Biomolecules – Structure, Function and Regulation (DSP BioM)

Abstract

The DSP BioM is an interdisciplinary PhD training-consortium consisting of PIs from the Department of Biosciences at the University of Salzburg. The expertise of the DSP BioM ranges from immunology, allergology, structural biology, chemical biology, bio/nano interaction, tumor biology, and genomics, to bioinformatics, molecular plant biophysics and biochemistry, glycobiology, bioanalytics, biological chemistry and microbiology. The topic Biomolecules covers for example allergens, cytokines, proteases, signaling molecules, oncogenes, hormone receptors, and enzymes. In a highly multidisciplinary approach and by employing cutting edge technologies, the DSP BioM addresses current topics in the fields of allergy and immunology, tumor biology, and molecular plant biology.
The main strength of the DSP BioM is its interdisciplinary nature with a shared focus on understanding molecular mechanisms and interactions of cells and biomolecules in versatile biological processes. The DSP BioM understands itself as the logical extension of previous initiatives such as the priority program “Allergy-Cancer-BioNano Research Centre” or the doctoral school “Immunity in Cancer and Allergy” by forming a broader network of scientific areas. Thus, the inclusion of new research disciplines such as bioinformatics and molecular plant biology into the already established networks of allergy/immunology, tumor biology, structural biology and bio-nano interactions, strengthens all research areas. Common methodological platforms provide the basis for lively and fruitful collaborations. Students integrated into the DSP BioM profit from the joint training program by broadening their scientific repertoire. Thus, the DSP BioM can be regarded as multidisciplinary platform within the biological sciences for the lively exchange of methods and ideas.
The DSP BioM provides an internationally visible and attractive educational platform for students at the University of Salzburg. Therefore, PhD positions are announced internationally, followed by a standardized selection process to ensure an objective recruitment procedure of PhD students. Besides scientific excellence, gender mainstreaming principles are implemented in the selection process. The DSP BioM offers training opportunities such as special lectures and training courses, seminars, summer- and winter schools, and individual mentoring programs for each PhD-student, while focusing on basic and translational questions relating to biomolecules. To provide continuous monitoring of the research and training activities of the DSP BioM, an expert board gives external advice. The DSP BioM constitutes an important addition to the teaching landscape of biological sciences at the University of Salzburg, and enhances scientific quality and visibility of the DSP BioM Faculty and fellows, as well as of the whole university.