Students focus on the main topics in

• infection
• immunology
• microbiology
• virology and cell biology.

As well as working on a 3-year research project, students also attend seminars, lab and soft-skills courses, congresses, symposia and summer schools.

The Ph.D. programme in Infection Biology falls under the wing of Hanover Biomedical Research School, recently awarded German government funding through the Excellence Initiative programme, recognising it as one of Germany's top universities.

Students are provided with in-depth training in the major aspects of infection biology. Not only do students gain extensive expertise in the area of their research project, but also in areas beyond their own field through the taught components of the programme. At the end of the programme it is expected that students have a solid understanding of the broad spectrum of infection biology fields and are able to apply knowledge gained in these areas to their own research. In addition to this, students should be able to critically analyse, discuss and apply scientific findings and have developed excellent communication and research skills. Throughout the course there are numerous opportunities to improve these skills and, well supported by a network of supervisors and support teams, students finish the program well equipped for a career in science.