The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Arts has approved a second phase of the International Doctorate Program “Measuring and Modelling Mountain Glaciers and Ice caps in a Changing Climate” (IDP M³OCCA) as part of the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB). In the second phase, we will continue the close collaboration between FAU, the Technical University of Munich, the Microwave Institute of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (BAdW).
The aim of the IDP is to develop innovative methods and technologies to quantify global glacier retreat more accurately over large areas and reduce existing uncertainties. Artificial intelligence techniques are used, for example, to analyze large-scale satellite data or to improve physics-based process models. In addition, the researchers are further developing pioneering technologies such as radar tomography and geophysical models to enable improved forecasts.
Starting in June 2026, nine doctoral students will be funded for four years by the ENB. In addition, the new funding includes a postdoctoral position to help graduates of the current funding phase transition into independent scientific work. M³OCCA is characterized by a high degree of internationality and interdisciplinarity and trains its young scientists in a structured support program in addition to their professional qualifications. In addition to the doctoral students funded by the ENB, doctoral students from other funding programs—such as various junior research groups—are explicitly allowed and encouraged to participate in the IDP in order to create a broader scientific and thematic basis and facilitate lively exchange.
The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Arts has approved a second phase of the International Doctorate Program “Measuring and Modelling Mountain Glaciers and Ice caps in a Changing Climate” (IDP M³OCCA) as part of the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB). In the second phase, we will continue the close collaboration between FAU, the Technical University of Munich, the Microwave Institute of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (BAdW).
The aim of the IDP is to develop innovative methods and technologies to quantify global glacier retreat more accurately over large areas and reduce existing uncertainties. Artificial intelligence techniques are used, for example, to analyze large-scale satellite data or to improve physics-based process models. In addition, the researchers are further developing pioneering technologies such as radar tomography and geophysical models to enable improved forecasts.
Starting in June 2026, nine doctoral students will be funded for four years by the ENB. In addition, the new funding includes a postdoctoral position to help graduates of the current funding phase transition into independent scientific work. M³OCCA is characterized by a high degree of internationality and interdisciplinarity and trains its young scientists in a structured support program in addition to their professional qualifications. In addition to the doctoral students funded by the ENB, doctoral students from other funding programs—such as various junior research groups—are explicitly allowed and encouraged to participate in the IDP in order to create a broader scientific and thematic basis and facilitate lively exchange.