Events

The Office of the Dean for Research at the Faculty of Medicine regularly hosts general and specific information events covering all aspects of relating to national and European research funding, career development and other relevant topics. We also organize several different lecture series and a course program on scientific qualification and information on research funding.
Below you will find an overview of the current events of the Office of the Dean for Research in the calendar of events. Detailed information on our regular events and lecture series can be found after the calendar of events. Following each event, materials (e.g. PDFs of the slides) may be made available for download.
Calendar of Events of the Office of the Dean for Research

Our Event Formats
The Office of the Dean for Research regularly organizes larger events for scientific exchange, networking and the promotion of scientists in early career phases.
Take a look at the events organized by the Office of the Dean for Research in the individual tabs:
At the Research Day, participants are given an overview of current research projects at the Faculty of Medicine and scientists in the early stages of their careers are given the opportunity to present their research in the form of posters.
The Fakultätsklausur Forschung is mainly aimed at appointed professors and offers an opportunity for exchange and discussion on the strategic development of the Faculty of Medicine and the future direction of the research site in Freiburg.
At the roundtable discussions on research funding, scientists in early career phases receive information on research funding, research proposals and career planning, among other things.
Under the tab EU Research Funding you will find events with information on funding opportunities through the Framework Program of the European Union, through other European and international programs as well as through transnational calls for proposals.
At the Symposia of the Berta-Ottenstein-Program participants have the opportunity to acquire up-to-date information on the projects of the fellows of the Berta-Ottenstein-Program, to attend talks by renowned Freiburg and other (inter)national scientists as well as to interact and network with one another.
Under the tab RI Facilities Open Day you will find a round-up of the event showcasing the acknowledged research infrastructure facilities (FIS) of the Faculty of Medicine.
The Research Day offers scientists in Freiburg the opportunity to acquire up-to-date information on career paths and funding options, to present their research projects, to attend talks by renowned Freiburg scientists, and to interact and network with one another.
Shaping the Future of Research in Life Sciences and Medicine: Research Areas of the Faculty of Medicine
12.12.2025
On 12 December 2025 the Faculty of Medicine held its fifth Research Day on the topic of “Shaping the Future of Research in Life Sciences and Medicine: Research Areas of the Faculty of Medicine“. The participants took advantage of the opportunity to gain exciting insights into the multifaceted research topics of the Faculty of Medicine and to listen to the keynote lecture by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize winner Prof. Robert Zeiser on „Clinical Translation in Cancer Immunotherapy“. During a poster session, doctoral researchers and postdocs additionally had the possibility to present their research projects and engage in discussions.


Turning Data-Driven Research into Health Benefits in Freiburg
24.11.2023
The Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg invited to the fourth Research Day on 24 November 2023. The event took place in person again and the participants enjoyed a varied program surrounding the topic “Turning Data-Driven Research into Health Benefits”. In addition to the keynote lectures on „Responsible AI and Medicine“ by Prof. Silja Vöneky and „Diamond-based quantum sensing of human brain tissue“ by Dr. Arne Wickenbrock many more interesting talks were offered. Moreover, doctoral researchers and postdocs had the chance to take part in a poster session and present their research projects.
The Many Facets of Talent and Scientific Excellence in Freiburg
13.11.2021
The Faculty of Medicine and the Medical Center – University of Freiburg invited to the third Research Day. This year the Research Day was held online. The event offered the opportunity to receive up-to-date information on „The many facets of talent and scientific excellence in Freiburg“ by renowned and young scientists. There were many interesting talks, including the keynote by Professor Dr. Marco Prinz (Leibniz prize winner 2020). In addition, the participants had the opportunity to talk to the speakers directly. To this end, Meet-the-Speaker sessions during each break were offered.


Novel Technologies in Medical Research – Basic Principles, Methods and Application in Freiburg
16.11.2019
The Faculty of Medicine and the Medical Center- University of Freiburg invited to the second Research Day on 16 November 2019. The event offered the opportunity to receive up-to-date information by renowned scientists on „Novel Technologies in Medical Research – Basic Principles, Methods and Application“. There were many interesting talks, including the keynote by Professor Dr. Harald zur Hausen (Nobel Laureate for physiology/medicine 2008). In addition, doctoral researchers and postdocs had the possibility to present their research projects in the poster session.
Career Paths, Funding Options and Research Topics in Freiburg
24./25.11.2017
The Faculty of Medicine and the Medical Center – University of Freiburg opened their doors on 24 and 25 November 2017 for their Career Day and Science Day. These events provided attendees with the opportunity to acquire up-to-date information on career paths, funding options and research topics, present research project posters, attend talks by renowned Freiburg scientists, and interact and network with one another.

