Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences

A structured doctoral program in drug research

Content

Bundesstadt ...... 4

University of Bonn ...... 6

Bonn Graduate Center ...... 8

Bonn International Graduate Schools ...... 10

Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences ...... 12

Pro-Motion ...... 16

Imprint ...... 18

| 3 Political and Economic Center

Although the parliament and most diplo- mats have long since made their way to , Bonn is still a political and adminis- Bundesstadt Bonn trative center. All ministries maintain offices in Bonn; indeed, six of them still have their official residence here. In recent years, the Bonn is one of ’s growth regions and, despite the fact that the various United Nations departments that have established their seat in Bonn have parliament and much of the government moved to new capital city Berlin added international flair. Additionally, many in 1999, Bonn is more international than ever . The city has a lot more to NGOs are located in Bonn, from Amnesty International to the World Wind Energy offer than just beautiful surroundings and scenic landscapes . Bonn has Association. Global players like Deutsche a vibrant theater and cinema scene, not to mention a whole host of top- Telekom and DHL together with its subsidiary Postbank offer thousands class museums and concert halls . The “Bundesstadt”, or Federal City, of

Bundesstadt Bonn of highly qualified jobs, as do the property Bonn is also a prospering business center and the heart of a pulsating giant IVG, the gummy bear producer Haribo and the German broadcaster Deutsche science region with a number of high-profile research institutions . Welle, to name just a few.

4 BONN – FACTS & FIGURES

uuGeographical location: 50°44’2” north; 7°6’8” east (point of reference: university main building); 60 meters above sea level.

uuArea: 141.2 square kilometers, three- quarters of which are on bank of the ; 39.4 square kilometers are wooded. There are 47 streams in Bonn, most of which flow into the Rhine.

uuClimate: Bonn is one of the warmest Culture and Leisure Opportunities Bonn and leisure – this means a quiet regions in Germany. glass of beer in a beer garden, a cup of (1770–1827) is one cappuccino at the Kaiserplatz, or Rievkoche uuPopulation: Over 300,000 inhabitants, of of the greatest composers of all time and (Reibekuchen – reminiscent of thin, crispy whom about 80,000 have moved to Bonn Bonn’s most well-known son. The Beethoven- hash browns) at the Christmas market. from 176 countries across the world; 39% Haus, the composer’s birthplace, contains There is no shortage of eateries in Bonn – of Bonn’s population is Catholic, 22% treasures like original scores and some of from fast food to haute cuisine, from one Protestant. the maestro’s musical instruments. Bonn’s end of the culinary world to the other, be it Opera House has an excellent reputation, as in the multicultural Altstadt, in Poppelsdorf, uuEmployment: Bonn is the economically does the theater in Bad Godesberg. Bonn or in the cultural hotspot Endenich. strongest city in North Rhine-Westphalia has a number of museums and exhibitions and has one of the lowest unemployment to offer, including the Haus der Geschichte rates in the whole state. (House of History), with thousands of The Rheinländer visitors marveling at the exhibits from the uuHealth: Bonn is among the top five cities post-1945 period on display covering 4,000 People from all over the world as well as in Germany when it comes to factors such square meters. Further exhibitions located native Rheinländer are the essentially happy- as healthcare, air quality, green areas, on Bonn’s “Museum Mile” include the Ale­ go-lucky inhabitants of this beautiful city, sports facilities, and childcare availability. xander Koenig Research Museum, Kunst- who tend to be more tolerant than opinionat- museum Bonn, the Art and Exhibition Hall, ed, more hedonistic than spartan, art lovers Bonn’s Deutsches Museum, and FrauenMu- rather than philistines. These characteristics seum (women’s museum – once the very of people and life are particularly first of its kind in the world). manifest during Carnival. 4 | 5 University of Bonn

Rooted in the Rhineland – at home in the world . An excellent reputation, about 34,000 students, and nearly 200 years of history: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and a particularly attractive destination for foreign researchers and students . It is a modern research-oriented university that operates internationally while remaining conscious of its long tradition .

