www.research-in-germany.org

IMMUNOLOGY AND
INFECTIOLOGY

Research
in Germany

Researchin Germany

Imprint
Published by: German Research Foundation (DFG), Bonn, Germany
Editor: Vera Pfister
Assistant Editor: Sonja Schaffartzik
Contact: researchmarketing@dfg.de
Sources: DFG, Fraunhofer Society, Helmholtz Association, Leibniz Association,
Max Planck Society, Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Graphic Design: KLINKEBIEL GmbH Kommunikationsdesign, www.klinkebiel.com
Cover Photo Credits: © depositphotos.com/lightsource.
© DFG, June 2022
This publication was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education andResearch.

IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTIOLOGYPREFACE
This brochure provides a first insight into research in Germany in the field of
molecular, cellular and clinical immunology and infectiology and is especially
recommended to early career researchers from abroad.
Molecular, cellular and clinical immunology and infectiology research in Germany isprimarily conducted at universities but also at non-university research institutions.
Almost all universities and many universities of applied sciences host a molecular,
cellular and clinical immunology and infectiology research section. The spectrum
ranges from small monothematic working groups to large interdisciplinary
departments and covers a variety of topics from traditional areas to new explorative
research fields.
This brochure is intended to give an initial overview. The following map and tables
highlight research consortia and graduate training programmes at universities andnon-university research institutes with a main focus on molecular, cellular and clinicalimmunology and infectiology.
On top of this, there is a lot more to discover: e.g. the DFG funds a multitude ofindividual projects in the area of molecular, cellular and clinical immunology andinfectiology. These individual grants outweigh the research consortia both in number
and in overall funding volume. Towards the end of this brochure, you will find a linkto the online database GEPRIS that provides an overview of all DFG-funded research
projects. You will also find additional important links for further information aboutprogrammes in the field of molecular, cellular and clinical immunology andinfectiology and profiles of German universities and research institutions.
We invite you to explore the many opportunities that Germany has to offer andwelcome your feedback.

>4

5<

OVERVIEW

Kiel
Greifswald
BorstelLübeckHamburg

BerlinHannoverBraunschweig

Münster
Halle
Essen

Leipzig

Düsseldorf
CologneAachenBonn

Dresden

Jena

Marburg
GießenMainz

St. Ingbert
Saarbrücken
Research Training Groups

Helmholtz Graduate Schools

International Research Training Groups

Leibniz Graduate Schools

Integrated Research Training Groups in
Collaborative Research Centres/TransregiosInternational Max Planck
Research Schools

Clinical Research Units

Fraunhofer Institutes

Research Units

Helmholtz Centres

Clusters of Excellence

Leibniz Institutes

Collaborative Research Centres/Transregios

Max Planck Institutes

Frankfurt/Main
Würzburg
Erlangen

Heidelberg

Stuttgart
TübingenFreiburg

Ulm
MunichDFG-funded Priority Programmes and several Research Units are not shown on the map since they
are not necessarily located at a single location; they are listed on pages 19 and 15.
The map shows the headquarters of the non-university research institutions.
>67<

CENTRES OF RESEARCH- funded by dfg -CENTRES OF RESEARCH
Location

Institution

Title

Funded Since

Contact

CLUSTERS OF EXCELLENCE
Rheinische FriedrichWilhelms-Universität
Bonn

ImmunoSensation2: The
Immune Sensory System(EXC 2151)

2019

www.
immunosensation.de

Universität zu Köln

Cellular Stress Responses inAging-Associated Diseases(EXC 2030)

2019

www.cecad.unikoeln.de

Medizinische
HochschuleHannoverRESIST – Resolving Infection
Susceptibility (EXC 2155)

2019

www.rebirthhannover.de

Clusters of Excellence (EXC) promote cutting-edge research. They serve to strengthen
the research profiles of universities or university consortia in internationally competitive
fields. They create excellent training and career opportunities for early career
researchers. Within the framework of the Excellence Strategy, they can receive
between €3 million and €10 million annually and are funded for seven years, startingin 2019. A second seven-year period is possible.

Bonn

Jena

Friedrich-SchillerUniversität Jena

Balance of the Microverse(EXC 2051)

2019

Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) are organisational units established atuniversities which enable researchers to pursue an outstanding research programmecrossing the boundaries of disciplines, institutes, departments and faculties. The
traditional Collaborative Research Centre is generally applied for by one university
and is conducted by researchers of that university. Early career support is a key
objective of the Collaborative Research Centre Programme. Early career researchers
may get involved in a CRC in numerous ways, for example within the framework ofan Integrated Research Training Group. Collaborative Research Centres are funded
for a period of up to 12 years.

www.microversecluster.de/en

Kiel

Christian-AlbrechtsUniversität zu Kiel

Precision Medicine in
Chronic Inflammation(EXC 2167)

2019

https://
precisionmedicine.de

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Munich Cluster for Systems
Neurology (SyNergy)(EXC 2145)

2019

www.synergy-munich.
de/index.html

Controlling Microbes to Fight
Infections (EXC 2124)

2019

https://uni-tuebingen.
de/en/research/core-research/clusterof-excellence-cmfi/
cmfi/

Transregios (TRR) are Collaborative Research Centres in which up to three universities
collaborate with each other and submit a joint application. The contributions of thecooperative partners are essential, complementary and synergetic to the joint
research objective. Funding facilitates close, nationwide collaboration among theparticipating universities and researchers, as well as networking and shared use ofresources. There is also the option of international Transregios.

