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Earth Philosophical Society «Melodia Vitae»

School of
Young Scientists

An intensive research training programme for those who aim to enter academic science early and develop an independent research profile.

The programme

Not a course.
A research apprenticeship.

A long-term, fully-funded research training programme for talented undergraduate and postgraduate students who want early immersion in genuine scientific work — not classroom training.

What participants learn

The craft of research

Alongside these formal skills, particular emphasis is placed on mastering the scientific craft — the less formalised but essential aspects of research practice, including developing research intuition, working with uncertainty, navigating peer review, and engaging in meaningful academic collaboration. Much of what defines a successful researcher cannot be fully formalised — and it is precisely this dimension that the programme aims to cultivate.

Why this programme is different

Five distinctions

  1. Early immersion

    Participants engage in genuine research from the very first weeks of the programme, not in years three or four.

  2. One-to-one supervision

    Each participant works closely with an experienced supervisor on an individual research trajectory.

  3. Publication-oriented work

    Manuscripts and peer-reviewed publications are the goal — not coursework, not credits, not certificates.

  4. Interdisciplinary collaboration

    Research lines span medicine, natural sciences, environmental studies, and the humanities.

  5. Long-term profile building

    The programme develops a competitive academic identity over years, not the short-term skills of a single course.

Who should apply

Not for everyone

This programme is intended for applicants who are intellectually ambitious, can work independently, are prepared for long-term commitment, and are genuinely interested in research rather than in formal credentials.

Programme structure

At a glance

Requirements

What we look for

Education

Academic background relevant to the chosen field of research.

Expertise

Strong theoretical foundation in the discipline — assessed during the interview.

Research experience

Previous publishing experience is an advantage, not a prerequisite.

Language

English at B2 minimum; C1 preferred. Assessed at interview, no formal certificates required.

Communication

Strong academic writing and communication skills in English.

Personal qualities

Responsibility, precision, independence, and the ability to sustain long-term research effort.

Development within the programme

A three-year trajectory

  1. Year 1

    First manuscript

    All participants begin working on a research manuscript during the first year. For those who remain in the programme, publication within this period is considered the standard.

  2. Year 2+

    Multiple projects in parallel

    Participants typically contribute to multiple projects and produce several publications per year, building a publication record across topics.

  3. Year 3+

    International presence

    Participants present at international conferences, receive invitations to peer review, and may join international scientific societies.

Expected outcomes

What participants take away

Over time, participants may develop:

Continued participation requires sustained academic progress, active engagement in research work, and adherence to academic and ethical standards.

Open positions

Research directions

Sixteen positions across four broad areas. While specific backgrounds are preferred, we welcome applicants from other disciplines who can provide a strong justification for their interest.

Life Sciences & Medicine

  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Rehabilitative Medicine
  • Sports Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychotherapy and Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Sexology

Biological Sciences

  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Biological, Bioorganic, and Bioinorganic Chemistry

Environmental Sciences

  • Environmental Health

Humanities & Social Sciences

  • History & Cultural Studies
  • Religious Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Ethics
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Application

How to apply

  1. 1

    Submit the application

    Complete the form and upload your CV and motivation letter.

  2. 2

    Application review

    We assess your background, research interests, and fit with available supervisors.

  3. 3

    Interview & decision

    Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview, after which we make the final decision.

Ready to begin?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply now