Content of the Core Curriculum

A series of laboratory courses will offer the PhD students a special training in different areas including laboratory as well as theoretical work. The choice of the courses depends on the needs of the trainee´s research project and her/his interests.

Summer schools on Infection Biology will be organized every two years. The summer schools will address state-of-the art scientific questions and technologies. During a period of one week around 30 lecturers are invited. Non scientific excursions are offered to establish networks. To a certain extend the summer schools are also open for other PhD students nationally and internationally.

Once a year a PhD retreat will be organized. PhD students together with their supervisors will participate. Each PhD student will give a presentation about the PhD project.

To support networking activities weekend retreats will be organized. Also PhD students from other Helmholtz Schools will have the possibility to join. This enhances the interdisciplinary of the Helmholtz School.

Excursions to fairs and companies will be organized.

Every PhD student presents the progress of her/his work within a progress seminar twice. There are progress seminars with the following topics offered: Cell Biology/Molecular Biology; Microbial Pathogenicity/Virology/Cellular Microbiology; Inflammation/Immunology; Structural Biology/Chemical Biology/Biochemistry. PhD students have to select a minimum of one progress seminars for their presentation.

On a regular basis the HZI organizes a day for the public. Many high school classes but also individual scholars appear and show great interest. PhD students from the Graduate School will bw asked to organize a special program for this group of visitors.

In addition to the scientific training, courses to develop soft skills as well as interdisciplinary knowledge that are required for leadership will be offered.

Each PhD students will participate in a journal club; Once a year a paper has to be presented about a given scientific subject.

Participation in national as well as international conferences will be encouraged. PhD students should present their work at one conference during their PhD studies. Attendance of conferences is financially supported by the Grad School.

Minisymposia covering distinct subjects will be organized. External speakers from all over the world are invited. PhD students will have the chance to talk to the invited speakers.

PhD students are supported to work for a certain time period either in industry/clinic or in specialized research laboratories to complement their skills.