CologneHannoverTechnische
Universität München
Tübingen

Eberhard Karls
Universität Tübingen

COLL ABORATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES
AachenBerlinBerlinRheinischWestfälische
Technische
Hochschule Aachen

Gut-Liver Axis – Functional
Circuits and Therapeutic
Targets (CRC 1382)

2019www.crc1382.org/

Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin

FONDA – Foundations ofWorkflows for Large-Scale
Scientific Data Analysis(CRC 1404)

2020

https://fonda.huberlin.de/Charité –Universitätsmedizin
BerlinDirected Cellular SelfOrganisation for Advancing
Bone Regeneration(CRC 1444)

2020

https://boneregeneration.charite.
de/en/

Rheinische FriedrichWilhelms-Universität
Bonn

Metaflammation andCellular Programming(CRC 1454)2020

https://gepris.
dfg.de/gepris/projekt/432325352

Universität zu Köln

Cell Death in Immunity,
Inflammation and Disease(CRC 1403)

2020

https://sfb1403.unikoeln.de

Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin
Bonn

Cologne>89<

CENTRES OF RESEARCH
Location
CologneErlangenFrankfurt/
Main

Freiburg

Freiburg

Hamburg

Hamburg

Institution

Title

Universität zu Köln

Elucidation and Targeting of
Pathogenic Mechanisms in B
Cell Malignancies(CRC 1530)

Friedrich-AlexanderUniversität ErlangenNürnberg
Goethe-Universität
Frankfurt am Main

Albert-LudwigsUniversität Freiburg

Albert-LudwigsUniversität Freiburg
Universität Hamburg

Universität Hamburg

CENTRES OF RESEARCH
Funded Since

Contact

Location

Institution

Title

2021

https://gepris.
dfg.de/gepris/projekt/455784452

Münster

Westfälische
Wilhelms-Universität
Münster

Breaking Barriers – Immune
Cells and Pathogens at Cell/
Matrix Barriers (CRC 1009)

2012

www.medizin.
uni-muenster.de/en/
sfb-1009

Checkpoints for Resolutionof Inflammation (CRC 1181)

2015

www.sfb1181.
forschung.fau.eu/

Münster

Westfälische
Wilhelms-Universität
Münster

Multiscale Imaging of
Organ-Specific Inflammation(CRC 1450)

2020

www.uni-muenster.
de/CRC-inSight/

Signalling by Fatty Acid
Derivatives andSphingolipids in Health andDisease (CRC 1039)

2013

www.lipidsignalling.
de/en/home

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Control and Plasticity of
Cell-Fate Decisions in the
Immune System (CRC 1054)

2012

www.sfb1054.med.
uni-muenchen.deTrafficking of Immune Cells
in Inflammation,
Development and Disease(CRC 914)

www.sfb914.de2015

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

2011

Immune-Mediated Pathology
as a Consequence of
Impaired Immune Reactions(CRC 1160)

Munich2021

Technische
Universität München

Microbiome Signatures– Functional Relevance in the
Digestive Tract (CRC 1371)

2019

Oncogene-Driven Immune
Escape (OncoEscape)(CRC 1479)

Munichwww.sfb1371.tum.
de/

2018

Technische
Universität München

Aberrant Immune Signals in
Cancer (CRC 1335)

2018

Adenine Nucleotides in
Immunity and Inflammation(CRC 1328)

Munichwww.sfb1335.med.
tum.de/en

Saarbrücken

Universität desSaarlandes

2010

https://sfb894.unisaarland.de/en/

Immune-MediatedGlomerular Diseases – Basic
Concepts and ClinicalImplications (CRC 1192)

2015

Ca2+ Signals: Molecular
Mechanisms and Integrative
Functions (CRC 894)

Universität Ulm

Aging at Interfaces(CRC 1506)

2021

www.uni-ulm.de/einrichtungen/sfb-1506-aging-atinterfaces

Universität Ulm

Exploiting the Human
Peptidome for Novel
Antimicrobial and Anticancer
Agents (CRC 1279)

2017

www.uni-ulm.de/en/
med/crc-1279/

Universität Ulm

Danger Response,
Disturbance Factors andRegenerative Potential after
Acute Trauma (CRC 1149)

2014

www.uni-ulm.de/en/einrichtungen/crc-1149

Medizinische
HochschuleHannoverChronic Infections: Microbial
Persistence and its Control(CRC 900)

