About the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA)

CGA is a joint initiative of the University of Cologne Excellence Cluster CECAD, the University Hospital of Cologne, and the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing and Metabolism Research. With its interdisciplinary environment, CGA provides world-class training for PhD researchers aiming to understand ageing, lifespan, and healthspan at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels.

What the PhD Program Offers

Selected candidates will benefit from:

• Fully funded contracts of at least 3 years (German TV-L E13 65% scale or equivalent Max Planck Society contract).
• Access to 49 interdisciplinary research groups spanning biology, genetics, bioinformatics, and structural biology.
• Structured training in English with advanced coursework, seminars, and workshops.
• Thesis Advisory Committee supervision for personalized guidance.
• Career mentoring, methodology training, and soft skills development.
• Annual travel grants for international conferences.
• Comprehensive support for international students, including visa and relocation assistance.

Research Areas

CGA PhD researchers will explore cutting-edge topics, including:

• Developmental and evolutionary biology
• Genetics and epigenetics of ageing
• Structural and cell biology
• Molecular and biochemical pathways affecting lifespan and healthspan

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

• Hold (or be close to completing) an MSc or equivalent in Biology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine, or related fields.
• Have an excellent academic track record.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in ageing research.
• Possess very good English proficiency (C1 level) in both written and spoken communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the program open to international students?
Yes, students from all over the world are encouraged to apply. Visa, relocation, and integration support is available.

Q2: What is the working language?
The program is entirely conducted in English, including research, seminars, and coursework.

Q3: Can I apply before finishing my Master’s degree?
Yes, but you must have your degree before officially starting the PhD program.

Q4: Do I need to speak German?
No, German is not required for admission. However, basic German skills can be helpful for daily life in Cologne.

Q5: Are interdisciplinary projects encouraged?
Yes, CGA promotes collaboration across multiple institutes, integrating molecular biology with computational and clinical approaches.

Application Details

• Application Period: August 12 – November 3, 2025
• Apply Online: CGA Online Application Portal
• Contact Email: cga-coordination@uni-koeln.de
• More Information: CGA Official Website

CGA strongly encourages applications from women, international candidates, and underrepresented groups. Preference will be given to equally qualified applicants with disabilities.

These scholarships are funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and focus on innovative, interdisciplinary research in water resources engineering and environmental sciences.

Key Details – ENWAT PhD Program 2026

• Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
• Program Start Date: October 1, 2026
• Location: University of Stuttgart, Germany
• Degree Awarded: Dr.-Ing. (Doctorate in Engineering)
• Funding: Full DAAD scholarship for non-German applicants

Why Choose the ENWAT Doctoral Program?

The ENWAT PhD Program is a prestigious 3-year structured doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences designed for global talent. It combines cutting-edge research, sustainability, and international collaboration.

Benefits of the Program:

• 100% funding through DAAD scholarships for eligible international students
• Research under world-class professors on globally relevant water resource issues
• Multidisciplinary and international research environment
• Official doctorate title (Dr.-Ing.) from one of Germany’s top universities
• Tailored mentorship and career development opportunities

Available PhD Research Topics (2026 Cohort)

Applicants can choose one or more of the following high-impact research projects:

1. Real-time COD Monitoring for Sustainable Water Management
   Advisor: Prof. Dr. Patrick Bräutigam
2. Interactions of Microplastics and Micropollutants in Water and Soil
   Advisors: Prof. Bräutigam, Dr. Haslauer, Dr. Junginger, Dr. Deggelmann
3. HydroFusion: Coupling Shallow-Water and Porous-Media Flow Models
   Advisors: Prof. Flemisch, Prof. Class, Dr. Schwindt
4. End-to-End Hydrological Modelling Using Machine Learning
   Advisor: Prof. Wolfgang Nowak
5. Surfactant Impacts on Microbial Glyphosate Degraders in Freshwater Sediments
   Advisor: Prof. Sarah Kleindienst
6. Seasonal Variation of Greenhouse Gas Production in Wastewater Treatment
   Advisor: Prof. Sarah Kleindienst

These projects integrate experimental science, machine learning, and sustainability research to address urgent environmental engineering challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ENWAT PhD Scholarship, applicants must:

• Hold an MSc, Dipl.-Ing., or equivalent degree (minimum 4-year program)
• Have completed their last degree within the past 6 years
• Be non-German international applicants
• Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of DAAD nomination (December 2025)
• Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
• Show strong academic performance and motivation for interdisciplinary research

Required Application Documents

All documents must be in English or German (with certified translations if applicable):

• CV with academic history, publications, and awards
• BSc and MSc certificates & transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Two recent academic reference letters (on the official form)
• Motivation letter (1 page)
• Applicant summary (1 page)

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application and upload all required documents.
2. Provide your referees with the official evaluation form and cover letter.
3. Selected candidates will be invited to online interviews (e.g., via Skype).
4. Finalists must complete a DAAD application after ENWAT nomination.

Application Links by Project:

• Interactions of Microplastics and Micropollutants in Water and Agricultural Soils
• Real-time COD Monitoring for Sustainable Water Management
• Seasonal Variation of Greenhouse Gas Production in Wastewater Treatment
• Surfactant Impacts on Microbial Glyphosate Degraders in Freshwater Sediments
• HydroFusion: Coupling Shallow-Water and Porous-Media Flow Models
• End-to-End Hydrological Modelling Using Machine Learning

Contact:
Dr.-Ing. Gabriele M. Hartmann
gabriele.hartmann@f02.uni-stuttgart.de
+49 711 685 66585

Special Notes for Applicants from Sanctioned Countries

Due to software restrictions, applicants from Syria, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk may not have access to the online portal. In such cases, send your application directly via email with:

• Country name and project title in the subject line
• All documents compiled in one PDF file

Why Study Water Resources in Germany?

Germany is a global leader in engineering, sustainability, and environmental sciences. Studying at the University of Stuttgart means joining a vibrant international research community while living in one of Europe’s most innovative and sustainable cities.