Graduate Schools Participating in GradExcPro

BIF-IGS offers a structured doctoral program at the intersection of two Helmholtz Association programs: Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing (NACIP) and Materials Systems Engineering (MSE). Doctoral researchers benefit from research opportunities, education, and training in the trans- and multi-disciplinary research areas of both programs, bringing together expertise from biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and informatics.
BIF-IGS will evolve into KIT ADAPT (Application of Digitalization, Automation and Programming Tools for Multidisciplinary Research) by 2028, reflecting its expanded mission to prepare researchers for a data-driven and AI-enhanced scientific landscape.
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cuKnow brings together doctoral candidates from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering who wish to engage with knowledge, concepts, and methods beyond their own disciplines. As an interdisciplinary doctoral program and networking platform, cuKnow explores how knowledge generated in one field can create added value in another, enabling new research questions, approaches and collaborations. The Graduate School's core activities — including the cuKnow lecture, the Methods of Knowledge Generation colloquium, the MayDay retreat, and the interdisciplinary training program — all follow this approach.
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CyberSec supports doctoral researchers working in the field of cyber security. Through scientific, technical, and interdisciplinary training, regular networking activities, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Graduate School fosters exchange across diverse cyber security research areas at KIT. Participants benefit from a structured environment that prepares them to address current and future challenges in digital security.
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ENZo equips doctoral researchers with the interdisciplinary knowledge and tools to contribute to the transformation of the energy system. Through a structured qualification program, participants develop both disciplinary expertise and transferable skills, with a particular emphasis on project work. Participants strengthen their ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, develop independent and creative approaches to research, and build networks beyond their immediate research focus, preparing them for careers in the dynamic environment of energy research and industry.
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GRACE is a Graduate School for doctoral researchers working on climate- and environment-related topics. Its structured qualification program combines scientific training, transferable skills development, networking opportunities, international exchange, and career preparation. A mandatory research stay abroad provides international research experience and fosters global scientific collaboration.
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HIDSS4Health supports doctoral researchers working at the interface of medicine, artificial intelligence, and data science. Jointly offered by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and Heidelberg University, the program combines world-class research with an innovative approach to scientific training and mentorship. Participants benefit from a collaborative research environment that prepares them to address current and future challenges in healthcare and biomedical research.
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KCDS offers an interdisciplinary training program for doctoral researchers in model-driven and data-driven computational science. Participants conduct interdisciplinary research projects involving mathematical models, simulation methods, and data science techniques, while building bridges between the mathematical sciences and an applied SEE discipline (science, economics and engineering). As part of a dynamic community, doctoral researchers benefit from supervision by experts from both fields, hands-on training, summer schools, networking events, and hackathons/datathons.
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KSETA offers a structured doctoral program for researchers in physics and engineering, combining interdisciplinary research with participation in major international projects in elementary particle and astroparticle physics. The school brings together researchers and doctoral candidates from eleven KIT institutes across four faculties, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. Doctoral researchers benefit from close collaboration across institutes and disciplines, comprehensive academic supervision, and preparation for careers in both science and industry.
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KSOP provides a multidisciplinary environment for research, education, and innovation in optics and photonics. Doctoral researchers benefit from an interdisciplinary and international setting, advanced scientific training, and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research. KSOP brings together expertise from multiple disciplines and supports scientific exchange and collaboration while preparing graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, and high-technology industries. The school also fosters an active research environment in which students, researchers, and faculty contribute to advances in the field.
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KSQM supports doctoral researchers working in the rapidly evolving field of quantum science and technology. Established in 2021 within KIT's Excellence Strategy, the school offers a structured qualification program and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange. KSQM brings together researchers working on quantum materials and quantum technologies, fostering collaboration across disciplines and preparing doctoral researchers for careers in both academia and emerging quantum technology sectors.
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UpGrade Mobility brings together doctoral researchers from diverse disciplines working on mobility-related topics. The school offers advanced qualification opportunities and a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, learning, and research. Through a structured training program, participants broaden their expertise beyond their own field and engage with different perspectives on mobility systems. Doctoral researchers also benefit from networking activities, support for international research stays, and a collaborative environment dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
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