Being a PhD in the RTG 2660: How did the start look like?

We are very pleased to announce that the first cohort of 13 motivated PhD students has started their PhDs since November. We received applications from around the globe, and after an intense interview symposium in mid-September, we are glad that these promising early career researchers have accepted our offers. Furthermore, five associated PhD students are now part of the RTG.

These PhD researchers are going to do research in the three different project areas of the RTG, which focus on translational research in both physiological and pathological conditions. The start of the RTG was kicked off with an informal meeting and scavenger hunt through Würzburg in the beginning of November. In addition to the individual research, the graduate program includes a qualification program based on a three-year PhD curriculum. The focus is on science, lab and soft skills.

This semester, we started with an introductory lecture, providing an overview of different approaches to studying approach/avoidance. Moreover, the animal researchers visited a bi-weekly seminar on cellular/molecular neuroscience research methods, whereas the PhD students who conduct research on humans had a seminar on systems/behavioural neuroscience research methods.

Furthermore, there has already been an exciting online discussion on "How to (survive a) PhD" where the PhD students could receive precious advice from post-docs on Project Management, Supervision and Mental Health. Unfortunately, the courses had to take place online due to the pandemic. We hope that there will be more occasions for in-person get-togethers in the next semester.

We will introduce the PhD researchers and Principal Investigators in the future.

Note: Further news are also available on Twitter.