The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Understanding Complex Plant Traits using Computational and Evolutionary Approaches is a local collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) and the Universities in Cologne and Düsseldorf, Germany. The IMPRS was established in 2002 and offers an international PhD programme in English. Students are closely supervised by an advisory committee, receive training in professional skills and are supported to share their scientific insights.