Master of Multidisciplinary Research in Experimental Sciences
The Master of Multidisciplinary Research in Experimental Sciences (MMRES) is a full-time, one-year academic programme (60 ECTS) offered by the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in collaboration with the BIST Community since 2017. The MMRES is the first of its kind in Spain and one of the only master’s degrees in Europe to place such high importance on hands-on laboratory research, scientific excellence, and innovative experiential learning.
The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Community collaborates by offering a research environment of top quality and high-tech facilities. MMRES students spend two-thirds of their time immersed in research groups at BIST Community research centres —CRG, IBEC, ICFO, ICIQ, ICN2, IFAE and IRB Barcelona— or the UPF’s Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS) and have the opportunity of interacting with leading and internationally renowned experts.
Programme
The MMRES programme is divided into an initial training period and a research period.
The initial training period includes comprehensive training in statistics and data analysis, responsible research, and science communication, helping students develop a strong academic and professional profile.
During the research period, approximately six months of the programme, MMRES students will carry out their Major Research Project (20 ECTS credits) either at a BIST Community Centre or at the MELIS-UPF. They will then spend another six to ten weeks on a Minor Project in a different scientific discipline. BIST Community centres offer highly relevant research projects, encompassing areas such as genomics, molecular imaging, precision medicine, bioengineering, nanotechnology, photonics, chemistry, green energy, catalysis, quantum physics, cosmology, bioinformatics, chemical biology, cancer biology, and more. All project work is conducted under the guidance of outstanding scientists.
The programme also includes a Seminars course and a two-week Winter School.
The Seminars in Advanced Research feature talks by inspirational group leaders from the MELIS-UPF department, the BIST Community, and visiting external speakers. Students also participate in group discussions, where they select and present a research article on a topic related to the seminar, in consultation with the invited speaker.
During the two-week Winter School, students learn about the latest techniques and developments in microscopy, nanoscopy, and imaging sciences. The Winter School culminates in the BIST Symposium on Microscopy, Nanoscopy, and Imaging Sciences, a forum for the wider scientific community to share advances in areas such as optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and imaging technologies. MMRES students present their current work during the Symposium’s poster session.
Career prospects
The programme is aimed at candidates pursuing a research career in the experimental sciences — including, but not limited to, biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology — with a specific focus on preparing students to undertake a PhD in one of these fields.
Students benefit from outstanding training that equips them for admission to highly competitive PhD programmes worldwide. More than 150 students have graduated from this programme and around 75% of them have been accepted into renowned doctoral programmes both at the BIST Community Centres and at international institutions such as Harvard Medical School (USA) or ETH Zürich (Switzerland), among others. Another 25% of MMRES Alumni have secured highly sought-after positions in industrial research, consulting and scientific communication.
Fellowships
BIST offers up to five full-tuition waivers for 2026/2027, to outstanding students accepted into the programme. Four fellowships will be assigned to EU students and one to a non-EU student. These fellowships are merit-based and will be assigned as ranked by the admissions committee. All admitted candidates are automatically considered for these fellowships.
The BIST Community centres can also offer living allowances at their discretion and following internal policies to students assigned to that centre.
Practical Information
You can find practical information about the programme, such as the admission process, fees, calendar or courses’ syllabus, in the master’s webpage.
For more information on the program you can contact at education@bist.eu or masters.biomedicine@upf.edu.
Other opportunities for Master’s and PhD students within the BIST Community
The BIST Community centres collaborate in Master’s and PhD programmes offered by the universities represented on their respective Boards (UAB, UB, UPC, UPF, and URV). In addition, talented and motivated Master’s and PhD students enrolled in external programmes are encouraged to undertake their thesis and research projects in BIST Community centres. Interested students are invited to contact research groups directly or reach out to the centres’ Human Resources or Education Units.
Each year, approximately 140 PhD theses are defended based on research conducted within BIST Community research groups.
You can learn more by visiting their websites.
