The IRTG of Cardioscience offers an ambitious study program dedicated to the state-of-the-art experimental approaches that are essential in the CRC 1550 combining mentoring and supervision of our Early Career Investigators (ECIs). The program combines thesis advisory committees, annual winter schools, practical hand-on courses, lecture series “Molecular Cardiology Class”, a Journal club “Molecular circuits in CardioScience” and provide young academics with the knowledge and skills required for successful and efficient analysis of new molecular circuits of heart disease.

TRAINING PROGRAM

Our curriculum spans “From Gene to Cardiac Protein” (gene, transcription, translation, post-translational control, protein homeostasis), cardiac mechanics and conduction, metabolism, and inter- and intracellular communication. Training blends CRC1550-specific modules with courses from umbrella graduate schools and institutions (HBIGS/DKFZ/EMBL/MeDiss), plus PI-led offerings in participating labs. Each student follows a Career Development Plan, reviewed at Thesis Advisory Committees meetings, and collects credit points.

SCIENTIFIC SEMINARS AND MEETINGS

Our annual Early Career Investigaros (ECI) Days and CardioScience Winter Schools are always enthusiastically attended. ECI Days, planned by elected ECI representatives with the IRTG office, combine short science sessions, peer feedback, and soft-skill workshops with networking activities, and are scheduled directly before the CRC1550 retreat to maximize participation and collaboration. The 3-day Winter Schools give ECIs podium time (talks + posters) alongside invited experts, catalyzing cross-project links and method transfer. We flexibly propose themes that can be adapted with the input from ECIs and PIs (e.g., Angio–Cardio crosstalk; Immunology & Inflammation; Next-Generation Therapeutics), with hybrid access to ensure all sites can join. Annual CRC1550 retreats and ECI Days build cohesion and create space for peer feedback. Talks and posters at national/international meetings are actively supported to increase ECI visibility.

TRAINING COURSES AND CLINICAL ROTATIONS

Our Early Career Investigators are offered multiday practical training courses hosted by CRC1550 labs, sharing core techniques and accelerating method transfer between projects. New courses are scheduled on a regular base so newcomers can apply skills from the very start. Clinical Rotations at Heidelberg University Hospital let non-medical PhD students shadow clinicians, linking basic mechanisms to patient care and translational ideas. This combination strengthens technique depth and real-world perspective.

JOURNAL CLUBS AND MOLECULAR CARDIOLOGY CLASSES

The Molecular Cardiology Class covers state-of-the-art methods and disease mechanisms; recordings are made available on the CRC1550 CardioCloud for on-demand learning. The Molecular Circuits in CardioScience journal club is ECI-led and interactive (small-group deep dives followed by plenary discussion) to sharpen critical analysis and presentation skills. We aim to bundle MCC, journal club, and progress reports into a Science Afternoon to maximize attendance and reduce travel. Sessions run in hybrid format to ensure equal access across sites.

Check the News and Events session for more info on our organized events.

IRTG MANAGEMENT

Dr. Koenraad Philippaert

Tel: +49 (0) 6221-54-86862

Bettina Miethe

Tel: +49 (0) 6221-54-86866

E-mail: IRTG-CRC1550@pharma.uni-heidelberg.de

Address:

Institute of Pharmacology
Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University
Heidelberg, Germany
Im Neuenheimer Feld 366
69120 Heidelberg