2010

Heidelberg

Ruprecht-KarlsUniversität
Heidelberg

Integrative Analysis of
Pathogen – Replication andSpread (CRC 1129)

2014

Universität zu Lübeck

Pathomechanisms of
Antibody-mediatedAutoimmunity (PANTAU):
Insights from Pemphigoid
Diseases (CRC 1526)

2021

Johannes
GutenbergUniversität Mainz

Targeting Convergent
Mechanisms of Inefficient
Immunity in Tumors andChronic Infection (CRC 1292)

2017

Philipps-Universität
Marburg

RNA Viruses: RNA
Metabolism, Host Response
and Pathogenesis (CRC 1021)

2012

Mainz

Marburg> 10

www.sfb1479.unifreiburg.de
www.sfb1328.de/

www.sfb1192.deUlm

HannoverLübeckwww.sfb1160.unifreiburg.de

www.sfb900.de/enUlmwww.sfb1129.de

www.sfb1526.uniluebeck.de

Ulm

Funded Since

Contact

COLL ABORATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES/TRANSREGIOS
https://crc1292.unimainz.de

BerlinFreiburg

Charité –Universitätsmedizin
BerlinAlbert-LudwigsUniversität Freiburg

Development, Function and
Potential of Myeloid Cells in
the Central Nervous System(NeuroMac) (TRR 167)2016www.sfb-trr167.unifreiburg.de

www.sfb1021.de11 <CENTRES OF RESEARCH
Location

Institution

Title

BerlinCharité –Universitätsmedizin
BerlinInnate Immunity of the Lung:
Mechanisms of Pathogen
Attack and Host Defence inPneumonia (TRR 84)

GießenJustus-LiebigUniversität Gießen

Marburg

Philipps-Universität
MarburgBonn

Rheinische FriedrichWilhelms-Universität
Bonn

DresdenTechnische
Universität Dresden

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität MünchenBonn
TübingenDresdenHannoverMunichRheinische FriedrichWilhelms-Universität
Bonn

Nucleic Acid Immunity(TRR 237)

CENTRES OF RESEARCH
Funded Since
2010

2018

Contactwww.sfb-tr84.de

Medizinische
HochschuleHannover

Cellular Mechanisms of
Antibiotic Action and
Production (TRR 261)

2019

MunichFrankfurt/
Main
Mainz

Johannes GutenbergUniversität Mainz

Münster

Westfälische
Wilhelms-Universität
Münster

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Albert-LudwigsUniversität Freiburg

Determinants and Dynamics
of Elimination versus
Persistence of Hepatitis Virus
Infection (TRR 179)2016

www.trr179.de/en

Safety Integrated andInfection Reactive Implants(TRR 298)

2021

https://gepris.
dfg.de/gepris/projekt/426335750

The Skin as a Sensor andEffector Organ Orchestrating
Local and Systemic Immune
Responses (TRR 156)2015

www.klinikum.uniheidelberg.de/sfbs/
sfb-trr156/welcome

Pathogenic Fungi and their
Human Host: Networks ofInteraction – FungiNet –(TRR 124)

2013

www.funginet.de

LETSIMMUN – Lymphocyte
Engineering for Therapeutic
Synthetic Immunity(TRR 338)

2021

https://letsimmun.de

Heidelberg

Ruprecht-KarlsUniversität
Heidelberg

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Biology of Xenogeneic Celland Organ Transplantation– From Bench to Bedside(TRR 127)

2012www.klinikum.unimuenchen.de/SFBTRR-127

https://sfbtrr205.
webspace.tu-dresden.
de

2012

www.sfbtr128.deRuprecht-KarlsUniversität
Heidelberg
Johannes GutenbergUniversität Mainz

Tübingen

Eberhard Karls
Universität Tübingen

MunichFriedrich-SchillerUniversität Jena
Julius-MaximiliansUniversität
Würzburg
Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München
Technische
Universität München

Würzburg
Initiating/Effector versus
Regulatory Mechanisms in
Multiple Sclerosis – Progress
towards Tackling the Disease(TRR 128)

Medizinische
HochschuleHannover

Mainz

Würzburg

2017

Contact

Gottfried Wilhelm
Leibniz Universität
HannoverJena

The Adrenal: Central Relay in
Health and Disease (TRR 205)

Funded Since

Technische
Universität München

Heidelberg

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München
Goethe-Universität
Frankfurt am Main

Freiburg

https://trr261.de/Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Technische
Universität Dresden

Title

HannoverTechnische
Universität München
DresdenInstitution

www.trr237.uni-bonn.
de/enEberhard Karls
Universität Tübingen
Technische
Universität Dresden

Location

Julius-MaximiliansUniversität
Würzburg

Technische
Universität München
> 12

13 <

RESEARCH UNITS- funded by dfg Research Units (FOR) often contribute to establishing new research directions. Research
Units are made up of a team of researchers working together on a research project
which is often of an interdisciplinary nature. Research Units consist of several researchersand subprojects. The subprojects of a Research Unit are often located at several
locations throughout Germany. Research Units are generally funded for up to six years.
In case most of a Research Unit’s subprojects are located at one place, it is represented
in the map.

