The IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems makes its large international network available to students of the English-language degree programmes Chemistry and Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, enabling them to undertake unique research internships at top institutions worldwide.
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From Harvard to Oxford to Linköping: IMC Krems facilitates global research internships at top institutes
"International research internships at top universities are much more than just an additional academic offering for our students in Chemistry and Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology – they are a decisive step in their professional future. Looking beyond borders strengthens scientific excellence, promotes intercultural competence and opens up career opportunities in a globally networked working environment. We are proud to support young talents in further developing their expertise in leading international laboratories while gaining valuable personal experience," emphasises IMC Krems Managing Director Ulrike Prommer.
Global network for professional internships
For decades, IMC Krems has been one of Austria's most international universities, with a global network of research institutions, universities and laboratories that offers students unique practical opportunities. The English-language bachelor's programmes in Chemistry and Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology in particular are characterised by a high proportion of practical work and integrated professional internships, which regularly take students to leading research partners around the world.
Students of natural science programmes benefit twice over: they acquire sound laboratory and methodological skills during their basic studies and then apply this knowledge in leading international laboratories. IMC Krems' global network comprises hundreds of partner institutions and continuously offers new opportunities for international research internships, including recently created options specifically for Chemistry students.
In both degree programmes, students spend time in the laboratory from the very first semester, working on biochemical processes, cell and molecular biology, genetic engineering, analytics and green chemistry. This practical foundation is the cornerstone of why IMC students are in demand worldwide and regularly gain insights into state-of-the-art research environments – from top European universities to globally leading biotechnology research institutes in the USA.
‘International research experience is the key to innovation. When our students work at leading universities around the world, they establish valuable networks, bring back new ideas and actively contribute to our institute's global thinking and local strengthening of scientific excellence,’ says Harald Hundsberger, Head of the Institute of Biotechnology and Programme Director of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at IMC Krems.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology students also have the opportunity to complete a dual degree at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Linköping University in Sweden, thereby obtaining a further Master's degree in Experimental and Medical Biosciences.
"Research internships at top national or international universities and research institutes enable our students to experience science at the highest level. They learn about innovative methods and develop the scientific curiosity and global mindset that modern chemistry demands today. These experiences prepare them optimally for a career in research, industry or academic excellence," confirms Uwe Rinner, Head of the Institute of Applied Chemistry and Programme Director of Chemistry at IMC Krems.
Financial support for internships
Every year, the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation supports outstanding students and strengthens scientific exchange between Austria and the USA. Financial support enables research stays at renowned research institutions and universities in the USA. IMC students have been able to complete internships at Harvard University, New York University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, for example. Various Erasmus+ grants are available for internships abroad at European institutions.
An excerpt from the renowned institutions offering professional internships to IMC students in the 2025/26 winter semester:
Chemistry
- Allegheny College | USA
- New York University | USA
- Institut Català d’Investigació Química ICIQ | Spain
- Sultan Qaboos University | Oman
- Stockholm University | Sweden
- Universitat Polytechnica de Valencia | Spain
Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- BRIC University of Copenhagen | Denmark
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research | Oxford University | United Kingdom
- Zalborg University | Sweden
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute | Harvard Medical School | USA
- IMS RIKEN Centre for Integrative Medical Sciences | Japan
- Mass General Hospital | Harvard Medical School | USA
- Danish Cancer Society | Denmark
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology | Harvard University | USA
Practical experience as a fixed component
The IMC Krems's recipe for success is its combination of theory and practice. Students complete their fifth semester as an internship semester, and many take the opportunity to combine their internship with experience abroad, gaining practical experience at top universities around the world.
