Medical Innovation through Interdisciplinarity Clinician Scientist (MINT-CS) program

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Claudia Lengerke
• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology ; Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism ; Clinical Immunology and Allergology ; Clinical Infectiology and Tropical Medicine ; Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 493665037

The vision of the Medical Innovation through Interdisciplinarity Clinician Scientist (MINT-CS) program is to foster medical innovation through interdisciplinarity by promoting the development of scientifically and clinically competent physicians in key areas of translational research at our medical faculty, such as oncology, clinical neurosciences and diabetes/vascular medicine as well as in areas currently underrepresented for CS (e.g., surgical disciplines), utilizing our excellent cross-sectional research platforms. In the first funding period, the structural elements of the MINT-CS program were set up and 24 excellent CS fellows with strong interdisciplinary projects were recruited to the program, via three calls and a transparent and open selection process. These CS fellows undergo a qualification curriculum and drive translational research projects in close collaboration between clinical departments and basic science laboratories. In the second funding period, the MINT-CS program will further support these CS fellows to complete their research projects and progress in career development, and recruit further 4 MINT-CS fellows per year following similar criteria to the program. Furthermore, the MINT-CS program has created a “CS umbrella” structure within the CS track of the Talent Academy of the Faculty of Medicine, to ensure continuity and prepare target positions (e.g., within the Advanced Clinician Scientist Track), connect the MINT-CS program with other CS programs on the campus, and allow transfer of successful elements to other CS and overall the development of sustainable and cohesive career support options with best access to infrastructure, trainings and key technologies. This well-structured CS career paths will foster translational scientific activity and decisively strengthen our research location. By boosting our CS community and creating successful role models, the MINT-CS program will sustainably increase visibility, attractiveness and acceptance of this unique career track.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Andreas L. Birkenfeld; Professor Dr. Thomas Gasser; Professor Dr. Bernd Pichler; Professorin Dr. Ghazaleh Tabatabai; Professorin Dr. Juliane Walz