The central aim of DIAMICOM is to establish a graduate school programme for the next generation of excellent scientists from both, medicine and life science, in the area of microvascular complications in diabetes. Following the aims and recommendations of DIAMAP as the roadmap towards diabetes research in Europe (see www.DIAMAP.eu), DIAMICOM addresses the most innovative basic research questions in this field. By approaching diabetes-induced changes of eye, kidney, and nerve in basic and translational projects, DIAMICOM will provide a combined platform for advanced research and education.

Mechanistic research involves hyperglycemia-driven pathogenetic pathways, relevant for target tissues of diabetic microangiopathy, the mechanisms of hyperglycaemic memory, as well as genes and factors mediating protection from target tissue damage. This scientific focus addresses hyperglycemia-driven microvascular complications relevant for both, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The international cooperation relies on a lively joined training programme for medical and life science graduates, established in 2003 at both Universities (Heidelberg and Groningen), involving the Junior Scientific Masterclass programme and the reformed medical education programme MaReCuM, supporting the scientific education of the much needed clinical researcher.

This fully matches the recommendations of the DFG Senate Commission from 2010. The implementation of Sanofi as a partner from the pharmaceutical industry expands research expertise and education. It provides complementary excellence for both the scientific and the educational part of DIAMICOM. It offers the opportunity of a consultant for those who envision a career perspective in the R&D category of the pharmaceutical industry.

methods:
http://www.umm.uni-heidelberg.de/ag/grk1874/projects/

Start Date: 2 January 2013
Estimated duration: 3 years
Payment: TVL13

Homepage: http://www.umm.uni-heidelberg.de/ag/grk1874/

Subjects: Biology
Topic: Thesis: International Research Training Group 1874/1 (DIAMICOM) 8PhD students available
Contact: Prof. Jens Kroll
Reply to: jens.kroll @ medma.uni-heidelberg.de
Institution: University of Heidelberg
Location: 68167 Mannheim, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17