The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig, the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH) and the Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover (TiHo) organise the Helmholtz International Research School for Infection Biology, which started in 2007. This Research School is based on and will extend the previously established and actively running training programme for PhD students in the field of Infection Biology. Pathogenic microorganisms are still the cause of death for about one-third of all fatalities worldwide. This situation remains unchanged since many years despite improved hygienic conditions and the wide availability of antibiotics and vaccines.

The programme selects excellent students through an international recruitment process. Around 20 students start every autumn within the Helmholtz International Research School. Among the chosen applicants, 50 % foreigners are selected. The training programme includes theoretical education in the field of infectious disease research, covering the entire spectrum from fundamental mechanisms to applications in medicine and veterinary medicine. The research work of the trainees is tightly linked to the best laboratories of the partner institutions and cover fundamental aspects of host pathogen interactions and their translation into new strategies for prevention, diagnosis and therapy of infectious diseases. While expertise in Infection Biology has already accumulated in the Braunschweig-Hannover area, the establishment of the Helmholtz International Research School focussed on Infection Biology will further strengthen the distinctiveness of the region as an integrated and internationally recognized centre of excellence in the area of infectious disease research in Germany.

The Helmholtz Gemeinschaft supports the International Research School with € 1,8 million within six years for the administration, management, recruitment and selection of trainees as well as for a series of special training measures. The trainees’ salaries, the costs for laboratory work and teaching will be covered by institutional and external sources.