Adelaide-Freiburg Joint PhD Program

Are you ready to take your research to the next level - on two continents? 

Imagine working with top researchers in Australia and Germany, gaining access to world-class facilities and diverse perspectives that enrich your thinking and elevate your work.

Germany is a powerhouse of scientific innovation, with a long tradition of academic excellence and global leadership in research and development. Through the Joint PhD Program between the University of Adelaide and the University of Freiburg, you’ll be embedded in a dynamic, international research environment that fosters critical inquiry, cross-cultural insight, and real-world impact.

This isn’t just a PhD - it’s a unique opportunity to build your international research profile, develop dual networks across two leading institutions, and graduate with a truly global perspective.

Whether your interests lie in medicine or biomedicine, this program provides a unique platform to pursue high-impact research with international relevance. For students in other disciplines, co-supervision arrangements can be facilitated on a case-by-case basis, offering a pathway to benefit from this global research experience. As momentum builds, the partnership is set to expand into other priority areas, including sustainability, energy and the environment.

Think globally. Research deeply. Lead boldly. Are you ready?

Program Details

  • About the Program

    The jointly awarded PhD program (Joint PhD Award) between the University of Freiburg and the University of Adelaide offers a transformative international research experience. This initiative gives PhD candidates the opportunity to immerse themselves in two globally respected research environments, tapping into the complementary strengths of a leading Australian institution and one of Germany’s most distinguished, research-intensive universities.

    This program isn’t just about international study - it’s about developing researchers who can think across borders, adapt to different academic cultures, and generate knowledge with global relevance. With strong institutional support and expert joint supervision, the Joint PhD provides an enriched academic experience grounded in rigorous research and innovation.

    As a candidate, you’ll divide your time between Freiburg and Adelaide, spending a minimum of 12 months at each institution. This immersive model allows you to work closely with world-class researchers in both locations, benefit from specialist facilities, and become part of two vibrant academic communities. Building on a strong history of academic engagement, this program enables students to undertake high-impact research under joint supervision, with access to world-class facilities and academic expertise in both Australia and Germany.

    Rooted in medicine and biomedicine, with further expansion into sustainability, energy and environment in the near future, this program is designed for those ready to contribute to global challenges through interdisciplinary, collaborative research.

  • How it works

    1. Application and Admission: Students apply for admission at both universities independently, usually starting at their home institution (where they spend most of their time). Each joint PhD award student has their tuition fees waived.

    2. First-Year Focus: During the initial year, students refine their research proposal, undertake training, and begin their research.

    3. International Research Experience: After the first year, students travel to the partner university for at least 12 months to continue their research under joint supervision.

    4. Completion and Examination: Students return to their home institution to finalise their thesis. The home university oversees examination, including the oral defence, in consultation with the partner university.

    5. Joint PhD Award: Graduates receive a single doctoral degree, jointly conferred by both institutions, with a certificate bearing the official seals and logos of both universities.

  • Research areas

    The initial focus of the Joint PhD Program lies in medicine and biomedicine, reflecting the globally recognised strengths of both institutions.

    1. Biomedicine

    With roots in over a decade of collaboration, the biomedicine theme spans subfields such as:

    • Molecular Medicine
    • Tumour Immunology
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Nursing
    Current projects and supervisors:

    Using cutting-edge multiomic approaches to identify clinically relevant tumour vulnerabilities in multiple myeloma

    Co-Supervisors: Dr Kate Vandyke, Head, Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide, and Professor Dr rer. nat. Tanja Nicole Hartmann, Research Group Leader at the University Medical Center, Freiburg

    As momentum builds, the partnership aims to expand into other strategic research areas, including sustainability, energy and environment, and other emerging fields of mutual interest. Students enrolled in disciplines outside of medicine are encouraged to explore co-supervision opportunities that align with the expertise available across both universities.

Testimonials

Dr Laurine Kaul working in a lab

Dr Laurine Kaul

"The Joint PhD program offers a number of possibilities beyond what is achieved during a typical PhD. I enjoyed being part of two different research groups and having the support of two universities, which I would not have experienced if it hadn’t been for this Joint PhD. Having these colleagues and supervisors discuss my project, exchange ideas, help each other in the lab and do social activities has been incredible. In addition, spending an extended period of time at both universities is beneficial to build a network that is much more interdisciplinary and international than is possible when only staying at one university. 

As both universities offer different experiences during a PhD, the Joint PhD is the perfect opportunity to gain a variety of skills and knowledge. I learned how to write grants, was given many opportunities to win awards, to build collaborations and do lab visits at the University of Adelaide, while I was involved in the teaching process, supervised undergraduate students and connected to industry at the University of Freiburg. 

I had an amazing time in Adelaide. I was welcomed and supported by my research group but also by the University. Making friends was facilitated through social events organised by the University, the CaRST program and by joining a University sports club. I also thoroughly enjoyed being along the coast line, next to the Hills and the wine regions.

This Joint PhD has inspired me to continue my career in research and I have now started my own research group at the University of Freiburg. I only obtained this position because I did a Joint PhD and could show that I have international experience, previously established collaborations, worked in multiple research fields and can adapt quickly to a new organisation."

Contact information

For more information about the Joint PhD Program, please reach out to the University of Adelaide or University of Freiburg: 

Theme Leads:

UoA: Professor Shaun McColl, Adjunct Professor of Immunology and Dr Iain Comerford, School of Biological Sciences

UFR: Professor Dr Christoph Peters, Head, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research

Administration of the Joint PhD

This includes all information about the program including application details.