Integrated Research Training Group (MGK)

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: from 2012 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 36555331

The Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) is a central instrument of the collaborative research centre to promote highest quality of education and career development for the doctoral students of the collaborative research centre. Its main aims are (1) to provide advanced training in the academic fields relevant for the students' prospective future employments, (2) to support the development of students towards scientific independence and international competitiveness, (3) to ensure expeditious completion of doctoral training, and (4) to implement measures for reaching gender equality in academic careers. To achieve these aims several mechanisms have been implemented in the funding period and have been assessed with respect to their effectiveness.Central to the IRTG is a structured training program implementing a qualification strategy that (1) reflects the diverse demands of the relevant job market, and (2) acknowledges the students' individual needs as their doctoral training evolves. After national and international announcement of IRTG scholarships, scholars were accepted to the IRTG based on a competitive and transparent selection procedure. The IRTG provides three main tracks of support covering the different entrance scenarios for young academics to the collaborative research centre: Doctoral positions, ad-personam IRTG fellowships, and stipends supporting a fast-track program for excellent master students. The structured qualification program includes (1) advanced academic training in required scientific fields, (2) intense coaching in project management and self-management, (3) workshops to foster scientific independence, professional attitude, ability to acquire third-party funding, etc., (4) tools for monitoring success of career development and means for interference as needed. The effectiveness of these measures has been critically assessed. A key element to the effectiveness has been the modularization of training units to allow rapid adaptability to individual needs in both areas, scientific and personal development.Modifications of the IRTG suggested for the newly proposed funding period reflect our experiences in the current funding period and mainly consist in an upgrade of the ad-personam IRTG fellowships to doctoral positions funded by collaborative research centre overheads.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 779: Neurobiology of Motivated Behaviour
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Universität Leipzig
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Bertram Gerber; Professor Dr. Frank W. Ohl