Medical Scientists

Promoting natural scientists in medical research

Biology, chemistry, computer science and mathematics scientists bring decisive strengths to medical research through their specialisation in specific subject matter and technology. They investigate complex cellular processes and develop innovative methods required, thus laying the foundations for the development of new strategies for medical diagnostics and therapy. In order to be able to assess the potential of their own research for clinical applications and to orient their research projects appropriately, it is important for this professional group – the medical scientists – to complement the competencies of their scientific discipline with knowledge of medical topics and the conditions of translational research, and to work closely with physicians on interdisciplinary projects. Incidentally, the patient-oriented perspective that comes with such collaborations can provide additional motivation for one’s own work.

Funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, the Faculty of Medicine is establishing a structured training programme for postdocs from the natural sciences, which provides support for a specific qualification as medical scientists and their career paths in university medical research.

Photo gallery: 1st Medical & Clinician Scientist Forum Münster

Lots of personal exchange, motivating discussions and new ideas: Junior researchers from medicine and the natural sciences and their mentors came together at the first joint career forum of the Clinician Scientist Programme, CareerS, and the Medical Scientist Programme, InFlame, of the Faculty of Medicine Münster on 9 and 10 January, 2024. (15 Jan 2024)

“Not many natural scientists can offer the combination of basic research and clinically oriented research.”

Through the “InFlame” Medical Scientist Programme, eleven postdocs from biology, chemistry and computer science are undergoing specialist training for natural scientists in medical research. In this interview, programme spokesperson Prof. Dr Petra Dersch talks about the important role of medical scientists, their career prospects and the contents of the career programme. (22 Mar 2023)

Participating research networks and institutions