Summary

The integrated research training group (IRTG) will provide support that is tailored to the individual needs of the doctoral researchers in this CRC. In addition, a limited number of students working on relevant topics in laboratories outside of the CRC can apply for membership. The projected size for this IRTG will be 50 doctoral researchers. The open concept of this graduate program will guarantee that the scientific knowhow and training concepts developed with the CRC will readily spread to other institutes within the life and natural sciences community of the University of Münster.

Management of the program

The program coordinator together with the CRC board will oversee the training program of the IRTG. In a general assembly, the doctoral students will elect two representatives for one year who will be members of the CRC 1348 management board. The day-to-day management will be the responsibility of the program administrator.

Qualification plan

Graduate programs in Münster have to led an interactive scientific culture, promoting the rapid dissemination of knowledge and methodologies applied in various labs. Where applicable, we will adapt existing successfull activities that have been established in Münster in the context of the local graduate program CiM'IMPRS (joint graduate program of the Excellence Cluster "Cells in Motion" and the MPI for Molecular Biomedicine). Three fields of activity are essential to permit highest quality scientific education:

• First, we will generate a stimulating, open research environment that integrates different experimental approaches to related questions and that teaches students to think and interact across the boundaries of traditional disciplines.
• Second, in critical areas we will provide additional, advanced training beyond the current curricula and cover topics arising from rapidly developing new scientific areas. This will support the understanding of the central approaches that are used in the framework of this CRC.
• Third, we will adopt measures to advance the career of doctoral researchers by providing training in essential skills and we will promote early integration into scientific networks.

Admission to the program

In total about 50 doctoral researchers will be admitted to the program including all CRC-funded doctoral students, as well as 20 students from CRC labs that are funded by other sources. To disseminate the research topics and training concepts of the CRC within the research community and to stimulate additional collaborations, doctoral students working on relevant topics in laboratories outside of the CRC can apply for membership. A steering committee (program coordinator, CRC board, program administrator) will decide on admission to the program.

Training program

The central aim of the graduate program is to make maximal use of the open environment of the CRC for the training of doctoral researchers to develop their skills in different fields. To support their projects and to strengthen the basis for their future career, students can select from workshops on emerging topics and areas in which they require knowledge consolidation. We designed a structured training program that consists of mandatory and optional components from which our doctoral students can select offers according to their specific interests.

Meetings, seminars, retreat

The CRC will encourage students early in their career to interact with international scientists and to present themselves and their projects. Therefore, students will be actively involved in shaping the scientific guest program, which includes

• the weekly CRC 1348 seminar
• the annual CRC 1348 symposium
• thr annual CRC retreat

Doctoral students or postdocs will be able to invite speakers for the regular seminar series. They set up the itinerary, introduce the speaker at the seminar and have ample opportunity for intense for intense scientific exchange with their visitors. The organizational matters will be done by the CRC 1348 office.

Pilot projects

Graduate students of CRC 1348 labs will have the chance to apply for innovative projects that they develop together with other PhD students. This will foster interaction and exchange of ideas, and will guide students into scientific independence. Funds (5000€ max per student) will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applications will be reviewed by the CRC board.

Preparation for post-graduate work

The CRC 1348 will take measures to facilitate the transition of students to academic and non-academic jobs. In collabration with the Career Service of the WWU, a "Bewerbungstraining" (job application training) will be offered for third-year students. We will also invite alumni that hold jobs in industry, academia or administration to give presentations on their career paths. Thereby, we expect to establish networks that will help the new generation in finding adequate job opportunities.