PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Dr rer nat (life and natural scientists only) or PhD

Course location

Hannover

Teaching language

• English

Languages

Course and working language is English. The PhD thesis is written in English.

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Winter semester

Application deadline

1 March

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The Regenerative Sciences PhD programme (PhD RegSci) at the MHH (Hannover Medical School) focuses on novel regenerative agents and biomaterials as well as cell transplants, artificial tissues, and cell-enhanced bioimplants. Doctoral students must hold a Master's degree or its equivalent in biosciences, human or veterinary medicine, or an engineering discipline.

The RegSci PhD programme was established in 2007 as part of the Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH – "From Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy". The interdisciplinary programme integrates all scientific and technological disciplines relevant to regenerative medicine and aims to combine excellent training with innovative science and experimental and clinical medicine.

The development of novel regenerative therapies requires basic knowledge in biomedicine, including the molecular biology of the eukaryotic (stem) cell, pathomechanisms, and immunobiology. The curriculum also provides knowledge in cellular, genetic and biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, biotechnology, molecular imaging and biomaterials.

Training within the RegSci PhD programme takes place across three levels: students carry out their own research projects, collectively participate in seminars and tutorials covering the aforementioned topics, and take courses tailored to their chosen research areas, along with courses focusing on transferable skills.

Course organisation

The PhD project is the main focus of the programme. Each student accepted into the programme chooses a project offered by a faculty member who becomes his or her PhD supervisor. Each student also has two co-supervisors whose own research foci are closely related to the PhD project but who come from outside the PhD supervisor's department. Progress of the project is monitored through annual meetings between the student and his or her PhD supervisor and two co-supervisors. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to present the current status of their projects to a larger audience at the programme's annual all-student retreat.

Seminars and tutorials on regenerative sciences
During the first two years of the programme seminars and tutorials on all aspects of regenerative sciences are taught on Thursdays between mid-October and mid-February (winter semester) and between mid-April and mid-July (summer semester). Seminars give an overview on a particular topic, whereas in tutorials a paper is presented and discussed. Alternatively, tutorial time is used for lab or ward visits. In the second year, students present methods they are using to each other.

Topics covered during the first semester:

• Introduction to Regenerative Medicine
• Developmental Biology and Organogenesis
• Cell Engineering
• Stem Cell Biology
• Inflammation
• Growth Factor Signalling
• Synthetic Biology
• Cell Polarity & Cytoskeleton
• Principles of Chromosomal Instability
• Cellular Senescence, Tumour Suppression and Organismal Ageing

Topics covered during the second semester:

• Materials Sciences
• Laser Technology
• Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering
• Tissue Processing and Preservation
• Animal Models of Human Disease
• Principles of Organ Transplantation

Topics covered during the third semester:

• Regenerative Approaches: Blood & Immunity; Liver & Pancreas
• Animal Experiments
• Genotoxicity/Immunotoxicity and Monitoring

Topics covered during the fourth semester:

• Regenerative Approaches: Heart and Vessels; Lung; Cartilage, Bone, Tendon; Skin
• Design of Clinical Trials
• Manufacturing
• Toxicology
• Marketing and Post-marketing

Individualised curricula and transferable skills
In addition to the seminars and tutorials on regenerative sciences, students follow an individualised curriculum. This includes:

• Meet the investigator – small groups of students meeting a REBIRTH PI for discussions on science and career perspectives
• Method-based seminars such as real-time PCR & analysis, RNA and DNA basic methods, Scientific Working with EndNote and Reference Manager
• Attendance at department meetings
• Attendance at (department) journal club
• A talk or presentation at an international conference
• 80 hours within three years for project-oriented seminars and courses including practicals and summer schools
• 40 hours within three years of courses on transferable skills such as GLP & GMP training, gene technology security, translation workshop or scientific writing, time management, team work and leadership

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills

Diverse intercultural background of students

Students and alumni from all over the world

Teaching/work obligations or opportunities

The PhD programme does not include teaching or work obligations. Teaching opportunities and lab duties depend on the research group in which the PhD project is carried out.

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• DAAD

Name of DAAD funding programme

GSSP - Graduate School Scholarship Programme

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

Yes

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

Yes

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Approx. 400 EUR

Costs of living

According to the Student Services Organisation (Studentenwerk Hannover), average living expenses amount to approximately 900 EUR to 1,100 EUR per month. This includes the following costs:

• Rent: 326 EUR,
• Food: 170 EUR,
• Clothing: 46 EUR,
• Travelling: 40 EUR,
• Car: 104 EUR,
• Health insurance: 80 to 240 EUR,
• Telephone & Internet: 33 EUR,
• Study materials: 23 EUR,
• Leisure time activities: 61 EUR

Please note that these are average values that only intend to give you an idea of your living expenses. The real costs vary greatly depending on your personal lifestyle.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Every student receives a stipend or a salary of approx. 1,700 EUR per month.

Academic admission requirements

In order to be eligible for the programme, you need to hold a Master's degree or equivalent in life or natural sciences, human or veterinary medicine, or in an engineering discipline with a biomedical focus. Furthermore, you need to have wet-lab research experience, be highly motivated, and have a well-documented interest in regenerative sciences.

Language requirements

As the PhD programme in Regenerative Sciences is an international programme, English is the language of instruction. Therefore, an excellent command of English is absolutely necessary.

You can document your English proficiency either by completing a test such as TOEFL or IELTS or by demonstrating that you were already instructed in English at school or university. This documentation is waived for native speakers. Your fluency in English will be assessed during the interview.

Application deadline

1 March

Submit application to

https://hbrs.cloud.opencampus.net/

Accommodation

Students can apply for a room in a student residence. Rooms are fully furnished and available from 250 to 300 EUR including Internet access. Private accommodation is also a good option.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

Hannover Biomedical Research School (HBRS) – the graduate school at Hannover Medical School to which the PhD programme belongs – offers an annual career day. Among other things, HBRS alumni will provide insights into their professional careers. Personal advice will be available from the PhD programme coordinator and the thesis advisory group.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Cultural and linguistic preparation
• Visa matters

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