History Research University

The University of Bonn was founded in 1818 Today, the University of Bonn is a research by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of . university committed to the idea of the uni- For over 100 years the Faculties of Catholic versitas litterarum. Over 150 B.A., M.A., and , Protestant Theology, Medicine, PhD programs are offered by the Universi- , and Arts were all situated in the Uni- ty’s seven faculties: versity’s main building, the former residence of the prince-electors. After prospering in ■■ The Faculty of Catholic Theology the Wilhelmine era, the University suffered ■■ The Faculty of Protestant Theology several setbacks. Both the independent ■■ The Faculty of Law and academic tradition as well as the University ■■ The Faculty of Medicine buildings were greatly affected during the Nazi regime. After 1945 the University was ■■ The Faculty of Arts rebuilt and soon regained its status as a re- ■■ The Faculty of and University of Bonn University of nowned research institution. Bonn University Natural Sciences Museum showcases almost 200 years of ■■ The Faculty of Agriculture history – from the Foundation Charter dated 1818 to a 100-year-old rector’s robe.

6 PROFILE

The University’s belief in the principle of a Student body: Campus: comprehensive university in no way contra- uu34,000 students uu5 campuses dicts its efforts to sharpen its profile by set- uuNearly 4,000 students from more than uuMore than 350 buildings, including the former ting subject priorities. Outstanding research 140 countries residence of the prince-electors, now home focus areas at the University of Bonn are: to the Faculty of Arts and both Faculties of ■■ Mathematics Faculty: Theology. uu544 professors ■■ Economics uu3,935 members of academic staff Size: ■■ Physics/Astronomy uuNumerous award-winning scientists uu480,000 square meters (not including the ■■ Life Sciences uuTwo Nobel laureates: , Nobel Faculty of Medicine) Prize in Physics in 1989, and Reinhard uuAn area larger than the entire ■■ Chemistry Selten, Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994 State ■■ Pharma Research ■■ Philosophy/ Internationally connected: Finances: ■■ Geosciences uu60 worldwide partner universities uuTotal expenditure: approx. €573 million uu300 ERASMUS partner universities uuThird-party funds for research: €157 million uuMore than 1,500 international research Excellent Research Environment collaborations

The University of Bonn makes full use of the opportunities offered by its location in the ABC region (Aachen-Bonn-). The Research Foundation), the Alexander von universities. This, in turn, is reflected in three ABC universities cooperate in many Humboldt Foundation, and the Deutscher the course offerings: There are some 30 areas. This multilayered research landscape Akademischer Austausch Dienst (German international courses, most of which are is also home to four universities of applied Academic Exchange Service) are all located taught completely in English or another science, a whole host of research institutes in Bonn. foreign language – and there is still an belonging to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the upward trend. In addition, many visiting Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raum- academics and leading researchers from fahrt (German Aerospace Center), the Max The University of Bonn, a Global abroad come to Bonn to teach and conduct Planck Society, the Center of Advanced Player research every year. European Studies and Research (caesar), the Life & Brain Research Center, and the The University of Bonn has cross-faculty Helmholtz Center of Neurodegenerative cooperation agreements with 60 universities Diseases. And in addition to all this, the around the globe, and there are ERASMUS Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German agreements with a further 300 European 6 | 7 Bonn Graduate Center

The Bonn Graduate Center (BGC) is the central point of contact for any general or organizational concerns regarding doctoral studies . If you are currently pursuing or planning to pursue a doctoral degree please feel free to contact us . Join the many people who benefit from the Graduate Center’s extensive services!

Bonn Graduate Center Individual Consulting for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs

Are you interested in earning a doctoral degree in Bonn? Are you already a doctoral researcher at the University of Bonn? Or do you work for the University as a postdoc? The Graduate Center will be happy to consult with you on any question you may have about doctoral studies in Bonn and about planning your academic career afterward.

