Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS)

The Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) The Graduate School of Life Sciences is a joint initiative of the Faculties of Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Physics, and Human Sciences (Psychology). The school was founded in 2006 and operates under the umbrella of the University of Würzburg Graduate Schools (UWGS). The GSLS prepares doctoral researchers for successful careers in academia and industry. Several world-class research institutions have joined forces to offer doctoral researchers interdisciplinary research projects at the forefront of science and a curriculum tailored to their individual needs. Among the participating institutions are the Biocenter, the Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), the Research Center for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), the Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (RVZ), the Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), and the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-Based Infection Research (HIRI). The school’s concept was supported by the Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments over two funding periods. Since November 2019, the graduate school has been funded by the Bavarian state and the University of Würzburg. The GSLS is composed of five sections specialising in different aspects of the life sciences and offers a three-year doctoral study programme culminating in either a PhD or a German Dr rer nat degree. Biomedicine The biomedicine section is involved in the study of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Research efforts focus on the analysis of target proteins at different levels of biological organisation. Ultimately, the goal is to explore new strategies for diagnosis and therapy. This section places particular emphasis on tumour biology, cardiovascular sciences, molecular biosciences, and developmental biology. Infection and Immunity The infection and immunity section represents an internationally recognised major research focus within the University of Würzburg with firmly established interdisciplinary collaboration between different faculties. The scientific programme comprises research on infection, RNA-based infection, immunomodulation, and anti-infectives. Integrative Biology The integrative biology section aims at a cross-taxon approach to the understanding of complex biological phenomena and integrates all levels of biological organisation. The hallmark of research is the combination of organismic, evolutionary, and molecular biology utilising a wide array of methods. Neuroscience Neuroscience is one of the most rapidly developing areas in the life sciences. The neuroscience section brings together expertise in system physiology, behavioural neuroscience, molecular biology, molecular structure and function, organic and pharmaceutical chemistry, and bioinformatics. Clinical Sciences Research in the clinical sciences section aims at translating target molecule identification into new diagnostic and therapeutic venues to provide novel treatment and prevention strategies in clinical settings.