> 14

RESEARCH UNITS
Title

Funded Since

Contact

Translational Polytrauma Research to Provide
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools for Improving
Outcomes (FOR 5417)

2022

https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/465409392

Disrupt – Evade – Exploit: Gene Expression and Host
Response Programming in DNA Virus Infection(DEEP-DV) (FOR 5200)

2021

https://deep-dv.org/wp/

The Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target in
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (FOR 5042)
Subprojects mainly located in: Kiel

2020

www.mitarget.org/

Sex Differences in Immunity (FOR 5068)
Subprojects mainly located in: Hamburg

2020

www.uke.de/kliniken-institute/institute/immunologie/researchunit-5068/index.html

Advanced Concepts in Cellular Immune Control of
Cytomegalovirus (FOR 2830)

2019www.virologie.uni-wuerzburg.de/
forschungsverbuende/for2830/
home/

Receiving and Translating Signals via the GammaDelta T Cell Receptor (FOR 2799)

2018

https://for2799.de/Tissue Type 2 Responses: Mechanisms of Induction
and Regulation (FOR 2599)

2017

www.for2599.dePemphigus - From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics(Pegasus) (FOR 2497)
Subprojects mainly located in: Marburg

2016

www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb20/
pegasus

15 <CLINICAL RESEARCH UNITS- funded by dfg Clinical Research Units (KFO) provide outstanding researchers the opportunity to carryout close, medium-term cooperation in a special research project in the field of diseaseor patient-oriented clinical research. Clinical Research Units are usually located at one
institution. As a rule, they receive funding for up to six years.

CLINICAL RESEARCH UNITS
Location

Institution

Title

BerlinCharité Universitätsmedizin
BerlinFood Allergy and Tolerance(Food@) (KFO 339)

2019https://gepris.
dfg.de/gepris/projekt/409525714

GießenUniversitätsklinikum
Gießen und
Marburg

Virus-induced Lung Injury:
Pathobiology and Novel
Therapeutic Strategies(KFO 309)

2016

www.kfo309.deKiel

Universitätsklinikum
Schleswig-Holstein

CATCH ALL Towards a Curefor Adults and Children with
Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukemia (ALL) (KFO 5010)

2021

https://gepris.
dfg.de/gepris/projekt/444949889

LübeckUniversitätsklinikum
Schleswig-HolsteinPemphigoid Diseases Molecular Pathways andtheir Therapeutic Potential(KFO 303)2015

www.kfo303.uniluebeck.de

Universitätsklinikum
Gießen und
Marburg

Clinical Relevance ofTumor-Microenvironment
Interactions in Pancreatic
Cancer (KFO 325)2017www.uni-marburg.de/
fb20/zti/kfo325

Universitätsklinikum
Münster

Organ Dysfuncion During
Systemic Inflammation(KFO 342)

2019https://kfo342.de/en/Marburg

Münster> 16

Funded Since

Contact

17 <PRIORITY PROGRAMMES- funded by dfg Priority Programmes (SPP) have a programmatic focus and the purpose of advancing
knowledge in an emerging field of research through collaborative networked support.
They are characterised by their enhanced quality of research through the use of new
methods and forms of collaboration in emerging fields. As a rule, one programme canconsist of up to 30 individual subprojects located at several institutions across Germany; it
usually has one coordinating person. Priority Programmes normally receive funding for aperiod of up to six years.

PRIORITY PROGRAMMES
Title

Funded Since

Contact

Physics of Parasitism (SPP 2332)

2021

www.uni-wuerzburg.de/
forschung/physics-of-parasitism/
start/

Exit Strategies of Intracellular Pathogens (SPP 2225)

2019

www.spp2225.rwth-aachen.de/
cms/~ccsvy/spp2225/lidx/1/

Innate Lymphoid Cells (SPP 1937)2016

http://spp-innatelymphoidcells.de

Innate Sensing and Restriction of Retroviruses(SPP 1923)2016

http://spp1923.dePriority Programmes are not shown on the map. Only the titles of the overall themes
and the project website are listed.

