Start of the 2nd cohort in the Research Training Group VISION
Internationally visible promotion of young researchers at the interface of structural biology and virology
The Research Training Group VISION - "VISualization and imaging of virus InfectION" at the University of Lübeck and the University of Hamburg, funded by the German Research Foundation, has recruited the next round of doctoral students - with great success!
VISION at CSSB: CSSB is central to VISION as five (Jens Bosse, Kay Grünewald, Jan Kosinski, Maya Topf, and Charlotte Uetrecht) of the eight Hamburg groups are based at CSSB plus two CSSB associate members (Thomas Krey and Maria Rosenthal) are also a part of VISION. “Integrated structural virology research at CSSB covers many facets including for example AI driven structure and protein-protein interaction predictions, molecular virology, structural modelling, native mass spectrometry, and advanced high-resolution imaging,” notes VISION co-spokesperson and CSSB group leader Prof. Kay Grünewald.
Selection symposium in Lübeck: Almost 280 applications from all over the world were received in response to the current round of applications. This impressive response underlines the international appeal of the program. After intensive selection process, 11 excellent young scientists were chosen - they will form the second VISION cohort starting this fall.
The selection symposium took place on April 3 and 4, 2025 at the University of Lübeck. Twenty applicants took part in the scientific exchange. They were joined by 17 doctoral students from the first cohort, 16 project leaders, a Mercator Fellow and the coordination team.
What makes VISION special? Spokesperson Prof. Thomas Krey, Head of the Institute of Biochemistry and an associate member of CSSB, emphasizes "VISION is producing a new generation of virologists who are being trained at the interface of structural biology and infection research. With two cohorts, we are creating a critical mass for structural virology - that is a real gain for the location."
What does the program offer? The structured doctorate within the framework of the RTG offers students:
- Regular seminars every three weeks with peer feedback and international guests
- Spring & Autumn Schools with workshops, lectures and poster presentations
- Additional training in Python, presentation, networking & diversity
- Excursions to companies
- Participation in international conferences through own funding
Strategic importance for northern Germany
VISION strengthens the role of structural infectiology in northern Germany and promotes regional networking with partner institutions in Hamburg, Lübeck, Hannover and beyond. It is a central building block for further expanding the promotion of young talent and excellence in basic virological research.
Looking ahead
The new cohort lays the foundation for developing new collaborative projects in the long term and establishing the axis Lübeck-Hamburg as an internationally highly visible site in structural and imaging-based virus research.
🔗 More information on the Research Training Group: https://rtg-vision.de/
