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The goal of 4R qualification programme

Our goal is to give our students the opportunity to work on ambitious research projects using state-of-the-art technologies and to provide them with a broad, interdisciplinary education and thus prepare them for a successful career in the life sciences. To achieve the goal, our 4R qualification programme combines:

  • Training in scientific, technical and professional skills
  • Strong supervision by professors/group leaders from different fields
  • Structured tutoring, mentoring and peer-to-peer learning approaches
  • A range of networking events to foster collaboration between the participating groups and other scientists on campus
  • Access to cutting-edge technology platforms that offer services and hands-on training in all areas required for the proposed research projects

4R courses and events:

Scientific_training
1

Block Lectures

In the first year, a two-week intensive block lecture course will explore fundamental concepts and current research questions in RNA biology, robustness, resilience, and related fields, including chromatin biology, gene regulation, epigenetics, and genome stability.
2

RTG Seminars and R-loop Club

During our bi-monthly RTG seminars, invited speakers will share their ongoing research. Additionally, 4R students will have the opportunity to present their data in the 'R-loop club,' where they can engage in discussions about the latest R-loop-related literature and receive valuable feedback.
3

Tech Talks

Tech Talks seminars, featuring leading experts in 4R-focused fields, will showcase the latest technological advancements. These seminars will take place twice a year.
4

Practical Courses

4R will provide hands-on courses covering essential methods and technologies, including Bioinformatics, Proteomics, Flow Cytometry, iCLIP, and more. Attendance in Biostatistics and Good Scientific Practice courses is mandatory.
5

Professional Skills

Lectures and practical courses on professional skills are designed to enhance presentation, communication, and writing abilities, all of which are essential for a successful career in both academia and industry.
6

Conference Participation

All participating students are encouraged to attend national and international conferences. Whenever possible, RTG students will present their work at these conferences or take part in their organization.
7

Networking and Career Development

4R offer events to promote the integration of students into the programme, exchange of knowledge, and to foster collaborations. These include 4R Symposia (Kick-off, Mid-term, and Closing) and 4R Retreats.
8

IPP Networking Events

IPP retreats allow 4R students to have scientific discussions and socialize with PhD students outside of 4R (including those in other RTGs and SFBs in Mainz). PhD student Symposia will provide a broad forum for the exchange of know-how and ideas with students outside of 4R.
9

Laboratory Exchange

4R students will be encouraged to spend time in other laboratories - both within and outside of the RTG. We offer funding to spend up to two months abroad - to facilitate students projects and educational experiences.

R-loop club

Our R-loop club seminar series includes talks given by the experts in the R-loop field, as well as presentations by our 4R students. The seminars typically take place on the second-to-last Wednesday of the Month. All our talks take place in person.

Upcoming seminars

15
Jan, 2025
R-Loop Club with 4R Students
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Biozentrum I, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15, 55128, Mainz
19
Feb, 2025
R-Loop Club with Dr. Nitika Taneja – Joint event with SFB1361
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Biozentrum I, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15, 55128, Mainz
19
Mar, 2025
R-Loop Club with 4R Students
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Biozentrum I, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15, 55128, Mainz