CeNS provides an extensive array of activities and benefits for its community of over 300 associates, including graduate students and postdocs. Regularly organized workshops, seminars, and colloquia foster academic exchange and collaboration. Student-initiated events are highly encouraged and actively supported, promoting creativity and engagement. The interdisciplinary program is further enriched by opportunities for international exchange and professional skills training.
Master’s and PhD students, as well as PostDocs working with a CeNS member, are invited to become CeNS Associates. To apply, simply complete the application form. The CeNS office will confirm your application within approximately two weeks. By registering, you agree to support the interdisciplinary initiatives undertaken by CeNS members. Your affiliation with CeNS remains active as long as you conduct research within a CeNS member’s group. Unless otherwise specified, CeNS Associates will automatically receive the regular CeNS newsletter via the mailing list.
CeNS also issues an annual international call for applications for PhD and PostDoc positions in nanobiosciences, typically starting in December. Detailed information about job openings and access to the online application tool can be found on this website.
The CeNS Student Representatives are elected annually by the CeNS Associates. They initiate and organize training and events at CeNS, and help to develop further support measures for CeNS graduate students.
"I’m Giovanni, I started a PhD in Munich two years ago and I’ve been a CeNS associate since then. Numerous CeNS events, on top of their scientific value, really help to create a sense of community that makes a difference in your academic life and beyond! Especially if you’re new here, the familiar and international environment will help you to integrate and to enjoy your journey."
Giovanni Ferrari, CeNS PhD student at LMU Chemistry Department
Counseling and Support
As a first point of contact, feel free to get in touch with Dr. Susanne Hennig at the CeNS office. Depending on the topic, she will assist you in getting advice and support.
In case of conflicts with your supervisor, as well as other challenging situations, you can get in touch directly with the CeNS Ombudspersons for informal, independent and confidential counseling.
At theGraduateCenterLMUyou can get individual advice on doctoral studies at LMU Munich. The focus is on non subject-specific issues of a doctorate. Consultation may address, for example, the following topics:
Orientation and first steps towards a doctorate at LMU Munich
Decision-making
Time and Self-Management
Challenges in relation to supervision
Preparation for difficult conversations, dealing with conflictual situations
Developing vistas for professional and personal perspectives (career/life path)
As the central unit for all matters related to doctoral studies at LMU Munich, the GraduateCenterLMU aims to optimize the conditions for all doctoral candidates at the university (both those participating in doctoral programs and individual doctoral candidates). In addition, LMU Gateway offers assistance for incoming international scientific staff, be it PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, or newly appointed professors at LMU, in all matters related to their relocation.
CeNS Buddy System
When you start a PhD abroad, there are so many new things to learn and handle. Sometimes, all the To do‘s and being new in town can feel a little overwhelming. Do you need someone to talk to directly? Maybe someone in a similar position, or just someone to support you if your are "lost in translation"? - Check out our CeNS buddy system and fill out the contact request!
Do you want to be a buddy and support an incoming CeNS PhD student? Register here. Are you new in town and need a buddy? Register here.
International exchange
Although CeNS is based in Munich, the activities of the network reach much further. CeNS Graduate students can profit from exchange programs such as the Junior Nanotech Network, organized by CeNS about every other year with different partner universities, such as the University of Cambridge, University of California Santa Barbara, University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign, Tel Aviv University, or McGill University. In addition, international workshops such as the annual CeNS workshop in Venice, the Functional DNA Nanotechnology Workshop, the International Physics of Living Systems Network (iPoLS) and others are a perfect platform to build and strengthen international contacts.
Social highlights of the academic year are the Welcome event in October, the CeNS retreat in winter/spring, the CeNS summer party after "CeNS meets Industry" in July and the traditional CeNS Get-together in December.
Team activities such as B2Run or Münchner Stadtradeln strengthen the community spirit within CeNS.
The CeNS band "unCeNSiert" has been bringing together researchers of CeNS and students from the LMU physics department who play music since 2008. For joining in (or booking the band for events) please contact: Martin Benoit (Tel.: 089-2180 3133).
CeNS band UnCeNSiert playing at "25 years of CeNS" anniversary
