Training and Supervision Concept

TheRNAtik will enable medical scientists to address clinically relevant questions (unmet clinical needs) in their projects, establish an intensive exchange through tandem formation with clinician scientists and to develop an independent research profile. The promotion of independence in the research training group takes place through an individualized training program, but also through responsibility for their own budget. Wherever possible, synergies with the Else Kröner Forschungskolleg and joint further training courses with the clinician scientists are offered.

Fellows will benefit from a structured training program, which will be individually tailored to the project planned by the tandem (medical scientist and clinician scientist). This includes training in core competencies, rotations to other institutions if necessary as well as individual further training courses. At the same time, insights into scientifically relevant clinical activities at the institutions can be gained. The mandatory training program includes a 3-5-day rotation to clinical trail units of the participating clinics and institutes as well as translational research stays at TRON. Further project-related clinical rotations are planned individually. In addition, the fellows will receive courses tailored to the work of a medical scientist in basic medical principles with a focus on e.g. medical ethics, the preparation of ethics proposals and the establishment and management of biobanks.

The fellows (Medical Scientist as well as Clinician Scientist) are supported by two mentors: An experienced TransMed PI acts as scientific mentor while an advanced clinician scientist from the consortium (usually at least a senior physician and independent working group leader) is the second mentor. The fellows (Medical Scientist as well as Clinician Scientist) meet regularly with their mentors to discuss the content and conceptual implementation and interactions within the translational research project and career aspects. Once a year, the tandems meet with their individual evaluation committee. This committee consists of the mentors and two other clinicians or medical scientists. The committee makes recommendations for scientific and professional advancement. Furthermore, a peer mentoring group is set up within which all Else Kröner fellows at UM can support each other.