Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease

The doctoral program "Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease" (DK-MCD) is an educational program hosted by the Medical University of Graz, Austria. Fifteen researchers from three universities (Medical University of Graz, University of Graz, Graz University of Technology) have developed a multidisciplinary graduate training program to investigate the molecular mechanisms and cellular functions involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. The thematic diversity of the DK-MCD ensures broad exposure of the participating students to important issues in biomedicine. Research topics were selected to maximize exchange within the consortium concerning technical proficiency and advances in biomedical research. Importantly, the DK-MCD is sufficiently diverse to encourage students to look beyond the focus of their own research. To provide a stimulating and provocative research environment, the DK-MCD faculty was chosen for their excellence in research as indicated by publishing and funding records as well as their excellence in teaching. The faculty represents a well-balanced combination of established and junior scientists. Especially in the latter group female researchers have a prominent role. All DK-MCD faculty members are involved in local, national and international research networks. Thus, the DK-MCD will be embedded in an established inter-laboratory cooperation and communication environment. Faculty members contribute to this initiative by their scientific background in both basic research and clinical medicine. Their technical expertise is complemented by excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology for biomedical research. The DK-MCD faculty is well experienced in training doctoral students. The biomedically-oriented DK-MCD curriculum complements the existing biotechnology-oriented DK-Plus "Molecular Enzymology". Therefore, our initiative fills an existing gap and covers essential educational aspects for life sciences not yet available in Graz. The DK-MCD provides a challenging PhD education program which is unique because it (i) comprises a multidisciplinary faculty from three local universities, (ii) requires (inter)national student exchange and (iii) covers major topics in metabolic and cardiovascular disease from basic research to clinical aspects in a translational approach. We are confident that the DK-MCD will attract highly motivated and dedicated students seeking knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue careers in areas of growing importance for health and society.