International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm (IGradU)

Scientific excellence depends on excellently trained young researchers. The training of such researchers is the aim of the International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine at Ulm University.

IGradU promotes and supports graduate education and training in the field of biomedical research. Main research areas are (1) Development, Ageing, and Degeneration; (2) Signalling Networks in the Hematopoetic System and Oncology; (3) Cardiometabolic Disorders; and (4) Host-Microbe Interactions. Together with Ulm University and the Medical Faculty, the Graduate School offers a Bachelor, Master, PhD and a Fast Track PhD programme of studies in Molecular Medicine and the study programme Experimental Medicine, to strengthen the training of medical students in clinical research.

From the beginning of their studies students are actively integrated in the scientific community by giving scientific talks and poster presentations on international meetings. IGradU offers a mobility programme awarding financial support to students for short visits to national and international conferences and for long-term stays at laboratories in Germany or abroad. Furthermore IGradU is continually developing and maintaining research and training cooperations between Ulm and other well-known research institutes worldwide. In order to prepare doctoral candidates for the job market, IGradU offers a large variety of key competence seminars in such subjects as project management, bioethics, and patent law.

Apart from the scientific training, students are offered mentoring on different levels to facilitate their stay in Ulm and to help them concentrate fully on their academic performance. IGradU assists students with the organisation of studies and of study life in general and advises on issues concerning visas, contracts, work permits, accommodation, and health insurance etc. A social mentoring programme called M4M - Mentorship for Molecular Medicine - brings together doctoral students and seniors living in Ulm for mutual exchange and support. The M4M programme thereby develops an atmosphere of confidence and familiarity.

The International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm has been established in 2006 and is supported by the Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments since 2007.