About Agri-Explore
The International Graduate School “Agri-Explore” is part of the AgriPoly II – International Graduate Schools in Plant and Polymer Sciences at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg. With funding from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) we offer a structured PhD program in the field of plant sciences and crop research.
Agri-Explore provides a structured and interdisciplinary training environment for doctoral researchers working on mechanisms of plant resilience. The programme brings together researchers from different disciplines and methodological backgrounds to foster scientific exchange, collaboration, and professional development.
The graduate programme combines scientific training, transferable skills workshops, mentoring structures, and networking opportunities to support doctoral candidates throughout their PhD journey and prepare them for future careers in academia and beyond.
Agri-Explore is embedded within the existing graduate infrastructure at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and works in close collaboration with institutional support structures such as the International Graduate Academy (InGrA) and the MLU PhD Network.
Find out more about the team, the individual projects and our events!
Key Elements of the Graduate Programme
Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)
Each doctoral candidate is accompanied by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), which serves as a mentoring team throughout the PhD project. The TAC supports scientific progress, methodological development, career planning, and helps ensure timely completion of the doctoral project.
The TAC typically consists of:
- all (co-)PIs involved in the project proposal,
- one or two additional members with complementary expertise,
- optionally a postdoctoral researcher.
Regular TAC meetings provide an opportunity to discuss project progress, future directions, publications, conference participation, and training needs.
Supervision Agreement
All doctoral candidates and supervisors sign a supervision agreement defining responsibilities, expectations, and mentoring structures within the graduate programme.
Scientific Training and Workshops
Agri-Explore offers a structured curriculum consisting of scientific and transferable skills training. Additional elective workshops and scientific training opportunities are offered through AgriPoly II, InGrA, associated graduate programmes, and external providers.
Scientific Exchange and Community Building
Doctoral candidates are encouraged to actively participate in:
- conferences and symposia,
- scientific colloquia and seminar series,
- outreach activities,
- teaching and supervision,
- graduate programme events and retreats.
The programme aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange between projects and strengthen networking among early career researchers.
Curriculum
The Agri-Explore curriculum combines mandatory and elective elements and follows a credit-point system.
The minimum number of credit points required for the final Agri-Explore certificate is: 14 CP
One credit point (CP) corresponds to approximately 25–30 hours of work, including contact hours and independent study.
Soft Skills Workshops (Mandatory)
- Good Scientific Practice
- Designing Effective Academic Posters
- Scientific Writing and Citation Tools
- Presentation Skills
Required: 2 CP
Elective Soft Skills Courses
Doctoral candidates select additional transferable skills workshops offered by AgriPoly II, InGrA, and associated graduate programmes.
Required: 1 CP
Scientific Activities
Examples include:
- participation in conferences,
- contribution to workshops and modules,
- participation in colloquia and symposia,
- supervision of students,
- teaching,
- outreach activities,
- acting as PhD representative.
Required: 5 CP
Scientific Workshops
Scientific workshops are offered on demand and may also include external courses and specialised training.
Required: 6 CP
Support Structures and Resources
Doctoral candidates have access to a broad range of institutional support services, including:
- International Graduate Academy (InGrA)
- MLU PhD Network
- transferable skills workshops
- counselling services
- networking and social events
- German language courses
- support for international researchers
- information on funding opportunities and doctoral regulations
Contact
For questions regarding the graduate programme, curriculum, workshops, or supervision structures, please contact the Agri-Explore coordination team.