8 Concerns you could discuss include these: 2 . Developing Competencies: The second module aims at strengthening your ■■ Should I pursue a doctorate? extracurricular skills through courses ■■ How can I finance my doctorate? on academic presentation, creativity, or ■■ What benefits does a doctorate have as conflict management. part of a structured program or a gradu- 3 . Learn How to Teach: training in didactic ate school? competencies for your career as a Higher ■■ What comes after the doctorate? Education teacher. ■■ How can I finance a postdoc project? 4 . Building Your Career: This module ■■ How do I avoid academic misconduct? encompasses workshops regarding your orientation on the job market and your CONTACT The online portal www.phd.uni-bonn.de career entry. provides ample information about first steps on the path to a doctorate at the University Bonn Graduate Center Funding Opportunities of Bonn, on research funding, and on good Franziskanerstr. 2 scientific practice. 53113 Bonn The Bonn Graduate Center (BGC) posts its own funding opportunities for which Dr . Kai Sicks “Doctorate Plus”: Training and doctoral candidates and postdocs can apply. Manager Orientation Moreover, the website maintains an overview of all recent job and scholarship announce- phone +49 228 73 60186 The Graduate Center, together with its ments at the University of Bonn. e-mail [email protected] cooperation partners – HR Development, the Career Center, and the Bonn Center for web www .phd .uni-bonn .de Quality Assurance University Didactics – offers training and further education measures for doctoral Office hours are every Wednesday from By networking with graduate schools at researchers at the University of Bonn. Our 2–5 pm . Please let us know you are coming other universities as well as with Bonn’s semester program, offered partly in English by emailing or calling ahead. You can also institutions for ensuring good academic and partly in German, consists of work- arrange meetings outside office hours. practice, the Graduate Center provides on- shops and seminars in four modules: going quality assurance for doctorates at the 1 . Organizing Research: courses on the or- University of Bonn. ganization of scientific work as well as on academic methods. Seminars range from project management for the doctorate to training for the dissertation defense. 8 | 9 Bonn International GraduateBonn International Schools Bonn International Graduate Schools

Bonn International Graduate Schools (BIGS) offer excellent doctoral programs conforming to the highest international standards . They provide graduate students with outstanding research conditions, access to international research partnerships and educational programs tailored to their needs . BIGS provide the best possible preparation to embark on a high-level career in research and beyond .

10 BIGS in Detail students are internationally advertised and filled through a competitive selection pro- cess. Places are awarded based on academ- Excellency in Research ic excellence. The University of Bonn has established BIGS in its designated areas of excellence Support and Supervision in research. BIGS maintain close links with BIGS offer comprehensive support structures large-scale research projects (e.g. Collabo­ which go beyond the traditional mentor–­ rative Research Centers funded by the student relationship between doctoral stu- German Research Foundation) and in some dents and their advisors. In regular progress cases with non-university research institutes, meetings, annual retreats, or PhD poster such as Max Planck Institutes, Helmholtz sessions, BIGS provide frequent feedback Centers, and Fraunhofer Institutes. to their students and guarantee highest supervision standards. Integrating Master’s and Doctoral Program Several BIGS offer fast-track programs that Integration of Coursework and Research take students right from the BA to the PhD BIGS combine coursework and active level. Unlike most German PhD programs, research beginning at an early stage of the these BIGS offer four- to five-year integrated program. All graduate students are exposed master’s and PhD programs. to research techniques and approaches that will shape their fields in the years to International Orientation come. They are trained by renowned faculty BIGS provide English-language programs for members and contribute independently to a graduate students from all over the world. vibrant research environment. CONTACT BIGS have established numerous collabo- rations with renowned research partners Free of Tuition across the globe and offer international The Bonn Graduate Center (BGC) acts as The University of Bonn and the BIGS do not exchange opportunities, thus preparing managing office for the BIGS association . charge tuition. Students are asked to offi- graduate students for a successful interna- cially enroll with the University of Bonn as tional career. web www .bigs .uni-bonn .de doctoral researchers and pay the common contribution of approx. € 250 per semester Transparent Application Process for general social services. A ticket for public BIGS take pride in their high admission transportation is included in this fee. standards: All positions for graduate 10 | 11 Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences GraduateBonn International School of Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences

BIGS DrugS offers an interdisciplinary and structured graduation program for PhD students in the field of drug research related to medical and pharmaceutical sciences . Its education program consists of workshops, colloquia, advanced lectures, and symposia . In parallel, the PhD students follow their individual research projects for the PhD thesis . Mentoring in BIGS DrugS is performed according to a co-supervision principle with the PhD supervisor as the main supervisor and one further supervisor as a co-supervisor .

