Doctoral School of Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry

The Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences runs a Doctoral School of Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry (DSMBBC) entitled to grant PhD degrees in biological and chemical sciences.

The education cycle at DSMBBC lasts 4 years and ends in a public defense of  a PhD dissertation. Doctoral theses are evaluated by Polish and foreign reviewers. Each year, DSMBBC students are required to submit a annual report. The report is reviewed by three/four researchers, i.e. the Supervisor(s) and two additional Evaluators, who then meet directly with the PhD student to discuss the progress of research, existing problems and means of solving them. Additionally, PhD students undergo an evaluation process at the mid-point of the 4-year education period.

PhD research projects are financed through funds obtained by the Supervisor. However, PhD students may apply for additional funds and as part of their skill training submit their own research proposals, including those for IBB PAS mini-grants. Mini-grants are evaluated by external reviewers and each year around 10 mini-grants are awarded. The allocated budget (up to 20 000 PLN, 20% indirect costs) may be used to purchase reagents, small equipment or to cover the costs of participation in scientific conferences or workshops. Moreover, in the frame of DSMBBC, each PhD student is also entitled to additional funds for travel and registration expenses for academic conferences or training. (Regulations, Forms and templates)

Each PhD Student receives a scholarship. PhD students are subject to compulsory insurance: pension, disability pension. Sickness insurance is voluntary and coverage is provided at the PhD student’s request.

Each PhD student may receive funds (up to 12,000 PLN during four years of training) dedicated to cover the costs of participation in a scientific conference, training – Conference and Internship Grants (Regulations, Forms).

PhD students are also subject to health insurance (details to be discussed with the Department of Human Resources of IBB PAS). In addition to free state medical care, DSMBBC students may also inscribe at low-cost for an extended medical package.

IBB PAS PhD students also have the opportunity to attend free foreign language courses, including French, German, Italian, English and Polish for foreigners.

Each year, PhD students participate in an annual Reporting Session, whose purpose is to exchange research ideas, discuss results, but also integrate the student community. PhD students also have the opportunity to participate in other joint activities, e.g. kayaking, board games or theatre spectacles.