How to apply:

To apply to the LIFE program, you must be a University of Michigan PhD or post-doctoral student. LIFE is a multidisciplinary program and applicants from any discipline are encouraged to apply.

LIFE fellows participate in bi-weekly reading groups that occur throughout the year. In addition, fellows attend all academies of the International Max Planck Research School held at the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia (UVA). You are welcome to apply at any time during the year and we encourage you to attend a reading group and/or the spring academy to explore your interest in the program.

Please send a letter describing the reasons for your interest in the LIFE program and a letter of recommendation from a UM faculty member to Deanna Maida (dmigut@umich.edu). The letter of interest should include any shared research interests with other LIFE fellows and faculty from all three institutions. Please refer to the Berlin webpage (http://www.imprs-life.mpg.de/) for a complete listing of LIFE faculty and fellows. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the program or the application process.

Students participating in LIFE at the University of Michigan may also be interested in attending academies of the International Max Planck Research School in Berlin, spending a semester or summer working with Berlin or UVA faculty on a collaborative research project and/or participating in other designated conferences such as the Society for the Study of Human Development or conferences being held in conjunction with our international partner institutions. Limited expenses for such activities are funded by the program and funds can be applied for after a student has completed one academy at UM or UVA.  

Program Expectations

  1. Participate in the bi-weekly reading groups.
  2. Participate in the International Max Planck Research School academy at UM or UVA each year.
  3. Students who attend four academies (two at UM/UVA, two in Berlin) receive a certificate from the International Max Planck Research School after completion of their PhD.
  4. Present research at the academies through posters, informal presentations and/or formal presentations. 
  5. Participate in UM courses with a life course perspective when possible.