The ability to analyze and visualize data is of ever-increasing importance in biomedical research. This event aims to learn basic data analysis skills using practical examples and exercises. This includes:

• Forms of visualization
• Data exploration using “no-code”
• Basics of programming and use of suitable tools
• Code-based analysis and visualization of tabular data
• Reproducibility

The event will consist of 2 SWS, which will consist of a combination of lecture units and practical exercises, depending on the topic and progress. As proof of achievement, each participant should create a portfolio in which what they have learned -  and also, if necessary, any difficulties in understanding - are presented in their own words or sketches.
Trainer: Prof. Dr. Johannes Köster
Non-binding introduction: 12.05.2026, 18:00 h by Zoom
Venue: Lehr- und Lernzentrum (LLZ), PC-Pool (Ground Floor) 
Dates: 27.07.2026, 28.07.2026, 29.07.2026, 30.07.2026, 31.07.2026, 04.08.2026, 5.08.2026
Time: Always 9:00 – 13:00 h
Language: The course will be held in English if required
Registration and contact: andrea.tonk@uk-essen.de
Registration deadline: 30.06.2026
Programme

The exchange with Chinese partner universities is supported by the Essen Summer Academies on “Infection and Immunity”, which started in 2011. The structured training programme is aimed to recruit excellent students on an annual basis from the partner universities. The annual academies offer an ambitious two-week program of lectures and lab visits. Young scientists learn about the latest studies in the field of infection and immunity and carry out productive exchanges with the researchers of the University of Duisburg-Essen. Cultural activities are an inherent part of the programme.

Lecture 1, Immune control and pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus infection, Prof. Mengji Lu
Lecture 2, Hepatic innate imunity - friend or foe in viral infections, Prof. Ruth Bröring
Lecture 3, Principles of Hepatitis E virus replication, resistance and chronic persistance, Dr. M. Nocke, Bochum
Lecture 4, Light sheet microscopy, Prof. Anika Grüneboom, Leibniz Institut, ISAS Dortmund
Lecture 5 Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Prof. Sven Brandau
Lecture 6, How cytomegaloviruses fool innate immunity, Prof. Trilling & Dr. Le-Trilling
Lecture 7, Antiviral Stewardship in herpesvirus infections, Prof. Sebastian Voigt
Lecture 8, Genetic Vaccines, PD Dr. Wibke Bayer
Lecture 9, Interplay between Hypoxia and Viral Infections, Dr. Anna Malyshkina
Lecture 10, The Yin and Yang of virus replication and immune activation, Prof. Karl Lang
new publications: Cell reports magazine   JCI   nature immunology   nature communications
Lecture 11, HIV pathogenesis and persistence, Dr. Roland Schwarzer
Lecture 12, Sex-specific differences in immunity and infection, Dr. Hannah Schwarzer-Sperber
Lecture 13, Interferon Subtypes, Prof. Kathrin Sutter
Lecture 14, Natural killer cells - friend or foe?  PD Dr. Elisabeth Littwitz-Salomon
Lecture 15, The interplay between tumor-specific and virus-specific cytotoxic CD4 T cells in tumor control, Prof. Annette Paschen
Lecture 16, Adoptive immune transfer, Prof. Monika Lindemann Lindemann Lab
Lecture 17, Rethinking AI-Powered Image Analysis for Biomedical Microscopy: Scale, Reasoning, and Automation, ZHOU Yu
Lecture 18, Regulatory T cells in viral infections, Prof. Ulf Dittmer
Lecture 19, Molecular Biology of Influenza Viruses, Dr. med. Melanie Fiedler
Lecture 20, Vaccination of immunocompromised patients, Dr. Frank Mosel
Closing session: Young Academics at the faculty and international research cooperations in challenging times, Prof. Ulf Dittmer

Venue: Universitätsklinikum Essen, Robert-Koch-Haus, Virchowstr. 179, Room 0.38
Contact: Ursula.Schrammel@uk-essen.de

Venue: Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hörsaal des OPZII
Abstract submission: 30.06.2026
Registration and contact: Nadine Schlitzer, hivforschung@uk-essen.de

The Day of Research is a forum for the medical doctoral students of our faculty and doctoral students in the natural sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen. It will take place in the Teaching and Learning Center (Lehr- und Lernzentrum, Virchowstr. 163a, 45147 Essen). As a participant, you will present your project to the research community, answer questions from colleagues, visitors and the internal review panel, receive suggestions for your work and establish new contacts. The projects will be presented in poster sessions. Please note that the oral presentation must be in English!

• The best presentations in each group will be rewarded with € 350!
• When registering, please make sure that you select the correct assignment for your doctorate (patient-oriented, basic research-oriented or disease-oriented)!
• Group assignments are based on this. Unfortunately, subsequent changes are not possible.

When you register, you are also welcome to apply for a slot at our faculty's Science Slam! It's definitely worth it: The first 6 candidates to sign up will take part in a top-class workshop with a communication coach, who will prepare you for the Science Slam. There you will receive a lot of valuable input that will also help you in other presentation formats throughout your career. After the workshop, drawing the lot will determine the four participants who will actually present at the Science Slam.

• The best contribution will be awarded € 500 on the Day of Research, places two to four will each receive € 100!

Important note: The registration deadline for the presentation and the Science Slam is Tuesday, 1 October 2026.

Contact: Daniela.Catrini@uk-essen.de and Melissa.Mueller@uk-essen.de