HIRSIB and HBRS

In order to train early stage research scientists in the field of infection biology the Helmholtz International Research School for Infection Biology (HIRSIB) was initiated as a joint co-operation between the well renowned research institutions Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, the Hannover Medical School and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, coordinated by the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig.

HIRSIB is integrated into the Centre for Infection Biology (ZIB) at  Hannover Medical School and therefore also part of the Hannover Biomedical Research School (HBRS). The synergized research and teaching potential of the affiliated institutes gives the unique chance to offer a platform for excellent education and research projects.

The 6-year program, with English as the teaching language, is focused on the complex interactions between host and pathogen as well as basic research with the combined tools of immunology, cell biology, molecular biology and structural biology. Moreover, transferable skills as well as interdisciplinary work are important components of the curriculum.  The infrastructure and training modules are supported by the President’s Initiative and Networking Fund of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.

The official opening ceremony of HIRSIB took place in November 2007. Since then, all PhD Infection Biology students are automatically a part of HIRSIB and can take full advantage of its infrastructure, funding and support.

HIRSIB is coordinated by Dr. Sabine Kirchhoff and Daniela Romke (schoolhelmholtz-hzi.de).

Hannover Biomedical Research School (HBRS) was founded in 2003. Since 2006, it is supported by the German Excellence Initiative (BMBF).

HBRS currently comprises three international PhD programs (Molecular Medicine, Infection Biology and Regenerative Sciences) and two DFG-funded research training groups, one being a joint European program. All PhD programs are in English.

A structured doctoral program for medical students was also successfully established (StrucMed), as well as the two HBRS-associated Master programs Biomedicine and Biochemistry.

Currently, the various programs of HBRS host around 180 PhD students. In addition, 43 medical students were accepted for StrucMed as well as 40 new Master students. Of the PhD students, around 50% have an international and around 25% a medical background. Around 50% are female.

The HBRS is coordinated by Dr. Susanne Kruse and Marlies Daniel (kruse.susannemh-hannover or daniel.marliesmh-hannover.de)