Medical Scientists

Join us at the Medical Scientist Network Symposium!

Münster, 22–24 March 2026

Scientific exchange, career support and networking for natural scientists working in medical contexts: We look forward to exciting research and will exchange our views on the opportunities and specific needs for the career development of medical scientists. Everybody interested is warmly invited to participate!

The symposium is a joint event by the Medical Scientist Schools at the Universities of Duisburg-Essen, Göttingen, Hamburg, Mainz and Münster which support talented postdocs in medical research. The schools and the symposium are funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation.

Medical Scientists in Münster

Promoting natural scientists in medical research

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 University of Münster's 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.

Funding extended for Medical Scientist Programme InFlame

InFlame is to receive 1.1 million euros from the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation for a second funding period of four years. The programme is aimed at postdocs in the natural sciences working in the interdisciplinary field of inflammation research. It helps create synergies between research and clinical practice and supports candidates in setting the course for their careers. (9 Dec 2025)

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

Infection biologist Prof. Dr Petra Dersch talks about the important role of medical scientists, their career prospects and the contents of the career programme InFlame. (22 Mar 2023)