New at the University of Lübeck: Innovative graduate school on immunology!

New at the University of Lübeck: Innovative graduate school on immunology!

The University of Lübeck has taken a significant step in immunology research. She is receiving funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for a new graduate school that will start in spring 2026. Prof. Dr. Rudolf Manz and Prof. Dr. Stefanie Derer-Petersen leads the college, which focuses on the development of antibodies that have both protective and pathogenic effects on barrier organs such as the skin, intestines and lungs. How precisionmedicine.de reports, the research training group is entitled “Protective and pathogenic antibody responses in barrier organs”.

The interdisciplinary program offers training with a strong focus on bioinformatics. Doctoral students acquire knowledge of modern programming languages, machine learning and interdisciplinary communication in order to better understand the complex processes of B cell activation. This is crucial to develop antibodies that are important for both protection against infection and understanding pathogenic processes. The cooperation partners also include the Christian Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU), which highlights the long-standing collaboration in the field of inflammatory medicine.

Training structure and objectives

The training concept of the graduate college includes a structured curriculum, tandem supervision and regular retreats. An interdisciplinary qualification program is also part of the offer. The aim is to optimally prepare doctoral students for scientific careers that lie at the interface between research and clinical application. The new initiative is part of the University of Lübeck's strategy to promote young scientists in translational medicine.

In the context of immunology, other graduate colleges are also of great importance for research. The Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) approved its graduate school 2504 in May 2019, which also deals with immunology. It continues to be funded by the DFG, with an extension in November 2023. The first cohorts of doctoral students have been in their projects since October 2019, and new applications will be accepted from March/April 2025. This demonstrates the ongoing success and commitment to training and research in this area virologie.uk-erlangen.de represents.

Interlinking with basic and translational research

In addition to training, the research focuses on the development of the immune system and protection against various diseases. Studies demonstrate the need to study immune system dysfunctions and understand their manipulation. The Hannover Medical School (MHH) with its Institute for Immunology is a key player in this research area. Technology uses such as 2-photon microscopy and single-cell sequencing support research in studying immune responses and developing new vaccination strategies. This is done by mhh.de thematised.

Combining basic research with translational approaches not only deepens our understanding of immune processes, but also advances the development of innovative therapies and vaccines.