The “Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering” (BIG-NSE) is offering ten scholarships for a PhD in Berlin in the field of Catalysis. The next deadline for applications is March 15 2010 for applicants who wish to be considered for a BIG-NSE scholarship.
The entry requirements for the BIG-NSE are:
• A Master‘s degree or German Diploma in chemistry, biology, physics or engineering.
• A Certificate of English Proficiency (TOEFL with a minimum of 550 – paper-based version -, or equivalent) for applicants whose native language is neither English nor German.
• Two letters of recommendation.
The BIG-NSE offers a structured curriculum for obtaining the degree of “Doctor” within 3 years. The main characteristic of the BIG-NSE is a comprehensive integration and mentoring programme for its students, especially foreign students. It includes:
• An “Initial Phase”, with intensive support, especially for administrative and integration aspects.
• Preparation of a schedule by the students themselves during the first semester.
• Continuous supervision by two professors/senior scientists and one mentor.
• Regular evaluation of the students’ work/study achievements.
• Continuous support for all professional and social aspects.
• Regular lectures presented by renowned guest scientists from all over the world.
• Language and soft skill courses.
• Financial support for scientific and teaching materials.
The School is part of the Cluster of Excellence “Unified Concepts in Catalysis” (UniCat – see http://www.unicat.tu-berlin.de/) founded in November 2007 by the TUB and five further Institutions in the Berlin area within the framework of the German government‘s “Excellence Initiative”.
The main research interest of the UniCat and BIG-NSE Faculty is “Catalysis”, in a broad sense. The research fields involved cover a broad range of topics, from natural sciences to engineering. The faculty consists of internationally renowned professors and junior researchers from up to 60 research groups at 6 participating institutions and active in 13 research fields, who will be intensively involved in the supervision and mentoring of the BIG-NSE students.
A link to further information on the Graduate School can be found at (www.big-nse.tu-berlin.de). Applications will only be accepted via the online application system, a link to which can be found on the same webpage. Applications should be submitted before March 15 2010. Candidates should specify on which project area they wish to work. Informal enquiries on specific projects should be directed to the relevant supervisor. Successful candidates should be available to start around October 2010.
Source: http://www.big-nse.tu-berlin.de/