> 18

19 <

NON-UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTIONSNON-UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
Location

Institution

Contact
FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTES

Fraunhofer Society is one of the world’s leading organisations for applied researchwith an annual research budget of 2.8 billion euros, 74 institutes and more than
28,000 employees. Fraunhofer’s R&D portfolio covers a wide range of fields,
including health, security, communications, transport, energy and the environment.
www.fraunhofer.de
The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges facing society,science and industry with world-level research in six areas: energy, earth and environment, health, key technologies, structure of matter and aeronautics, space and transport. With more than 40,000 employees in 19 research centres and an annual
budget of approximately 4.8 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s
largest scientific organisation. www.helmholtz.de
The Leibniz Association is an umbrella organisation of 95 research institutes. The annual
budget amounts to 1.9 billion euros. Some 11,500 researchers – approximately 25% ofthem from abroad – work on a widely diverse range of subjects, including the humanities and social sciences, economics, spatial and life sciences, mathematics, natural andengineering sciences and environmental research. www.leibniz-association.eu
The Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science is one of Germany’s largest
independent non-profit research organisations. The Max Planck Society has been
allocated approximately 1.86 billion euros for 2019. A combined total of 15,300
researchers, postdoctoral/junior researchers and visiting researchers at 86 Max Planck
Institutes conduct basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences
and humanities. One third of the researchers and more than half of the junior andvisiting researchers come from abroad. www.mpg.de> 20

Leipzig

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI)

www.izi.fraunhofer.
de/enSt. Ingbert

Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT)

www.ibmt.fraunhofer.
de/en.html

Berlin-Buch

Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC)
Berlin-Buch

HELMHOLTZ CENTRES

Braunschweig Helmholtz Centre for Infection Researchwww.mdc-berlin.dewww.helmholtz-hzi.
de/enHeidelberg

German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ)

www.dkfz.de/en

MunichHelmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center
for Environmental Healthwww.helmholtzmuenchen.de/en

BerlinGerman Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ)

www.drfz.de/en

BorstelResearch Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center (FZB)

https://fz-borstel.de/index.php/de/

Düsseldorf

German Diabetes Center (DDZ)

https://ddz.de/en/

Düsseldorf

Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF)

https://iuf-duesseldorf.
de/en/

Hamburg

Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM)

www.bnitm.de/en

Hamburg

Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV)

www.leibniz-liv.de/en

Jena

Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection
Biology (HKI)

www.hki-jena.de/en

BerlinMax Planck Institute for Infection Biology

www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.
de/2285/en

Freiburg

Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics

www.ie-freiburg.mpg.
de/Martinsried(Munich)Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB)

www.biochem.mpg.
de/en

LEIBNIZ INSTITUTES

MA X- PL ANCK- INSTITUTES

21 <GERMAN CENTRES FOR HEALTH RESEARCH
The German Centres for Health Research – launched by the German Federal Ministryof Education and Research (BMBF) in 2009 – were established as long-term, equal
partnerships between non-university research institutions and universities with university
hospitals. The key objectives of the federal government’s health research programmeis to improve efforts to fight serious diseases that are widespread in the population
more effectively.

GERMAN CENTRES FOR HEALTH RESEARCH
Title

Funded Since

Contact

German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)

2011

www.dzif.de/en

German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)

2011

https://dktk.dkfz.de/en

The German Center for Lung Research (DZL)

2011https://dzl.de/en

German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD)

2009

www.dzd-ev.de/en

German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases(DZNE)

2009www.dzne.de/en

The German Centres for Health Research shall bundle existing expertise and thus
make a significant contribution to closing knowledge gaps and improving theprevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. The research objective is theclose collaboration of basic research with clinical research – always oriented on
patient needs and indications. The close ties and the associated expansion of existing
research structures will enable translational research and thus a faster transfer of
research findings into clinical practice.
German Centres for Health Research are not shown on the map. Only the titles of theoverall themes and the project website are listed.

> 22

23 <

GRADUATE TRAINING- funded by dfg -GRADUATE TRAINING
Location

Institution

Title

FundedSince

Contact

RESEARCH TRAINING GROUPS

Research Training Groups (RTG) combine an ambitious research programme atuniversities with comprehensive training, tailored supervision and academic freedom toform an ideal environment for a successful doctorate. Research Training Groups can also
have an interdisciplinary approach. They are funded for a period of up to nine years.
International Research Training Groups (IRTG) provide opportunities for joint doctoral
training programmes between German universities and universities abroad. The researchand study programmes are jointly developed and supervised. Doctoral students in the
programme spend six months at the partner institution.
Integrated Research Training Groups (within Collaborative Research Centres/
Transregios) offer ideal research environments for doctoral researchers. The main aim ofthese structured training programmes is to provide young scientists and academics with
opportunities to independently carry out research at an early stage of their career. The
programmes further take care to closely integrate early career researchers into an
academic network. Working in Clusters of Excellence or Collaborative Research Centres
projects, doctoral researchers achieve additional qualifications. As research assistants inthese projects, they contribute to the Research Centre’s success. They are closely involved
with the projects and have access to the entire project infrastructure.

