Graduate education at the Heidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Physics (HGSFP)

The deep relations emerging between astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, and the physics of complex quantum systems are at the focus of research in fundamental physics at Heidelberg. These fields are expected to undergo vehement evolution in the years to come: particle physics because of the upcoming Large Hadron Collider at CERN, astronomy because of rapid and ongoing advances in the observational domain, and quantum dynamics and complex quantum systems because of recent breakthroughs in the design of ultra-cold few-body and many-body systems. For developing our understanding further, fundamental physics needs a new generation of researchers which are capable of working across the field boundaries. Their education and training is what the Graduate School of Fundamental Physics strives to achieve.

Three core fields or modern fundamental physics are addressed in the School:

Fundamental Interactions and Cosmology
Astronomy and Cosmic Physics
Quantum Dynamics and Complex Quantum Systems

The Graduate School of Fundamental Physics combines doctoral projects from the forefront of international research with a broad and deep teaching program in these core areas of fundamental physics and emphasising their interrelations. The modular structure of the teaching program allows the assembly of individual curricula. Our school provides an excellent and flexible education. It introduces the students to modern fundamental physics and offers the excitement of the scientific adventure of cutting-edge research. The international graduate programme in fundamental physics was established through the joint efforts of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Heidelberg University, the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. In particular the International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Cosmic Physics at the University of Heidelberg (IMPRS-HD) is an independent part of the Heidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Physics. The HGSFP branch of Astronomy and Cosmic Physics is effectively identical with the IMPRS-HD. The admission and the programme are coordinated with the IMPRS-HD. In addition to this Max Planck Research School, the students of the Max Planck Research School for Precision Tests of Fundamental Symmetries are also students of the HGSFP, and those who choose to study physics in the Max Planck Research School for Quantum Dynamics are also included in the HGSFP.

International partnerships and exchange programs with world-leading universities and institutes complement our comprehensive program.

For further information see the flyer below for students or with general information.

Flyer: General Information

Flyer: Information for Students