Highlights
Tuition fee
Free
Free
Unknown
Tuition fee
Free
Free
Unknown
Duration
36 months
Duration
36 months
Apply date
Unknown
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Erlangen, Germany
Campus location
Erlangen, Germany
Taught in
English
Taught in
English

About

The Exploring Brain Mechanics research group at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) aims to exploit mechanics-based approaches to advance understanding of CNS function and, as a long-term vision, to provide the foundation for future improvement of diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

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

Language

English
TOEFL® IBT
OR
80
IELTS
5.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Erlangen, Germany

What students do after studying

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

TOEFL® IBT
OR
80
IELTS
5.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep
Trusted by 7M+ Students
Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

  • Study on your own schedule
  • Live classes with current and ex-examiners
  • Accurate score assesment, always
  • E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

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)

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

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

    Non-residents
    Free
  • EU/EEA

    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.

Independent provider
Grant
1400 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1550 EUR
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk)

Read more about eligibility

Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
6000 USD
Deadline
31 Jan 2027
Amberscholar Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Amber Scholar
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Studienstiftung
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2027
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Admit Lab
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Leopold Figl Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
649 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Campus France
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available

Other interesting programmes for you

Our partners

Exploring Brain Mechanics
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
Exploring Brain Mechanics
-
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)

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