The programme reflects key challenges in the field of experimental plant biology, with an emphasis on plant responses to environmental and climate change or food security issues. The programme aims to deepen the fundamental understanding of biological processes in plant systems, from molecular and cellular mechanisms to physiological processes. Students will gain a broad and in-depth knowledge of plant research, focusing on plant molecular and cell biology, physiology and metabolism, genome analysis and genetic engineering, hormone regulation or biotechnology. Graduates will be well prepared for careers in the academic and private sectors, particularly in the biotechnology and agricultural industries, both nationally and internationally.

The Doctoral Programme in Experimental Plant Biology (ExPBio) is created as an interdisciplinary initiative connecting two institutes of the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University - the National Centre for Biomolecular Research (NCBR) and the Institute of Experimental Biology (IEB). The aim is to enable students to work under the guidance of highly qualified supervisors not only within these two institutes, but also in collaboration with the research centre at MU, the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC MU), which has extensive expertise in plant research. The programme also includes research topics addressed in plant laboratories of other collaborating research institutions in Brno and beyond, including external trainers from the Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (IBP CAS CR, Brno), the Global Change Research Institute CAS (CzechGlobe CAS CR, Brno), the Institute of Experimental Botany of the CAS (IEB CAS CR, Olomouc) and many others.

Involvement in top-notch teams and annual PhD Retreat

An important contribution to the development of practical skills of students of the PhD programme in Experimental Plant Biology is their active involvement in research teams in the laboratories of their supervisors. They can gain further professional experience through collaborations with other departments. A key interactive element is the annual PhD Retreat, which provides students with valuable feedback and opportunities to interact with other students, supervisors and members of the Doctoral Board. The Doctoral Board is conceived as an interdisciplinary consortium composed of experts from different institutions, providing linkages across the entire spectrum of modern plant biology and enabling collaborations with different research institutions or companies.

Part of the degree requirements of the PhD programme include completion of a part of the study at a foreign institution of at least one month, participation in a creative project with results published or presented abroad, or other form of direct participation of the student in international collaboration.

Where will you find a job after your studies?

The newly established PhD programme in Experimental Plant Biology aims to prepare Czech and international students for independent scientific and research work, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a wide range of basic or applied research at an international level. Graduates will be well prepared for careers in academic or other research environments. They will find opportunities in universities, research institutes, biotechnology and agricultural companies, as well as in laboratories focused on plant protection and environmental sustainability, where they will be able to continue their scientific investigations and develop new research projects.