Scientific Qualification Program
One of the main goals of the CRC is providing an exceptional scientific qualification experience for early-career researchers which will prepare them for their next steps. To achieve this, all doctoral researchers and postdoctoral researchers (until two years after they finished their doctorate) are members of the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG). The IRTG promotes scientific independence, interdisciplinary training and fosters key qualifications and competencies required in today’s scientific communities. It imparts knowledge beyond the general approach of the CRC.
The IRTG program includes different activities and guidelines that are explained in more detail below.
- At the beginning of their time in the CRC, new doctoral researchers receive an introduction into the IRTG. In the first six months, called the Booster Phase, the researchers familiarize themselves with the CRC, learn how to organize their research projects and get to know their colleagues.
- All doctoral researchers are encouraged to do a research stay abroad of 4 to 12 weeks duration.
- To encourage inter-CRC networking, the IRTG members take part in regular self-organized member meetings.
- Every year, the IRTG members organize and participate in a summer school.
- On regular field trips, the group visits other research facilities.
- For IRTG members, participation in CRC events like the retreats, focus group meetings and monthly colloquium talks is encouraged.
- To offer a wide range of professional education possibilites, our early-career researchers can join several development courses.
- To facilitate close mentoring, we implemented Thesis Advisory Committees. The doctoral researchers meet with their supervisors and an external expert in regular intervals to discuss the current progress, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