12 Academic Profile of BIGS DrugS The two BIGS DrugS speakers (presently Prof. Dr. Christa Müller and Prof. Dr. Ale­ BIGS DrugS is an interdisciplinary, inter­ xander Pfeifer) represent BIGS DrugS within facultary graduate school at the University the university and to the public. The BIGS of Bonn. Its major aim is to provide optimal DrugS steering committee (consisting of the conditions in education and research for two BIGS DrugS speakers and two elected PhD students in the field of drug research. PIs) is the decision-making body of BIGS Cornerstones of BIGS DrugS are its strong DrugS. It is supported by an advisory board PROFILE interdisciplinary approach and cooperation consisting of internationally renowned across faculties with professors and PhD scientists from outside of Bonn. The BIGS supervisors from two large faculties, the DrugS advisory board supports the educa- uuField of study: Natural sciences and life Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Scien­ tion program of BIGS DrugS and advises sciences, e.g. , drug research, ces and the Faculty of Medicine. Experts in on the development of the graduate school. chemistry, biology, molecular medicine, and drug research and development as well as All of the PIs and two elected PhD students life sciences pharmacology from both faculties contribute form the assembly that decides on relevant to provide excellent education and train- topics. The BIGS DrugS coordinator provides uuDegree awarded: Dr. rer. nat. ing and to create an outstanding research support for all BIGS DrugS members and environment for the PhD students. Moreover, committees. uuDuration: Three years collaboration partners from extramural insti- tutions, e.g. the Federal Institute for Drugs Admission to BIGS DrugS is based on the uuRequirements: Registered PhD student at the and Medical Devices (BfARM), as well as criteria of scientific excellence (above-­ Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences pharma and biotech industries, contribute average exams, recommendation letters, of the University of Bonn actively to the PhD program. mobility, language skills) and the relevance of the studied subject for the BIGS DrugS uuApplication: www.bigs-drugs.uni-bonn.de program. The BIGS DrugS board is in charge Governance within BIGS DrugS and of evaluating applications and deciding on uuScholarships: Some scholarships are Admission to BIGS DrugS admission. available from different programs BIGS DrugS is borne both by professors uuFee: BIGS DrugS does not raise tuition from the Faculty of Medicine and by profes- (for further information see page 11). sors from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (“Principal Investigators,” or PIs). Interdisciplinarity is a very import- ant characteristic of BIGS DrugS, and in each of the decision-making committees both faculties are equally represented. 12 | 13 Research Program of BIGS DrugS Mentoring and Curriculum

The research program of BIGS DrugS The PhD students are mentored according focuses on basic and applied research to a co-supervision principle with the PhD related to innovative drugs and therapeutic supervisor acting as the main supervisor approaches. In particular, BIGS DrugS is and one further supervisor of the student’s aiming for the identification of novel lead choice acting as a co-supervisor. Appropri- compounds (chemical and biological) as ate mentoring is guaranteed by a supervi- potential drug candidates, the identification sion agreement that is signed by the PhD of novel pharmacological drug targets, and student, the main supervisor, and the Dean the development of innovative biotechno- of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural logical therapeutic concepts like RNA-based Sciences. The PhD program of BIGS DrugS therapies and nanotechnological and indi- is designed for a three-year period. All PhD vidualized therapeutic approaches. Research students of BIGS DrugS are subdivided into topics of BIGS DrugS mainly include but are classes of one year each that are led by one not limited to CNS disorders, cancer, and of the professors as the head of the class. common diseases. A current, new focus is directed toward the development of drugs for rare diseases. Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences GraduateBonn International School of

“BIGS DrugS gives international students great opportunites to enhance their PhD experience. I have the chance of staying up-to-date on the work of other BIGS PhD fellows who are working in other cutting-edge research groups. And, in particular, it gives students the unique chance of inviting gurus from their research field. Also, BIGS offers great social opportunities: as a foreign student in Germany, I made connections with many internationals, growing with them both socially and scientifically.” Elisabetta de Filippo, PhD student at the 14 PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn Funding and Support