BerlinHumboldt-Universität
zu Berlin

Tight Junctions and their
Proteins: Molecular Features
and Actions in Health andDisease (RTG 2318)

2017https://klinphys.charite.
de/grk/BerlinFreie Universität
BerlinParasite Infections: From
Experimental Models to
Natural Systems (RTG
2046)

2014

www.vetmed.fu-berlin.
de/en/einrichtungen/sonstige/grk2046

Essen

Universität DuisburgEssen

Biomedicine of the Acid
Sphingomyelinase/Acid
Ceramidase System(RTG 2098)

2015

www.uni-due.de/grk2098

Essen

Universität DuisburgEssen

Immune Response in
Infectious Diseases –Regulation Between Innate
and Adaptive Immunity(RTG 1949)2013www.uni-due.de/
grk1949

ErlangenFriedrich-AlexanderUniversität ErlangenNürnberg

Fine-Tuners of the Adaptive
Immune Response(RTG 2599)

2020

www.lymphozyten.med.
fau.de/ErlangenFriedrich-AlexanderUniversität ErlangenNürnberg

Immunomicrotope:
Microenvironmental,
Metabolic and Microbial
Signals Regulating Immune
Cell-Pathogen Interactions(RTG 2740)

2020

www.immunomicrotope.
deErlangenFriedrich-AlexanderUniversität ErlangenNürnberg

Novel Antiviral Approaches:from Small Molecules to
Immune Intervention(RTG 2504)

2019www.virologie.
uk-erlangen.de/en/
grk2504/

Goethe-Universität
Frankfurt am Main

Resolution of Inflammation– Mediators, Signaling andTherapeutic Options(RTG 2336)

2017

www.grk-ave.de/

Greifswald

Universität
Greifswald

Proteases in Pathogen and
Host: Importance inInflammation and Infection– RTG-PRO (RTG 2719)

2021

www.rtg2719-pro.de

Halle/
Saale

Martin-LutherUniversität HalleWittenberg

Inflammatory Cues as
Modulators of Early
Pancreatic Carcinogenesis(InCuPanC) (RTG 2751)

2021

www.medizin.unihalle.de/forschung/forschungsverbuende/
grk-2751-incupancFrankfurt/
Main

> 24

Freie Universität Berlin

25 <GRADUATE TRAINING
Location

Hamburg

GRADUATE TRAINING

Institution

Title

FundedSince

Contact

Universität Hamburg

Humans and Microbes:
Reorganisation of Cell
Compartments andMolecular Complexes
during Infection (RTG 2771)

2021

tba

Heidelberg

Ruprecht-KarlsUniversität
Heidelberg

Hallmarks of Skin Cancer(RTG 2099)

2014

Heidelberg

Ruprecht-KarlsUniversität
Heidelberg

Innate Immune Checkpoints
in Cancer and Tissue
Damage (InCheck)(RTG 2727)

2021

Universität zu Lübeck

Defining and Targeting
Autoimmune Pre-Disease(RTG 2633)

2021

www.grk2633.uniluebeck.deMarburg

Philipps-Universität
Marburg

The Inflammatory Tumor
Secretome – From
Understanding to Novel
Therapies (RTG 2573)

2019www.ccc-marburg.de/en/research/networkresearch-projects/grk2573

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Targets in Toxicology –Deciphering Therapeutic
Targets in Lung Toxicology(RTG 2338)

2017

www.grk2338.med.unimuenchen.de/index.html

MunichTechnische
Universität München

Immune Master Switches inAllergies and Autoimmune
Diseases (RTG 2668)

2021

https://rtg2668.de/Würzburg

Julius-MaximiliansUniversität Würzburg

3D Tissue Models forStudying Microbial
Infections by Human
Pathogens(RTG 2157)

2015

www.uni-wuerzburg.de/
grk2157

Würzburg

Julius-MaximiliansUniversität Würzburg

Metabolism, Topology andCompartmentalization of
Membrane Proximal Lipid
and Signaling Components
in Infection(RTG 2581)

2020

LübeckHumboldt-Universität
zu Berlin

Canberra(Australien)

The Australian
National University> 26

Crossing Boundaries:
Molecular Interactions inMalaria (IRTG 2290)

2017

Institution

Title

FundedSince

ContactBonn

Rheinische FriedrichWilhelms-Universität
Bonn

2015

https://bonnmelbphdprogram.com/

Melbourne(Australia)

The University of
Melbourne

Myeloid Antigen Presenting
Cells and the Induction of
Adaptive Immunity(IRTG 2168)

DresdenTechnische
Universität Dresden

2016

https://tu-dresden.de/
med/mf/irtg2251

London(UK)

King's College
LondonImmunological and Cellular
Strategies in Metabolic
Disease (ICSMD) (IRTG
2251)

www.rtg2099.de

www.umm.uniheidelberg.de/grk2727

www.uni-wuerzburg.de/
grk2581

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH TRAINING GROUPS
BerlinLocation

www.allianceberlincanberra.org

INTEGRATED RESEARCH TRAINING GROUPS IN COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES
AachenBerlinCologneErlangenFrankfurt/
Main

RheinischWestfälische
Technische
Hochschule Aachen

Graduate School “Gut-Liver
Axis” within: Gut-Liver Axis
– Functional Circuits andTherapeutic Targets(CRC 1382)

