Overview

About the programme

The central nervous system (CNS) is our most complex organ system. Despite tremendous progress in our understanding of the biochemical, electrical, and genetic regulation of CNS functioning and malfunctioning, many fundamental processes and diseases are still not fully understood.

Only recently, groups of several PLs in this consortium, and a few other groups worldwide, have discovered an important contribution of mechanical signals to regulating CNS cell function. The Exploring Brain Mechanics research group at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is structured into three focal research areas (FRA) focusing on cerebral (A), spinal (B), and cellular mechanics (C), and an overarching cross-sectional research area (XRA).

Programme Structure

Research projects include:

In silico modelling of brain malformations
Quantitative characterisation of human brain malformations
The role of mechanics in orchestrating neural lineage decisions
Pre and post metamorphosis spinal cord regeneration in frogs
The determinants of spinal cord mechanics in homeostasis
The role of matrix mechanics in synchronised neuronal activity
Cellular differentiation in brain tissue-like matrices
Molecular mechanisms of neuronal mechanotransduction
Model-based reconciliation of ex vivo and in vivo test data
Data analysis and machine learning for heterogeneous, cross-species data
Engineering brain tissue-like matrices

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-13 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

80

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IELTS

5.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Erlangen, Germany

Disciplines

Neuroscience View 15 other PhDs in Neuroscience in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You are eligible to apply if:

you either hold or are about to obtain a qualifying degree (M.Sc./Diploma/PhD etc.) in one of the following areas: mechanics, medicine, material sciences, mathematics, biology, physics, bioengineering, chemistry, or in a closely related field
you are proficient in the English language
you have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work in a team

Necessary documents:

letter of motivation (max. 1 page) including an order of preference for the projects you are applying for
copy of qualifying degree
academic transcripts (with grades and rankings)
brief summary of most recent thesis or of recent publications (max. 1 page each)
short CV
contact details of potential referees and publication list (if any)

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

At FAU tuition is free. However, students have to pay a semester contribution fee of 72 Euros for student services.

Living costs

Erlangen

Germany

730 - 1100 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Exploring Brain Mechanics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

About the programme

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Erlangen

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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