As announced by the German Research Foundation (DFG) on May 10, 2024, the International Research Training Group (IRTG) “Metabolic and Endocrine Drivers of Infection Susceptibility” (MEDIS) of the TUD Dresden University of Technology (TUD), the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich is one of a total of 17 new DFG Research Training Groups.  MEDIS Speaker is Prof. Stefan Bornstein, Director of the Medical Clinic and Polyclinic III, Carl Gustav Carus Center for Internal Medicine at TUD and transCampus Dean. The DFG is funding MEDIS with around six million euros, and the IRTG is being set up at the TUD Faculty of Medicine.

The IRTG Dresden-Zurich will investigate highly topical research issues relating to metabolic and endocrine influences on infectious diseases. This has laid the foundation for the establishment of another transCampus at TUD - in this case with UZH and ETH.

Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of TUD: “This newly acquired International Research Training Group funded by the DFG with the participation of the two extremely research-strong and renowned partners from Zurich is an essential step on the way to getting another transCampus off the ground. transCampus is a highly successful and unique instrument for TUD to strategically fill international partnerships with life. The transCampus with the University of Zurich and ETH strengthens our cooperation with these outstanding partners and will provide essential and innovative insights into the interaction between infection medicine and research into metabolic processes.”

The IRTG aims to provide comprehensive international and interdisciplinary training for PhD students in the highly relevant field of research into metabolic diseases and infectiology.

Prof. Dr. Esther Troost, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden:
“The collaboration between TU Dresden and distinguished institutions such as the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich is a significant step for medical research. Through the interdisciplinary work within the Dresden-Zurich IRTG, we will lay the foundation for future medical innovations that are set to have a positive impact on healthcare worldwide.”

This unique combination will help to deepen the understanding of the link between metabolic and infectious diseases and create a new generation of talented medical professionals and scientists who will shape the future of medical research and patient care.

Prof. Stefan Bornstein, Speaker of the IRTG “MEDIS”: “The IRTG Dresden-Zurich represents a unique opportunity to bring together medical and scientific expertise. It will provide an opportunity to gain new insights into the interplay between metabolic and infectious diseases, which will lead to improved healthcare.”

In particular, research will aim to understand the connections between metabolic and infectious diseases in order to improve healthcare and increase the quality of life of those affected.

The transCampus

The transCampus is a strong research partnership that now extends far beyond its origins in the life sciences. The successful interdisciplinary collaboration is to be further intensified and expanded across disciplines, for example with the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.

The existing transCampus between TU Dresden and King's College London is a transnational strategic partnership. The aim is to develop innovative and particularly outstanding scientific projects through complementary international portfolios and infrastructures.

More information: https://transcampus.eu

Contact:

Stephan Wiegand
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine
Tel.: +49 351 458-1938
Email: