Since 2005, the ZIBI Graduate School Berlin has provided an umbrella structure for graduate training programs with a focus on research in infection and immunity. The unique assemblage of research groups that focus on infection biology and immunology has made Berlin an ideal location for our ZIBI GS. Our young researchers capitalize on being exposed to a wide variety of research cultures that include university institutes, government agencies (e.g., the Robert Koch Institute) and basic science institutions (e.g., the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology). The school reflects a strong and actively cooperating community.

The overall concept of the ZIBI training program is to enable young researchers to integrate knowledge across disciplines utilizing the broad-ranging expertise of the scientists involved. We believe that critical know-how is more efficiently taught through cooperative work, discussion of projects between doctoral researchers, and speeches delivered by distinguished speakers, rather than by reliance on pure course work.

Three divisions with mandatory and optional elements contribute to the curriculum:

• Scientific Education: colloquia, lectures, seminars, good scientific practice, critical reading of literature, experimental skills, data analysis skills, presentation and discussion of research findings, scientific writing.
• Scientific Communication and Meetings: local mentoring and supervision, contact to peers, contact to international experts and the scientific community.
• Transferable Skills: communication, conflict management, organizational skills, outreach to the public, political involvement, intercultural competence.

Candidates must hold a Master of Science or Diploma degree in any related subject by the time they join the ZIBI Graduate School.