Our PhD / MD-PhD Program
Launched in 2022, the IOB PhD and MD–PhD Program in Translational Visual Neurosciences offers outstanding young scientists the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research at the interface of basic science, clinical research, and therapeutic development, while preparing them for leadership roles in vision science and ophthalmology.
Training the next generation of vision scientists
The Sedinum Foundation has partnered with the IOB PhD and MD-PhD program since its establishment, contributing significantly to research excellence and academic achievement.
Translating discoveries from molecules to patients
The program spans the full spectrum of vision research, from molecular mechanisms to clinical studies, enabling trainees to contribute to scientific discoveries and their translation into therapeutic and diagnostic advances.
Learning across disciplines and technologies
Over four to five years, our students follow a structured curriculum combining advanced research, hands-on training in state-of-the-art technologies, clinical exposure at the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital Basel, and professional skills development.
Working in an international environment
Embedded within IOB and the University of Basel, the program brings together a diverse, international research community and provides access to world-class expertise, infrastructure, and collaborative networks. Through their enrollment at the University of Basel, our PhD and MD-PhD students also benefit from a broad range of courses and training opportunities, including the Graduate Teaching Programme of the Biozentrum.
Curriculum
| First year | Second year | Third year | Fourth/Fifth year |
| Matriculation at the University of Basel | Thesis writing Thesis defense | ||
| Selection of second supervisor Doctoral agreement First PAC* meeting | Second PAC meeting | Third PAC meeting | Fourth / Fifth PAC meeting |
| Lecture series Practical courses Internal seminars | Internal seminars | Internal seminars | Internal seminars |
| Specific courses (e.g. scientific integrity, LTK courses etc.) | Additional technical courses | Soft skill courses (e.g. scientific writing) |
*PAC: PhD Advisory Committee
The curriculum includes participation in the annual IOB Research Retreat and selected scientific conferences and events (approximately one per student per year).
Complete details on eligibility, applications and enrollment and much more.
Read about our PhD / MD-PhD program in the Novartis Live Magazine Nr. 19 (pages 88-93)
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us at phd-program@iob.ch.
Please note that applications are accepted exclusively via our application portal. Applications submitted by email cannot be considered.