Biology, chemistry, computer science and mathematics scientists bring decisive strengths to medical research through their specialisation in specific subject matter and technology. They investigate complex cellular processes and develop innovative methods required, thus laying the foundations for the development of new strategies for medical diagnostics and therapy. In order to be able to assess the potential of their own research for clinical applications and to orient their research projects appropriately, it is important for this professional group – the medical scientists – to complement the competencies of their scientific discipline with knowledge of medical topics and the conditions of translational research, and to work closely with physicians on interdisciplinary projects. Incidentally, the patient-oriented perspective that comes with such collaborations can provide additional motivation for one’s own work.

Funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, the Faculty of Medicine is establishing a structured training programme for postdocs from the natural sciences, which provides support for a specific qualification as medical scientists and their career paths in university medical research.

• Medical Scientist Programme InFlame: career advancement in medical research related to inflammatory processes for postdocs from the natural sciences
• Stories: insights on working as a medical scientist
• Contact: central contact people and steering committee

“Not many natural scientists can offer the combination of basic research and clinically oriented research.”