Initiatives

What is a Research Training Group?

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A Research Training Group is a funding instrument that has been specially developed for early-career researchers. It supports researchers in the early stages of their careers and offers them a valuable platform for further development. At the heart of a Research Training Group is a thematically focused research program, which is supplemented by a structured qualification and supervision concept.

Doctoral students from Germany and abroad have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research environment and take part in specially designed courses. Through innovative forms of supervision, they benefit from intensive and individual support. A Research Training Group thus offers a unique opportunity for qualification and networking for young researchers and contributes significantly to their career development.

Which Research Training Groups are there?

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The Faculty of Medicine offers several specialized Research Training Groups that focus on different innovative research areas:

IRTG 3019: Zurich - MEDIS - Metabolic and Endocrine Drivers of Infection Susceptibility (2025)
This Research Training Group investigates how metabolic and endocrine systems influence susceptibility to infections. Doctoral students work in an international environment and contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field of infection research.

IRTG 2773: King's College - Risks and Pathomechanisms of Affective Disorders
The focus here is on the risks and pathomechanisms of affective disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. The interdisciplinary collaboration enables deep insights into the causes and treatment options of these widespread mental illnesses.

IRTG 2251: King's College - Immunological and Cellular Strategies in Metabolic Disease
This program is dedicated to immunological and cellular strategies for the treatment of metabolic diseases. PhD students explore innovative approaches to better understand the mechanisms behind these diseases and develop new therapeutic solutions.

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The International Collaboration and Exchange Program with Columbia University, New York offers students the opportunity to gain international experience and sharpen their own academic profile.

The program is already offered to our students in the preclinical phase, starts in October 2024 and will extend over two semesters.

The program takes place online at weekends and enables students to work with students from renowned partner universities. Students will work together on exciting topics such as global health or hospital management. This project work makes it possible to broaden perspectives through international perspectives on medical issues.

A particular advantage is that there are no participation fees. In addition, participation in this program qualifies you for a doctorate at the renowned Columbia University.

Here you can find the testimonials of former participants from 2022 and 2023

Please note that there are official application periods for the program published on the ePortal. Should you have any further questions, please contact the person listed below.

© Columbia University

In cooperation with the renowned Columbia University and Yale University, we are pleased to be able to offer doctoral places for our medical students (regular and model study program) in the future. This unique opportunity offers our students the chance to gain valuable international experience and to further sharpen their academic profile.

Among the many benefits for students are the international experience gained through research and teaching at leading universities such as Columbia University and Yale University. In addition, participants benefit from excellent supervision by two supervisors: one from the home university and one from the partner university. This enables optimal support during the doctoral project.

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Another advantage is the development of an international network, which enables collaboration with leading academics and international students. In addition, language skills are improved through participation in an English-language program and cooperation with international teams.

Access to first-class research resources is particularly noteworthy. Participants have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art research laboratories and resources at Columbia University and Yale University, which greatly enriches the research work.

Doctoral positions are available for 2025 in a variety of specialties, including immunology, neurology, cardiology, neuropathology, diabetes, islet transplantation, transplant surgery, and pathology.

Please note that there are official application periods for the program, which are published on the ePortal. Should you have any further questions, feel free to contact the person listed below

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The annual International Summer School for Technology Transfer in Life Sciences at TU Dresden offers a unique opportunity to turn research results into successful entrepreneurial projects in the field of life sciences. This year, the Summer School is taking place for the 9th time.

Participants will benefit from an extensive program of workshops covering essential topics such as intellectual property protection, patent application strategies and effective licensing approaches. They will also learn how to recognize the innovative potential of their own research and develop it into market-ready innovations.

A highlight of the Summer School is the presentation of business ideas to a panel of respected technology experts and direct contact with successful founders. Participants receive valuable feedback to refine their concepts and can find out about funding opportunities.
The International Summer School for Technology Transfer in Life Sciences thus offers an inspiring and practice-oriented platform to bring research to the world.

Further information at: International Summer School 2025

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Further summer schools in Dresden: Summer Schools Dresden