Future for Clinician Scientists in Precision Metabolic Medicine

• Applicant: Professor Tom Lüdde, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism ; Gastroenterology ; Gynaecology and Obstetrics ; Human Genetics ; Cardiology, Angiology ; Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 493659010

Metabolic diseases are associated with complex patterns of end organ damage such as hepatic, cardiovascular, neurovascular but also malignant diseases. Today, alterations of system-communication-networks associated to metabolic diseases are only inadequately reflected by current systems of care, oriented to disciplinary boundaries rather than a holistic view on each individual patient. The hypothesis of this application is that cross-organ diagnosis, risk prediction, prevention and treatment concepts ("precision metabolic medicine") at the boarders between established disciplines will have the highest innovation potential in the field of basic and translational research and future patient care for metabolic diseases. "Future for Clinician Scientists in Precision Metabolic Medicine (FUTURE-4-CSPMM)" aims at overcoming disciplinary boundaries through interconnecting multiple disciplines in a clinician scientist programme in order to shape a new generation of clinician scientists embracing metabolic diseases as a holistic, interdisciplinary medical and scientific challenge. The application builds on excellence in this field and innovative cooperation structures at the Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and the University Hospital Düsseldorf. FUTURE-4-CSPMM will link existing funding programmes and collaborative proposals (CRCs etc.) with new interdisciplinary research infrastructures (e.g. CARDDIAB, "Metabolic Campus") and high-volume clinical care units. The programme structure focuses on the following pillars: 1. A binding curriculum that offers clinician scientists protected research time and at the same time enables excellent specialist training also in interventional and surgical disciplines2. Innovative concepts of interdisciplinary cooperation ("Metabolic Board") and the integration of computer-based methods into decision paths ("Data Science Integration Board")3. Strengthening academic autonomy of young clinician scientists through the development of specific competences4. Strengthening methodological approaches with particular relevance to the context of metabolic diseases (e.g. digital methods, multi-omics and AI, public health, genetics, inflammation and immuno-metabolism, clinical trials)5. The sustainable creation of a creative and inspiring scientific and clinical environment through practical support for families and the promotion of female candidates and diversityThe programme will be open to candidates from all clinical disciplines interested in metabolic diseases and will cover research projects featuring basic science, translational science and early clinical trials. Finally, FUTURE-4-CSPMM will provide a sustainable medical, scientific and structural added value for its participants as well as the future strategic goals of the Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professorin Dr. Tanja Fehm; Professor Dr. Malte Kelm; Professor Dr. Sven G. Meuth; Professor Dr. Michael Roden; Professorin Dr. Dagmar Wieczorek