházková Schrumpfová.
The program is guaranteed by the National Centre for Biomolecular Research (NCBR) in cooperation with the Department of Experimental Biology (DEB) at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.
“Thanks to the involvement of our institute and other partners, students can use the latest technologies in plant genomics and proteomics, structural biology, and bioinformatics,” says Professor Michaela Wimmerová, director of NCBR.
“The new program aims to bring together top researchers and their students in this field,” explains Professor Vítězslav Bryja, director of DEB, who initiated the idea for the new program. The department also plays a significant role in teaching students of the program.
A Broad Spectrum of Research Topics
The research topics in the program reflect current social and scientific challenges, such as a deeper understanding of evolutionarily successful adaptation mechanisms, whose application could potentially lead to better adaptation of cultivated plants to climate change, including higher yields and greater stress resistance. The program is open to graduates of master’s degree programs interested in plant research at the level of genomics, physiology, and biotechnological applications.
“The connection of supervisors, their teams, and students will not only be a platform for meetings and theoretical discussion, but also methodological integration-traditional approaches in experimental botany will meet the latest molecular and genomic techniques, such as genome editing,” adds Professor Martin Lysák, head of the Department of Experimental Plant Biology at DEB, which provides instruction for some of the courses.
Career Prospects for Graduates
Graduates will find opportunities not only in academic research, but also in biotechnology companies, agricultural enterprises, public administration, or international institutions focused on sustainable agriculture and food security. The program emphasizes personal and career development, scientific ambition, and building a strong community of young scientists.
Applications
Applications can be submitted electronically via IS MU from May 14 to June 15, 2025. Additional rounds will follow in line with other Faculty of Science programs.
Media Contact:
Assoc. Prof. Petra Procházková Schrumpfová, Ph.D.
e-mail: schpetra@sci.muni.cz
tel.: 776 623 426 – Zuzana Jayasundera, PR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University
Photo: Irina Matusevich
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