2019

www.medizin.rwthaachen.de/cms/
Medizin/Die-Fakultaet/
Foerderangebote/
StrukturierteDoktorandenausbildung/
BiomedicalGraduate-SchoolAachen/~cahpq/
Segment-CRCGraduiertenschule-GutLiver-Axis-/lidx/1/

Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin

Integrated Research Training
Group within: FONDA –Foundations of Workflows
for Large-Scale ScientificData Analysis (CRC 1404)

2020

https://fonda.hu-berlin.
de/?page_id=318

Universität zu Köln

Integrated Research Training
Group within: Cell Death in
Immunity, Inflammation and
Disease (CRC 1403)

2020

https://sfb1403.unikoeln.de/cell-death-rtggraduate-schoolFriedrich-AlexanderUniversität ErlangenNürnberg

Integrated Research Training
Group within: Checkpoints
for Resolution of
Inflammation (CRC 1181)

2015

www.sfb1181.forschung.
fau.eu/integratedresearch-traininggroup-2/

Goethe-Universität
Frankfurt am Main

Integrated Research Training
Group within: Signalling by
Fatty Acid Derivatives andSphingolipids in Health andDisease (CRC 1039)

2013

www.lipidsignalling.de/en/kolleg/

27 <GRADUATE TRAINING
Location

Institution

Title

FundedSince

Contact

Location

Freiburg

Albert-LudwigsUniversität Freiburg

Integrated Research Training
Group within: OncogeneDriven Immune Escape(OncoEscape)(CRC 1479)

2021

www.sfb1479.unifreiburg.de/research/
projects/integratedresearch-training-groupirtg-for-oncogene-drivenimmune-escape/

INTEGRATED RESEARCH TRAINING GROUPS IN COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES/
TRANSREGIOS

Integrated Research Training
Group within: Adenine
Nucleotides in Immunityand Inflammation (CRC
1328)

2018

Integrated Research Training
Group “Mechanisms of
Immune-Mediated Tissue
Injury” within: ImmuneMediated Glomerular
Diseases – Basic Concepts
and Clinical Implications(CRC 1192)

2015

Integrated ResearchTraining Group within:
Targeting Convergent
Mechanisms of Inefficient
Immunity in Tumors andChronic Infection (CRC
1292)

2017

Westfälische
Wilhelms-Universität
Münster

Integrated Research Training
Group “Multiscale Imaging”
within: Multiscale Imagingof Organ-SpecificInflammation (CRC 1450)

2020

www.uni-muenster.de/
CRC-inSight/careers/
IRTG.html

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Graduate Program within:
Control and Plasticity of
Cell-Fate Decisions in the
Immune System (CRC 1054)

2011

www.sfb1054.med.unimuenchen.de/graduate_
program_new/index.html

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Graduate Program“Leukocyte Trafficking”
within: Trafficking of
Immune Cells in Inflammation, Development andDisease (CRC 914)

2011

www.sfb914.med.unimuenchen.de/graduate_
program/index.html

MunichTechnische
Universität München

Integrated Research Training
Group within: Microbiome
Signatures – Functional
Relevance in the Digestive
Tract (CRC 1371)

2019

www.sfb1371.tum.
de/integrated-researchtraining-group/

Hamburg

Hamburg

Mainz

Münster> 28

Universität Hamburg

Universität Hamburg

Johannes
GutenbergUniversität Mainz

www.sfb1328.de/index.
php?id=32

www.sfb1192.de/en/
research-training-group

BerlinFreiburg

Freiburg

Institution

Charité –Universitätsmedizin
BerlinAlbert-LudwigsUniversität Freiburg

Albert-LudwigsUniversität Freiburg

Heidelberg

Ruprecht-KarlsUniversität
Heidelberg

Munich

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

Title

FundedSince

Contact

Integrated Graduate
Programme “NeuroMac
School” within:
Development, Function and
Potential of Myeloid Cells in
the Central Nervous System(NeuroMac) (TRR 167)2016www.sfb-trr167.
uni-freiburg.de/irtgneuromac-school

Graduate School“Immunovirology” within:
Determinants and Dynamics
of Elimination versus
Persistence of Hepatitis Virus
Infection (TRR 179)2016

www.trr179.de/en/
graduate-school

Integrated Research Training
Group “ImplantTechnologies” within: Safety
Integrated and Infection
Reactive Implants (TRR 298)

2021

https://gepris.
dfg.de/gepris/projekt/426335750

Technische
Universität München
https://crc1292.unimainz.de/irtg/

HannoverMedizinische
HochschuleHannoverGottfried Wilhelm
Leibniz Universität
Hannover29 <GRADUATE TRAINING- at non - university research institutions Helmholtz Graduate Schools provide a roof under which a varied number of curricula
in different fields, or across disciplines, can find a home. Helmholtz Graduate
Schools constitute a valuable addition to the wide range of training programmes
available within the Helmholtz Association. They offer optimal conditions for PhD
students to work and enable them to create a network of contacts with fellow
university researchers while also fostering the integration of participants into theresearch environment.

