Prof. Lanzer, Head of the Parasitology Unit, is co-founder (together with Prof. Schiebel, ZMBH) of the Graduate School HBIGS (funded in the framework of the German Excellence Initiative). The vision of the Graduate School is to attract the best and brightest doctoral researchers from around the world to pursue doctoral studies at Heidelberg University by offering excellent research opportunities and comprehensive academic and complementary training in a vibrant and stimulating scientific environment.

General information on Heidelberg University and its status as "Elite University" is available at
www.uni-heidelberg.de/exzellenzinitiative/

As of April 2005, participation in a Doctoral Study Programe (DSP) is obligatory for every student at the Centre for Infectious Diseases (formerly: Hygiene Institute) who wants to receive the doctoral degree from the faculty of Biosciences (Dr. rer. nat. which is equivalent to PhD). If you are not member of HBIGS, please refer to our centre's programme details as specified in the respective guide (see link to DSP Homepage).Please do not forget to register at the central registration office of the DSP in the ‘Molecular Virology’ Unit (INF 344, 1st floor) within the first six weeks after start of the doctoral study project.

As of the winter semester 2005, the faculty of Biosciences at Heidelberg University has replaced the diploma study programme 'Biology' by an internationally compatible Master study programme. As part of the latter enrolled students are given the opportunity to shape their particular interests and skills by focussing on particular topics in the course of a so-called Major.The Major ‘Infectious Diseases’ addresses students who wish to put their main focus on a particularly relevant topic of Biomedical Sciences. Students in our Major deepen their knowledge of the basics of molecular and cell biology and get to know specific aspects of the replication of infectious pathogens and their interaction with the respective host in the course of lectures, seminars and internships.

The Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University has reacted to the increasing integration of basic research and clinically applied research by establishing an MD/PhD programme that trains medical and dental students for challenging work in an interdisciplinary research environment.

The MD/PhD programme enables particularly talented students of human medicine and dentistry at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University to complete a doctorate in natural sciences. The additional biological and scientific training is carried out in cooperation with the Faculty of Biosciences of Heidelberg University and the Graduate School HBIGS.

The Medical Faculty supports the MD/PhD programme with up to 6 scholarships per year.

Have a look at the different protozoa, helminths and arthropodes.

In the clinical routine of our diagnostics section and also in tropical medicine, besides endemic parasites like Cryptosporidia, Enterobius vermicularis and other ectoparasites, especially the so-called "neglected tropical diseases" (NTDs) play an important role. For further info see www.who.int/neglected_diseases/en/

Infectious diseases are still one of the most common causes of death worldwide. However, not all key infectiological topics can be comprehensively covered in the compulsory medical curriculum. The track aims to close this gap. In addition to interdisciplinary clinical aspects (joint events with colleagues from the clinic, case presentations), the focus is also on scientific aspects (e.g. new vaccination strategies, NGS, research seminars). Doctor-patient communication and the role of general medicine in the treatment of infectious diseases are also represented in the course programme.