Overview

An international training program for predoctoral neuroscientists has been established by the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Goettingen, together with its partners, the University of Goettingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, the German Primate Center, and several research-oriented companies. 40 Faculty members, many of them internationally renowned scientists, will provide structured training in a wide area of advanced methods of neurosciences. Furthermore, the program will provide education in complementary skills such as scientific presentation and writing, teaching, and project management, encouraging young researchers to embark on long-term research careers. Finally, the program provides an organizational framework for promoting international relations and for building long-term relationships that transcend national boundaries.

NEUREST is a Member of GAUSS (Georg August University School of Science)

The Training Concept

The training program lasting typically for three years includes the following elements:

• Project-oriented research in the host laboratory;
  
• PhD Progress Report Seminars (bimonthly). This seminar will be jointly organized with the International Neuroscience Graduate Program. It is a seminar where the fellows give a formal scientific presentation covering their research work;
• Three Short courses in advanced methods (3-5 days). Each fellow will participate in Methods courses offered by the Training Faculty. The goal of these courses is to provide skills that are not provided by the fellow's host laboratory, thus broadening the methodical knowledge base. The number of participants per course will not exceed 5 per course;
• Advanced course outside of Göttingen (1-2 weeks). Each fellow has to participate once in an Advanced Course for up to two weeks. Advanced courses covering areas relevant for neurosciences are offered by many organizations and institutions, both within and outside of Europe;
• Workshop (3-4 days). A Neuroscience workshop will be organized in September 2006 on a location outside of Göttingen. The retreat will primarily consist of a scientific symposium during which the fellows and some additional scientists, either from the faculty or invited from outside institutions, give scientific presentations;
• Course in Scientific writing (1 day). Formalized training will be provided in addition to the training inherent to the program (presentations, writing of reports, publications etc.). Every year, the program will offer such a course, held by a qualified outside consultant whose native language is English;
• Course in Rhetoric and presentation skills (2-3 days). As in the International Graduate Programs in Göttingen, rigorous training will be provided yearly by the an outside consultant. In this course the students will receive formal education in rhetorical and presentation skills;
• Training in Organizational/managerial skills. Although there is no formal training, fellows will be involved in the organisation of scientific meetings, supervision of rotation students including project planning and research management, and tutorials for undergraduate students; Furthermore, the fellows will have the opportunity to spend a few days as a volunteer in one of the participating companies;
• Course in Ethical conduct in science (half day). Once a year, a half-day discussion course is given covering appropriate scientific practice, misconduct, and rules implemented to prevent/deal with scientific misconduct. Furthermore, every fellow will be provided with a booklet containing the "Rules of good scientific practice" and "Rules of procedure in cases of suspected scientific misconduct" adopted by the Max Planck Society;
• German classes. Eighty hours of intensive language courses in German are offered in cooperation with "Lektorat Deutsch als Fremdsprache". The language courses are offered on a beginners and advanced level. They are optional and intended to facilitate the start in Göttingen. Additional language courses (optional, 2 hours per week) accompany the program. All language courses offered to students of the Training Program are free of charge;
• International cultural events and site visits. The fellows will be integrated into a series of organized events aimed at improving cultural exchange and understanding. Every year, the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry invites all foreign scholars and students to a joint and informal dinner, during which the students and Faculty easily mix. Furthermore, every two months the international Masters/PhD Programs offers a "cultural night", each time organized by students from a different country, which offers a mixed cultural program typical for the home countries of the organizing students. Occasionally site visits and excursions will be organised by the Faculty to increase the fellows' awareness and appreciation of Germany's historical and cultural heritage.