PhD Programme: Regenerative Sciences (PhD RegSci)

The PhD programme in Regenerative Sciences (PhD RegSci) at Hannover Medical School was established in 2007 as part of the Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH. It focuses on novel regenerative agents and biomaterials, cell transplants, artificial tissues, and cell-enhanced bioimplants. The curriculum integrates scientific and technological disciplines relevant to regenerative medicine, spanning molecular biology of the eukaryotic stem cell, pathomechanisms, immunobiology, cellular and genetic engineering, bioinformatics, biotechnology, molecular imaging, and biomaterials. Training proceeds at three levels: candidates carry out their own research project, collectively attend seminars and tutorials on regenerative sciences, and complete courses tailored to their chosen research areas along with transferable skills training. Seminars and tutorials are held on Thursdays during winter and summer semesters. Topics covered across the programme's four semesters of teaching include developmental biology, stem cell biology, inflammation, cardiovascular tissue engineering, organ transplantation, and clinical trial design, among others. In the second year, students also present their laboratory methods to their peers. Each student has a supervisor and two co-supervisors from outside the supervisor's department, and progress is reviewed at annual meetings. The programme also requires attending an all-student annual retreat. The programme begins in the winter semester and runs over six semesters. It is based at Hannover Medical School in Hannover, Germany.