Molecular Metabolism

The doc.fundDoctoral ProgramMolecularMetabolismis an international and interdisciplinary training program for PhD students of the molecular biosciences at the University of Graz (UG). The training program is initiated by ten principal investigators who aim to understand selected aspects of lipid and nucleic acid metabolism. Timely relevant scientific questions are focused on metabolic processes related to nutrient acquisition with regard to metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, lipid storage disorders), aging processes, and bacterial infections. The findings of the research will provide important contribution to the molecular understanding of these diseases and, subsequently, to the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. A particularly prominent feature of our doctoral program is the possibility that the young scientists can address their research questions employing a large spectrum of different model organisms ranging from bacteria, yeast, cell culture to multicellular organisms (fly and mouse). The doc.fund faculty is highly productive and comprises an ideal blend of internationally competitive investigators at young-, mid- and advanced-career stages. Excellence in research is the top priority of the training program. In addition, the doctoral program offers laboratory rotations to establish student-faculty-networks and further education opportunities within the framework of interdisciplinary workshops, seminars, a journal club, as well as a lecture series on concepts of metabolic and regulatory events in diverse model organisms. We also offer courses to improve personal career opportunities (presentation technology, project management, scientific English, etc.). International visibility is another key building block. PhD students publish their data in high-ranking journals and can carry out part of their research activities in partner laboratories abroad. Participation in international courses, workshops and conferences is strongly endorsed. The program aims to provide our graduates with the best training so they can become leading experts in our knowledge-based society in the future.

The PhD program 'Molecular Metabolism' (MOBILES) at the University of Graz is an outstanding international training opportunity for doctoral students combining the efforts of leading scientists from the Institute of Biomolecular Sciences, the Institute of Chemistry, and the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The program's intent is to train exceptional young researchers in understanding metabolism's role in health and disease and increase the knowledge profoundly with our research. Metabolic health is of increasing significance as demographic shifts towards longer life expectancies and a corresponding rise in metabolism-related conditions present new medical challenges. Excellence of research projects determined the quality of MOBILES PhD program and the underlying dissertation projects focus on metabolic responses to nutrient supply variations, aging, and bacterial infections, with specific attention to lipid and nucleic acid pathways, protein structure and interactions, as well as post-translational modifications. To ensure high-quality training, the faculty was selected in accordance with indicators for an excellent research training environment including i) excellence in research; ii) engagement in graduate student supervision; iii) leadership in ongoing basic and industrial research funded by third party funding; and iv) active participation in the research community. Doctoral candidates were admitted upon a multi-step selection process and the successful candidates received comprehensive training characterized by excellent research opportunities, multifaceted mentorship, interdepartmental collaborations, and international networking. In addition to the research projects, the training also included lab rotations, mandatory courses, seminars, research stays abroad, as well as soft skills development. Despite the operational setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as lab closures and suspended activities, the program has maintained its research goals and adapted through innovative solutions. The detailed successes of doctoral trainees' research endeavors are reflected in over 50 peer-reviewed publications and we are still expanding our list. This serves as a tangible metric of the program's thriving scholarly output and the academic progression of our trainees. First alumni of the PhD training have moved on to post-doctoral positions at universities, entered industry or even founded start-up companies. Running from 2019 to 2024, this program has been funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF (doc.fund project DOC50) and has been integrated with the University of Graz's doctoral initiatives, including the Doctoral Schools of Natural Sciences, the university-wide Doctoral Academy Graz, and the "BioHealth - Biosciences in Metabolism and Aging" excellence initiative. We have proactively prepared for post-FWF sustainability by welcoming new faculty and candidates, upholding our rigorous selection standards. The 25 current doctoral candidates are sponsored through PIs' research grants, with the University providing educational resources such as lectures and seminars. The 'Molecular Metabolism' PhD program is poised to progress, offering an extensive range of training activities and a commitment to fostering the next generation of young researchers.