BIGS DrugS offers access to funding and is constantly seeking additional funding opportunities. PhD students can apply for stipends, grants for consumables, research internships, or travel grants for congress participation. The BIGS DrugS board makes its decisions based on scientific excellence. The coordinator of BIGS DrugS provides ongoing consultation and assistance to all The curriculum contains obligatory and fac- PhD students. CONTACT ultative education elements. PhD students are obliged to attend the Pharmaceutical Internationality University of Bonn Colloquium, which is an international guest Bonn International Graduate School lecture series with outstanding international BIGS DrugS is highly suitable for interna- of Drug Sciences (BIGS DrugS) scientists in drug research, some of whom tional PhD students, since the whole pro- PharmaCenter Bonn will be invited based on suggestions by the gram is conducted in the English language. Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25 PhD students. The BIGS DrugS Colloquium The proportion of international PhD stu- 53127 Bonn is separately organized for each class of dents is currently around 35% within BIGS PhD students and enables the PhD students DrugS. PhD students of BIGS DrugS are Dr . Justine Lorek to report about and discuss their research encouraged to take international research Coordinator projects with their peers and with the PIs of stays in one of our partner universities, e.g. the graduate school. During the three-year phone +49 228 287 51649 in the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, program, each PhD student is encouraged e-mail: [email protected] Italy, or Brazil. Likewise, PhD students from to participate in a congress and present our partner universities will come to Bonn their scientific results there. The Drug web www .bigs-drugs .uni-bonn .de for research stays and will have access to Development lecture series is presented in the BIGS DrugS education program during a three-year cycle and is also mandatory their stay. During their PhD education and for the PhD students. Additionally, BIGS research program, each PhD student will DrugS offers workshops and seminars to attend at least one international conference teach “transferable skills” and thus prepares and present her/his scientific results. PhD students for their future professional career. Internships, e.g. in industry, are also supported.

14 | 15 Pro-Motion

The Pro-Motion project aims to welcome international doctoral researchers to Bonn and help them settle in . Services include practical assistance, numerous cultural and social events, as well as a welcome meeting for new international PhD students at the beginning of each semester . Pro-Motion

16 Pro-Buddy Program International Club CONTACT

Every interested international doctoral The International Club is a great place to International Office researcher is put in touch with a “Buddy”, meet German and international students Poppelsdorfer Allee 53 i.e. a German doctoral researcher who will and researchers. The team behind the Inter- 53115 Bonn lend a helping hand when it comes to issues national Club organizes student orientation concerning German bureaucracy, culture, activities as well as parties at the end of web www .pro-motion .uni-bonn .de the University of Bonn, and everyday life. each semester, film nights, excursions, visits to companies, concerts, etc. Additionally, Sandra Groeger several social events such as karaoke nights Courses Project Coordinator as well as art and cultural nights are offered to allow international students and research- phone +49 228 73 9527 In cooperation with the association Pro- ers to get to know Germany and its people. e-mail [email protected] Integration, German language courses During lecture periods, people from all over specifically targeting international doctoral the world come to chat, to read newspapers, Office hours for international researchers are offered at the following to work, or simply to have fun. doctoral researchers levels: The International Club also hosts the Monday to Friday from 09:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. international choir practice meetings. All in Room 1.004 (Poppelsdorfer Allee 53). ■■ Beginner (Level A1/A2) interested students are welcome to join. If you have problems or questions, just stop by.

■■ Intermediate (Level B1/B2) Sonja Hammer Workshops German Language Courses

In addition to the numerous courses offered phone +49 228 73 7708 by the university, there are also several e-mail [email protected] workshops. These include an “Intercultural Trainings” workshop and one specifically web www .uni-bonn .de/studying/ designed for international doctoral research- international-students/german ers, “Connect Your Career: Managing Disser- tation and Career Entry.” Tutor:

e-mail [email protected]

International Club:

web www .internationalerclub .uni-bonn .de

16 | 17 Imprint

Published by the Bonn Graduate Center Photos

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Barbara Frommann-Czernik: Cover, p. 2, p. 8, p. 10, p. 11, Bonn Graduate Center (BGC) p. 12, p. 13, p. 14, p. 15, p. 16, p. 19 Franziskanerstr. 2 Dr. Thomas Mauersberg: p. 4 D-53113 Bonn Volker Lannert: p. 2, p. 6, p. 19 Frank Homann: p. 2, p. 14, p. 19 Bonn Region: p. 4, p. 5 Editors iStockphoto: p. 8 Ulrike E. Klopp: p. 17, p. 19 Clara Kaminsky, Dr. Kai Sicks Dezernat Internationales, Universität Bonn: p. 16 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.phd.uni-bonn.de Design: Bosse und Meinhard GbR Wissenschaftskommunikation

Promoted by the German Academic Exchange Service and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research | 19 Promoted by the German Academic Exchange Service and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research