Lectures, seminars and research meetings

For all doctoral candidates in natural sciences/human biology, there will be a mandatory kick-off series of lectures and seminars on the background, aims and methods of the entire RTG, on anticipated collaborations between projects as well as on infectious disease immunology and molecular microbiology, organized as block event at the beginning of the training program (1 week, whole day). The state-of-the-art lectures and seminars allow all the doctoral candidates (1) to become familiar with the overarching goals and the individual projects of the RTG, (2) to learn about the available technologies and instruments within the consortium, and (3) to catch up with current views of host-pathogen interactions and effects of metabolism and micro milieu on immune responses. At the end of the days, there will be “happy hour mixers” with all doctoral candidates and PIs to promote team-building.

The Metchnikoff club of all doctoral candidates will take place as a 1-2 hour jour fixe once a month. Doctoral candidates will present recent publications and discuss methods, difficulties and results of their projects in an informal setting (without PIs), but can also invite a PI or external scientist for in-depth presentation of a technique or specific research project (“meet the professor” format). The Metchnikoff club will also be the organizational platform for the FAU I-MED seminar series (discussion of potential guests, suggesting candidates to PI who will function as host).

The FAU Profile Center Immunomedicine (FAU I-MED) originates from the Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen (MICE), which was founded as an FAU interdisciplinary center in 2009. Its “Immunological Colloquium” with national and international guest speakers takes place weekly on Tuesdays at 12.30 or 5.15 p.m. during the semester and covers the entire field of immunology, because it is run by the major immunological research institutions of Erlangen. Invited scientists usually stay for one day in Erlangen and are available for discussions with PIs and doctoral candidates.

All RTG doctoral candidates will participate in the lab meetings of their own research group and participate in the progress reports and journal clubs of the respective institute, department or clinic.