Scientists in protective clothing behind an optical setup.

Exploring the Frontiers of Light-Matter Interaction

The International Max Planck Research School for Advanced Photon Science (IMPRS-APS) is a graduate school dedicated to the advancement of photon science, spanning areas such as ultrafast laser science, attosecond physics, high-precision spectroscopy, biomedical applications of advanced spectroscopic methods, data science, and laser particle acceleration. Doctoral candidates benefit from extensive training opportunities, including interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, soft skills, industry exposure, and more.

Latest News


Photo of Prof. Ferenc Krausz, Zheng Wei with doctoral hat, and Prof. Satoshi Ashihara (from left to right). They are standing in front of a black board.

Congratulations to Zheng Wei!

March 05, 2026
Zheng has successfully defended his thesis in the group of Prof. Ferenc Krausz. 
photo of Manoram Agarwal in a red t-shirt next to a black board with equations

Lifting the curtain on ionization

March 04, 2026
Our doctoral candidate Manoram Agarwal has published a paper in Physical Review A.
Portrait photo of Katinka von Gafenstein (blond hair, gold necklace, black blazer and T-shirt)

“Don’t get too frustrated!”

March 03, 2026
Meet our IMPRS-APS alumna Katinka von Grafenstein. 

About IMPRS-APS


Established in 2006 at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and directed by Nobel Laureate Prof. Ferenc Krausz, the IMPRS-APS provides a unique and stimulating environment for PhD students who are passionate about exploring the frontiers of light-matter interaction.

This initiative is part of a network of 68 International Max Planck Research Schools, which have become central to the Max Planck Society’s efforts to promote excellent doctoral education since 2000. Together, they provide talented German and international junior researchers with outstanding conditions to complete their doctorates.

Program Highlights


▶ Interdisciplinary collaboration
▶ Cutting-edge facilities
▶ Comprehensive training
▶ Career development


Student Experience


▶ Annual meetings
▶ Soft-skills courses
▶ Special lectures

Events

March 2026
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Media Training: Writing Short News Items

Mar 12, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

Annual Meeting 2026

Mar 25, 2026

Annual Meeting 2026

Mar 25, 2026

Annual Meeting 2026

Mar 25, 2026

Save the Date:

Upcoming Events

Media Training: Writing Short News Items

Mar 12, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
Am Columbwall 1, 85748 Garching, Room: Small Lecture Hall, MPQ

Annual Meeting 2026

Mar 25, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
Schloss Ringberg

Company Visit at Qlibri

Apr 28, 2026 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

Upcoming Talks

No events

IMPRS-APS on Social Media

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Find interviews with our doctoral candidates and alumni and impressions from our events on our YouTube channel.
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Follow us on LinkedIn to always stay up to date with the latest news and events from the IMPRS-APS. 
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As an IMPRS-APS member or alumnus, feel free to join our exclusive LinkedIn group - a place to exchange and connect.

 

 

 

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