Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Campuses

The Braunschweig Campus of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) is a hub for advanced training and education in infection biology, focusing on interdisciplinary programs that bridge basic research with applied sciences. While primarily a research institution, HZI offers structured PhD programs, postdoctoral training, and specialized workshops that function as 'courses' in infection research methodologies.

Main offerings include the International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Biology, in collaboration with partner institutions, where students delve into molecular mechanisms of infections. Core modules cover bacterial pathogenesis, viral replication strategies, host-pathogen interactions, and antimicrobial resistance. Participants engage in hands-on laboratory techniques such as CRISPR gene editing, high-throughput screening, and bioinformatics analysis of microbial genomes.

• PhD Program in Infection Biology: A four-year intensive course emphasizing experimental design, data interpretation, and ethical considerations in research, with rotations across labs studying tuberculosis, HIV, and emerging pathogens.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Training: Advanced seminars on translational research, including vaccine development and diagnostic tool innovation, fostering skills in grant writing and scientific communication.
• Short Courses and Workshops: Annual sessions on advanced imaging techniques for visualizing infections, computational modeling of epidemics, and biosafety protocols for handling high-risk pathogens.
• Interdisciplinary Electives: Modules on immunology, microbiology, and epidemiology, integrating insights from chemistry and physics to tackle complex infection challenges.

These programs equip researchers with cutting-edge knowledge to address global health threats. The curriculum stresses collaborative projects, often involving international partners, and includes soft skills training like leadership and teamwork. Over 200 trainees benefit annually, contributing to breakthroughs in infection prevention. The campus environment promotes innovation through state-of-the-art facilities, including BSL-3 labs and animal models for studying disease progression. Educational outreach extends to summer schools for undergraduates, introducing concepts in infectious diseases and sparking interest in scientific careers. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for academia, industry, or public health roles, advancing the fight against infections worldwide. Emphasis is placed on sustainable research practices and diversity in STEM fields.

The Hannover Campus, hosted at TWINCORE and part of the Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CIIM), specializes in personalized approaches to infection research. Educational programs here emphasize clinical translation, combining HZI's expertise with medical insights from the Hannover Medical School (MHH). Training is geared towards understanding patient-specific responses to infections, with 'courses' structured as integrated research and clinical training modules.

Key programs focus on individualized medicine, covering topics like pharmacogenomics in antimicrobial therapy, immune profiling for personalized vaccines, and predictive modeling of infection outcomes. Trainees gain proficiency in clinical trial design, biomarker discovery, and omics technologies applied to infectious diseases.

• CIIM PhD Program: A collaborative doctoral course exploring host genetics in susceptibility to infections such as sepsis and pneumonia, with practical training in single-cell sequencing and patient cohort studies.
• Advanced Training in Translational Infection Research: Workshops on bridging lab findings to bedside applications, including ethical issues in personalized medicine and regulatory affairs for new therapies.
• Specialized Seminars: Sessions on microbiome analysis for tailored treatments, viral evolution in immunocompromised patients, and AI-driven diagnostics for rapid infection identification.
• Elective Modules: Courses in clinical microbiology, immunology of chronic infections, and epidemiology of hospital-acquired diseases, often involving case studies from local clinics.

This campus fosters a unique blend of basic and clinical science, preparing participants for roles in precision medicine. Annual intake includes over 50 PhD students and postdocs, who participate in joint supervision and international exchanges. Facilities support advanced work with human samples and computational resources for big data analysis. Outreach includes masterclasses for clinicians on infection research updates and interdisciplinary hackathons to innovate solutions for antimicrobial stewardship. The curriculum highlights real-world impact, such as developing individualized treatment protocols for resistant infections. Diversity and inclusion are core values, with mentorship programs for underrepresented groups. Graduates emerge as leaders in infection control, equipped to personalize healthcare and combat evolving pathogens through evidence-based strategies. The program's rigor ensures high employability in biotech, pharma, and healthcare sectors.