Research Topics of the International Max Planck Research School Magdeburg

The research focuses on challenging applications at the interface between basic research and industrial innovations in bio/chemical engineering. Progress towards the analysis, design and optimization of corresponding processes is supported by assuring a strong link between systems theory and mathematical modeling on the one side, and systematic experimental characterization on the other side.

Roughly the research fields can be classified by two issues: mathematical and systems theoretical issues and applied aspects of modeling of the underlying technical and biological processes. To get a more detailed classification the students created a so-called Topic Matrix. It is a schematic overview of the subjects relevant for our students. In the beginning was an individual Topic Matrix of every student. Of course one student could choose more than one topic relevant to him. From these individual matrices a General Relevance Matrix was created and shows directly the relevant topics of the IMPRS.

Apart from systematization of the research fields the Topic Matrix it was interesting how much the students already know about their topics or the topics from the Topic Matrix. Every student has to self-assess for what topic he is competent enough to help others. Here the analysis of the individual Topic Matrices led to a General Competence Matrix. This matrix gives an overview about our students competences (at least to their own assess).

One of the basic ideas of the IMPRS is to cultivate the collaboration between the students. The right analysis of the Topic Matrix provides the ideal tool to find a competent contact person among the students. For reasons of privacy only the students and their supervisors have access to this so-called General Competence Matrix.