Doctoral Programme in Molecular and Cellular Systems of Life

The Doctoral Programme in Molecular and Cellular Systems of Life (MaCS) is an international doctoral program providing structured training in life science areas requiring multidisciplinary skills and capability to engage in multiprofessional cooperation.
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The Doctoral Programme in Molecular and Cellular Systems of Life (MaCS) will provide advanced scientific training at a globally competitive level.  

Research in the MaCS doctoral programme covers a broad spectrum of interconnected fields within molecular and cellular biosciences, including plant biology and neurobiology. Data-driven research in fields such as bioinformatics, computational biology, and systems biology is also welcome. The research projects of doctoral researchers in MaCS range from in-depth analyses on molecular mechanisms controlling biological processes to global systems level investigations and are often interdisciplinary in nature, also beyond MaCS’ core fields of research.

Research in MaCS covers all domains of life from archaea and microbes to eukaryotes, as well as virus research. While research in MaCS programme often has its roots in curiosity-driven basic research, many projects include aspects of societally relevant applications, such as those related to biotechnology or human health.

In international comparisons, research in the University of Helsinki ranks among the leading European universities and the top 100 in the world.
Key research areas

The spectrum of scientific fields in MaCS include: 

  • Molecular and cellular biosciences
  • Genetics and genomics
  • Neurobiology
  • Developmental biology and physiology
  • Bioinformatics and systems biology
Events and Activities

Will be published in the spring 2026.

Courses and Studying

Will be published in the spring 2026.

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