Based on its research concept at the interface to translational medicine, this initiative wants to offer structured doctorates in natural sciences as well as in medicine. In addition, clinician scientists are included in the training programme to advance their academic careers and to further connect basic science and clinical application.
Doctoral candidates and clinician scientists funded from other sources (associated training members) at the FAU are recruited annually for a maximum of 30 training members. They are equally integrated into the appropriate curricula.
As an integral component of the collaboration, FAU graduates are recruited to perform their studies at the Ragon Institute and to finally defend their doctorates in natural sciences at the FAU. These doctoral candidates equally participate in the GRK2504 retreats and benefit from the mentoring programme, but are exempt from other qualification measures.
The fundamental objectives of the qualification measures are (i) to endorse research training in the laboratory through GRK2504-specific internal and guest seminars, colloquia and retreats as well as courses on scientific techniques and procedures, (ii) to mediate professional key skills, and (iii) to prepare the training members for an internationally oriented career in academia or industry. Personal responsibility and self-assessment shall be promoted to further develop competence in science, professional and human skills as well as career planning. Beyond research training in the context of their individual projects, the qualification measures detailed below shall prepare the life science trainees for basic research and application-oriented tasks in academia or industry and encourage the medical trainees to pursue a career as physician scientists.
All training groups are expected to benefit from an intensive scientific exchange within GRK2504, fostered by joint training measures ranging from basic professional skills to project-specific colloquia on translational aspects of antiviral research. In addition, introductory courses for medical students are tailored to their specific requirements. GRK2504-specific training and more general courses are compiled for the individual training groups to accommodate their educational objectives. Compulsory courses are limited in numbers to leave enough time for the actual project work, but may be supplemented by courses at the FAU according to individual requirements and capacities. Furthermore, courses and meetings will be concentrated in blocks to avoid repeated disruption of the research projects throughout the year. Basic timelines are designed for doctorates in natural sciences, doctorates in medicine, and clinician scientists.
GRK2504-specific training measures include intensive mentoring by the participating researchers supplemented by a portfolio of mandatory and and optional courses and events.
Clinical visits for small groups (up to 4 persons) are offered during the lecture periods by the participating researchers directly associated with hospitals and by the clinician scientists in training after their return to clinical duty. The 2-hour visits are repeated so that each GRK2504 training member can attend at least one visit per lecture period. Actual clinical cases, including bedside visits when appropriate, are presented and discussed to visualise the clinical background and implications of the research projects.
Transferable training measures include key-skill courses as well as courses on principles and techniques fundamental for life science in general.