How to apply to the IMPRS-SPCE doctoral program:
Find information on the application procedure, eligibility, and degrees.
About the IMPRS-SPCE: A unique doctoral program in the fields of economic sociology and comparative and international political economy.
International Cooperation: The IMPRS-SCPE cooperates closely with distinguished universities in North America and Europe. Spend a semester abroad!
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Mischa Stratenwerth
Doing a PhD can be a rather solitary affair. So being anchored in the IMPRS-SPCE has always felt invaluable to me. Joining the research school and the MPIfG puts you in the midst of an inspiring and delightful intellectual community. Add to this the excellent support structures – from the in-house library to the expert administrative and technical staff – and it becomes very hard to find a better environment to focus on your research. Mischa defended his thesis in 2024.
Clara Baumann
Participating in the IMPRS-SPCE was a highly rewarding experience. The small size of the program allowed for a lively intellectual exchange and provided me with an invaluable network of researchers and friends on whom I can always rely. My research stay in Chile and my participation in various international conferences gave me the opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in my field, which was key to developing my dissertation and shaping my intellectual profile. Clara defended her thesis in 2025.
Elizabeth Soer
The IMPRS-SPCE program provides an ideal opportunity to engage with scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and become part of a vibrant intellectual community. Moreover, the MPIfG is home to friendly and welcoming people that offer academic support and solidarity to help you through the turbulent times of writing a PhD dissertation. Overall, the program offers an academically enriching experience in a collaborative research environment. Elize defended her thesis in 2024.
Michael Kemmerling
The IMPRS-SPCE is THE place to be as a doctoral researcher in political economy or economic sociology. The school is highly specialized, offers intensive training in methods and theory, and provides excellent administrative support. This supportive environment has allowed me to deepen my skills and focus on my research. Opportunities to attend conferences, a research stay abroad, and the many events with leading scholars were not only intellectually stimulating but also expanded my international network. Michael defended his thesis in 2023.
Camilla Locatelli
High-level research, an excellent structure, and interdisciplinarity are the three factors that made my experience at the IMPRS-SPCE particularly valuable. The graduate school brings together a community of scholars from all over the world, and the program is structured to give students a high degree of freedom while providing support to complete the dissertation within the funding years. In addition, the MPIfG offers a stimulating environment with a wide range of events that enable doctoral students to get in touch with different academic communities. Camilla defended her thesis in 2024.
