The International Max Planck Research School on Gravitational Wave Astronomy is a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) at Potsdam and Hannover (Germany), the University of Hannover and the Laser Centre Hannover. It aims at educating a new generation of researchers in the emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy. The education provided in this IMPRS will cover the complete scope of the field from classical interferometry on the ground and in space, over to advanced and nonclassical interferometry, source modelling and data analysis.

A Diploma, Staatsexamen or a Master’s degree are equivalent qualifications for admission. Exceptionally good students with a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA with honours) will be given the possibility of obtaining the diploma degree at the University of Hannover. It will be expected that candidates also work towards acquiring some basic knowledge of the German language.

Applications to the School will be accepted and reviewed twice a year, typically before the spring and the fall. The first round of applications for the 2006 programme should be submitted to the Admission Office before January 31, 2006. A complete application can be filled using the form available on the website http://imprs-gw.aei.mpg.de/ and must include:
* a complete and signed application form, including a list of all courses including credits
* three letters of recommendation (sealed) if possible
* certified copies of academic certificates including High School Diploma, B.Sc., Vordiplom etc.)
* a Curriculum Vitae
* a photo-portrait
* a statement of purposes and goals
* a summary of scientific and non-scientific interests
* good knowledge of English required (proof of proficiency in English such as with TOEFL/IELTS scores, is welcome)
* a copy of the M.Sc. or Diploma thesis (with an abstract in English if the thesis is written in a different language)

Material can be submitted electronically as PDF or as MS-Word documents or as paper copies. Electronic submission is possible by email to imprs-gw@aei.mpg.de only. NOTE that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Soon after the deadline for the submission of the applications, a pre-selection will be made on the basis of the applications received and the short-listed candidate will be invited for an interview. The interview will be held in Hannover (or in one of the partner institutes) or alternatively conducted by phone. Decisions about admission will be made soon after the interviews and all students will be notified thereafter.

Successful applicants will receive a competitive stipend commensurate with local payscales. Graduation will normally take place at the University of Hannover but procedures to obtain joint PhD degrees with the Universities in Glasgow, Paris, and Trento are already in place.

Institute for Gravitational Physics
- IMPRS-GW -
Callinstr. 38
D- 30167 Hannover
Germany