The IMMUCO concept of qualification and supervision

The students start with a six months preparatory phase in their research groups parallel to their regular curriculum to acquire the theoretical background of their projects and to practice the experimental techniques required. Subsequently, during their experimental work students receive funding by a research fellowship allowing them to take the obligatory one or two semesters off. Immediately after completing their experiments, students should write their thesis.  Also PhD-students of natural sciences encouraged by qualifying bachelor- or master theses should start their PhD-thesis in the IMMUCO program offering early independence in research.

The qualification concept of IMMUCO comprises a structured training program providing the students with advanced methodical and theoretical knowledge and complement individual specialities. Medical students gain a fundamental knowledge in research and experimental experiences in the field of molecular medicine that particularly qualify them for translational approaches with clinical implications. On the other hand, additional knowledge about clinical backgrounds and certain skills in clinical applications facilitate the entrance of natural sciences students into medical-relevant areas in the dynamically evolving field of biomedical sciences.  

Bachelor students and students of universities of applied sciences will also be in principle eligible to the IMMUCO Research Training Group. Application precludes an excellent bachelor or master thesis and a one-year qualification period.

Non-EU applicants will be supported by the Charité Welcome Center in term of work or residence permission.

The interdisciplinary concept of IMMUCO is also mirrored by its supervision concept. Beside the project leader, a co-supervisor is responsible for the competent advice and guidance of an IMMUCO student. This supervising team should be composed of a clinically acting scientist and a natural scientist.  

In defined intervals the student informs the supervisor in a personal discussion about the progress of his work. An interdisciplinary feedback is given by the co-supervisor and in the context of annual Students´ Day. The students are encouraged to take initiative and become engaged in the organization of the annual meetings, especially the Students´ Day.

The students will present their results on national and international congresses. Additionally, by summarizing their generated data students collect experiences in writing scientific publications, which is an important prerequisite for subsequent grant applications. IMMUCO furthermore offers the opportunity to hold lectures and undergo advanced training in didactics making the program particularly attractive for PhD-students of natural sciences who persecute an academic carrier.

A spokesperson elected by all IMMUCO students serves as mediator between students, project leaders and administration of the graduate program.