GRADUATE TRAINING
Location

Title

Contact
HELMHOLTZ GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Berlin-Buch

MDC Graduate Schoolwww.mdc-berlin.de/content/graduateschool

Braunschweig

HZI International Graduate School for Infection Research(GS-FIRE)

www.helmholtz-hzi.
de/en/career/
graduate_school

Heidelberg

Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Researchwww.dkfz.de/en/
phd-program/

MunichHelmholtz Graduate School Environmental Health – HELENA

www.helmholtzhelena.de

LEIBNIZ GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Leibniz Graduate Schools were established to foster the systematic promotion ofjunior researchers. Young researchers are given the opportunity to do their doctorates
in an excellent, collaborative, cross-disciplinary research environment. To this end,
Leibniz institutions cooperate closely with universities. As every Leibniz institution
focuses on clearly defined, socially-relevant themes, doctoral candidates have a
wealth of networking opportunities in a large, dedicated scientific community. The
particular character of research at the institutions in the Leibniz Association, which
includes fundamental, large-scale and application-oriented research, means doctoralcandidates can conduct research from basic idea right through to application.
International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) offer talented German andinternational junior scientists the opportunity to earn a doctorate under excellent
research conditions. The research schools are established by one or several Max
Planck Institutes. These IMPRS work in close cooperation with universities and other– sometimes international – research institutions. This provides an extraordinary
framework for the graduate students to work in, and is a great advantage ininterdisciplinary research projects, or in projects that require special equipment.

> 30

BerlinLeibniz Graduate School for Rheumatology (LGRh)

www.drfz.de/en/
karriere/nachwuchs
foerderung/
graduiertenschule/Hamburg

Leibniz Graduate School “Infections”

www.lc-infection.de/en/lci-graduate-schoolen.html

JenaInternational Leibniz Research School for Microbial and
Biomolecular Interactions (ILRS)

www.ilrs.de

INTERNATIONAL MAX PLANCK RESEARCH SCHOOLS (IMPRS)
BerlinIMPRS for Infectious Diseases and Immunology

www.mpiib-berlin.
mpg.de/graduate_
program

Freiburg

IMPRS for Immunobiology, Epigenetics, and Metabolism

www.ie-freiburg.
mpg.de/IMPRS-PhDProgramMartinsried(Munich)IMPRS for Molecular Life Sciences

https://imprs-ls.
opencampus.net/

31 <SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONSIN GERMANY

OPEN POSITIONS
Research in Germany: www.research-in-germany.org/jobs

Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM): www.vaam.de (DE)
Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG): https://derma.de/ (DE)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allergologie und klinische Immunologie (DGAKI):
https://dgaki.de/ (DE)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und
Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS): www.dgvs.de (DE)

Fraunhofer Society: www.fraunhofer.de/en/jobs-and-career.html
Helmholtz Association: www.helmholtz.de/en/career/job-vacancies/
Leibniz Society: www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/careers/jobs.html
Max Planck Society: www.mpg.de/jobboard

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hämatologie und Medizinische Onkologie (DGHO):
www.dgho.de (DE)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Infektiologie (DGI): www.dgi-net.de (DE)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM): www.dgim.de (DE)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie (DGRh): https://dgrh.de (DE)German Cardiac Society (DGK): https://dgk.org (DE)German Society for Immunology (DGfI): https://dgfi.org/
German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM): www.dghm.org (DE)German Society for Parasitology (DGP): www.dgparasitologie.de (DE)German Society of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ): www.dgkj.de
German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health (DTG):
https://www.dtg.org/index.php/home/english.html
Society of Virology (GfV): https://g-f-v.org/en/
> 32

33 <

FURTHER INFORMATIONRESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, PROJECTS, FUNDING, CONTACTS
The “Research in Germany” Portal: Information on research
and funding opportunities, academic and research-related
job portals, as well as advice on preparing a research
stay or initiating a collaboration with German researchorganisations. www.research-in-germany.org
German Project Information System (GEPRIS): Online
database providing information about all current DFGfunded research projects and contact information for the
Principal Investigators. http://gepris.dfg.deGerman Research Institutions (GERiT): Information on morethan 25,000 institutes at German universities and nonuniversity research institutions, searchable by geographic
location, subject and other structural criteria. www.gerit.org
Website of the DFG: Further background information about
DFG funding programmes, funding guidelines, and lists ofcurrently DFG-funded activities. www.dfg.de
The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) Research Map:
The interactive HRK Research Map database provides
information on the research priorities that are of strategic
institutional importance for each university.
www.hrk.de/home (go to Research Map)
The Higher Education Compass: Information on Germany’s
higher education institutions, the range of courses andprogrammes that they offer, their worldwide cooperation,
and who to contact locally.
www.hochschulkompass.de/en/study-in-germany> 34

Contact
German Research Foundation (DFG)
DFG Head Office Germany
www.dfg.deresearchmarketing@dfg.de