Research Training Groups
The Faculty has acquired a number of DFG and EU Research Training Groups, which focus on the qualification of doctoral students within the framework of a thematically focused research program and a structured qualification concept.
The aim is to fully prepare doctoral candidates for the complex job market in research and at the same time support their independence in research early on.
You can find an overview including contact persons here.
DFG Research Training Groups:
- RTG 2610 - Innovative Retinal interfaces for optimized Artificial Vision – InnoRetVision
Retinal implants can be used to restore simple visual functions in patients who are visually impaired or blind. However, the results often fall short of expectations because the technology has not been adequately researched and the biological foundations of the diseases have not been sufficiently investigated. The RTG “Innovative Retinal interfaces for optimized Artificial Vision – InnoRetVision” aims to analyse in greater detail the biomedical mechanisms of diseases in the visual system and also improve stimulation results using approaches involving novel electrodes and circuit systems.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Peter Walter
Further information on GRK 2610
- RTG 2415 – Mechanobiology in Epithelial 3D Tissue Constructs (MEƎT)
The observation that mechanics determine cellular processes as diverse as organ formation, inflammation, and carcinogenesis or even embryo implantation has been the nucleating idea of the DFG-funded graduate school MEƎT. Its research aims to elucidate mechanical feedback cycles that determine the function and self-organization of cells and tissues in space and time.
MEƎT brings together a multidisciplinary team including experts in biophysics, stem cell and molecular biology, material science, bioengineering and medicine. The common scientific focus is on the mechanobiology of surface-lining epithelia such as the skin which is exposed to extreme mechanical strain. It is our goal to use the gained knowledge for improved tissue engineering and treating human diseases.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Rudolf Leube
Further information on GRK 2415 on YouTube
- RTG 2375 – Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery
Drug delivery systems improve the efficiency of cancer therapeutic agents by slowing their degradation, prolonging blood circulation times, increasing target site accumulation, and protecting healthy organs. So far, various drug delivery systems have been developed and tested, but their full potential has not been fully exploited as yet. Exploiting this potential requires close, interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface between clinical practice, tumor biology, and chemical technologies. The research training group seeks to develop drug delivery systems and new treatment strategies to treat tumors more effectively and reduce the side effects of agents. Innovative production processes are to be established that allow the efficient, reproducible production of drug delivery systems.
Furthermore, Inter- and intraindividual differences in tumor vasculature and tumor microenvironment will be correlated with site accumulation, penetration, and drug delivery system effectiveness. In addition, pharmacological and physical complementary treatments will be examined to increase tumor uptake and the effectiveness of drugs.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Fabian Kießling
Deputy Speaker: Professor Dr. Twan Lammers
- RTG 2416 – MultiSenses–MultiScales: Novel Approaches to Decipher Neural Processing in Multisensory Integration
The human brain is capable of simultaneously processing – effortlessly, it seems – a large number of sense impressions. However, science is far from understanding how the brain is able to achieve this. The group seeks to achieve a conceptual and mechanical understanding of multisensory neuronal processing at different levels of analysis. Training and educating doctoral candidates in such a way that they are able to follow different career paths, regardless of their area of expertise. A comprehensive qualification strategy provides the basis for this – in a modular approach, neuroscientific core competencies are taught, while also providing innovative elements, and there is sufficient flexibility to create individually tailored training programs.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Marc Spehr
The aim of this project is to gain insights into how different factors such as environment, traumatic experiences, personality, gender, culture, and genetic factors influence aggressive and impulsive behavior in people. In addition, modern imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, or electroencephalography will be used to analyze neuronal networks and the transport of certain messenger substances in the brain that are partly responsible for impulsive or aggressive behavior. The young scientists are given the opportunity to participate in a regular scientific exchange, for example in annual winter schools or with a stay at the partner university.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Ute Habel
Marie Curie Research Fellowship Networks:
- INTRICARE – International Network for Training on Risks of Vascular Intimal Calcification and roads to Regression of Cardiovascular Disease
The objective of INTRICARE is to train a new generation of scientist that will be excellently skilled to expedite our understanding of vulnerable plaque formation, with a particular focus on microcalcification, and to develop innovative solutions for the early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Contact in Aachen: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jahnen-Dechent
Further information: www.intricare.eu - CaReSyAn – Combatting the CardioRenal Syndrome: towards an integrative analysis to reduce cardiovascular burden in chronic kidney disease
We will train young scientists to combat cardiovascular burden in chronic kidney disease by providing them with excellent scientific, technological and complementary skills to generate innovative insights in the pathology of the cardiorenal syndrome, and translate these into innovative clinical products. Ultimately, this will improve diagnosis as well as therapy of the cardiorenal syndrome and reduce the socio-economic burden of this disease.
Coordinator: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jankowski
Besides the Research Training Groups, a number of externally funded joint projects are also being carried out at the Faculty of Medicine.