The Graduate School of Biomedical Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany has been founded to integrate all PhD and MD graduates within the Faculties of Biology and Medicine into a cutting-edge interdisciplinary study programme tailored to ensure that they receive an outstanding, globally focused academic education. Additionally, we have created an intramural umbrella organisation for the research foci through the erection of a synergetic framework between the research training groups (RTGs), collaborative research centres (CRCs) and the BIOME thematic cores. The university’s internal drive to provide structures furthering soft skills, gender equality and family-oriented support additionally contributes to an excellent, all-round tertiary environment.

The concept of creating a symbiotic heterogeneous scientific community for doctorates within the field of biomedical research is perfectly reflected in the graduate school’s acronym, BIOME, a collective term used to describe a biotic complex of organisms. Our school's logo also incorporates the famous Doppelbock winding tower from Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has become an unmistakable icon not only for Essen, but also the Ruhr region in general.

Due to the international nature of the scientific world, the working language of the graduate school is English. A dual rationale lies behind this decision: firstly, German-speaking participants are offered a platform for the intensive development of their English skills within a familiar working environment and, secondly, international graduates are in no way disadvantaged by a foreign language barrier when participating in the BIOME programme. Nevertheless, to facilitate their own cultural assimilation in a proactive manner, we strongly encourage and highly support foreign graduates’ attempts to learn German during their stay in this country.

PhD or MD theses may be submitted and defended in either the German or English languages. However, English dissertations require the brief formality of oral assent from the PhD Committee.

A guiding mission of the graduate school is the focus on the principles of fair play and the practice of scientific integrity. Awareness of and adherence to good scientific conduct is central to the rigorous training of young researchers for the protection of their intellectual property and rights and the ethical development of successful careers. More information about the University of Duisburg-Essen’s Codes of Practice as well as its Doctoral Regulations can be found in our LINKS section.

Graduates experiencing seemingly insurmountable difficulties of any kind during their course of studies are urged to approach either the general coordinator or one of their core's scientific coordinators for additional support if necessary. Graduates can be confident that any issues raised with the staff will be taken seriously and handled with the required tact and diplomacy. It is important to emphasise that, since BIOME strives to create and maintain a satisfactory and enriching environment for all its PhD and MD members, graduate feedback, opinion and criticism is not only encouraged but is actually even positively welcomed.

Participation in the Graduate School of Biomedical Science is by voluntary graduate application (letter of application, submission of CV and application form to the general coordinator). However, upon registration the participants have to commit themselves to adhering to the BIOME programme until the conferral of their doctoral degree. Regular and satisfactory performance in the graduate school is accredited with certification.