The Fakultätsklausur Forschung is a regular event mainly aimed at appointed professors. It offers an opportunity for exchange and discussion on the strategic development of the Faculty of Medicine and the future direction of the research site in Freiburg.
09. November 2024
The sixth Fakultätsklausur Forschung took place on 9 November 2024. This year’s event, held in person, brought together 68 participants. In the first part of the event, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stephan Urban (Department of Infectious Diseases, Translational Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), Heidelberg University Hospital) gave a lecture on “From bench to bedside: Development of the first HBV/HDV entry inhibitor” and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frederik Wenz spoke on the topic of “Innovations for the patient care of tomorrow: Medical translation in Freiburg”. The professors then engaged in a panel discussion on the “Challenges and opportunities for successful translation at Freiburg’s University Medicine”. In the afternoon, Prof. Dr. Hartmut Hengel (Institute of Virology) gave a presentation on the Network of University Medicine (NUM).


19. November 2022
On 19 November 2022, the Faculty of Medicine held its fifth Fakultätsklausur Forschung, in which approximately 85 professors took part and engaged in lively discussions. This year, the meeting was held as an online event. In the first part of the event, Prof. Harald Binder (Director, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics) gave a keynote speech on “Research Data Management, DFG Guidelines, Implementation Faculty”. In the second part of the event, the participants discussed the Faculty of Medicine’s research focus areas and their further development in working groups.
14. November 2020
On 14 November 2020, the Faculty of Medicine held its fourth Fakultätsklausur Forschung, which was attended by approximately 70 professors who engaged in lively discussions. This year, the meeting took place as an online event for the first time. At the digital event, Prof. Christopher Baum (Chairman of the Board, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin) gave a keynote speech on “Challenges in University Medicine” and Prof. Stefan Blankenberg (Medical Director, University Heart and Vascular Center UKE Hamburg, Clinic for Cardiology) on “Research alliances – What can a Faculty of Medicine achieve together?”.


06. Oktober 2018
On 6 October 2018, the Faculty of Medicine held its third Fakultätsklausur Forschung, which was attended by approximately 80 professors who engaged in lively discussions. Dr. Beatrix Schwörer (German Council of Science and Humanities) provided information on the evaluation criteria of the German Council of Science and Humanities for university medical facilities and Dr. Leszek Reinhard (ETH Zurich) gave a keynote speech on central concepts for research infrastructures/core facilities.
12. November 2016
On 12 November 2016, the Faculty of Medicine in Freiburg held its Fakultätsklausur Forschung, which was attended by approximately 80 professors who engaged in lively discussions. Dr. Beate Konze-Thomas gave a keynote speech on the aspects of applying for the Excellence Strategy and moderated the discussions.


31. Oktober 2015
On 31 October 2015, the Faculty of Medicine in Freiburg held its first Fakultätsklausur Forschung, which was attended by approximately 70 professors. The event essentially focused on the following questions: How can we further develop and strengthen medical research in Freiburg? Which topics have potential for the “Excellence Initiative 2017 plus” and what measures do we want to take to prepare a successful application?
Prof. Georg Duda (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin) gave a keynote speech on the experiences with the Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), founded in 2006 as an alliance between Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Helmholtz Association, in which doctors, natural scientists, translation experts, engineers, doctoral students and technical staff work.
The roundtable discussions allow postdocs, Clinician Scientists and life scientists to explore specific topics related to research funding and academic career development.
„Scaling the Academic Ladder – From Postdoc to the Next Career Steps„
20.05.2026
This event organized by the Office of the Dean for Research is aimed at postdoctoral researchers who are ready to move from the post‑doc stage into junior group leadership or professorship. After short expert inputs, you will join small, topic‑focused roundtable sessions where you can discuss your challenges directly with leading scholars and fellow peers. In these groups you’ll receive practical, tailor-made answers to your specific questions and have ample time to network with successful academics.
Confirmed speakers:
- Jun.-Prof. Priscilla Briquez, Department of General and Visceral Surgery
- PD Dr. Nina Chevalier, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
- Prof. Katrin Kierdorf, Institute for Infection and Control
- PD Dr. Pascal Schlosser, Institute of Epidemiology and Prevention
Target group: Clinician Scientists, Medical Scientists & Postdocs ready for transitioning to junior‑group leadership or professorship
When: 20 May 2026, 15.30 – 18.00
Where: Seminar room, ground floor, Zentrum für Translationale Zellforschung (ZTZ) Breisacher Str. 115
Please register via this link:
„Building a Strong Foundation: Tips and Tricks for Kickstarting Your Research Career“
23.10.2024
With this event, the Office of the Dean for Research of the Faculty of Medicine provided a forum for exchange for early career researchers about their academic career development. The participants had the opportunity to receive valuable tips for advancing their research career, as well as to benefit from a discussion with Prof. Melanie Börries and Prof. Robert Grosse. They also heared the experience reports of Jun.-Prof. Natalie Köhler, an alumna of the Hans A. Krebs Medical Scientist Program, and Prof. Daniel Erny, an alumnus of the Berta-Ottenstein-Program.
Presentations (internal access only) or request by e-mail:


„Success Factors for a Research Career – Advice from a Leibniz Prize-Winner“
23.06.2022
The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, which is endowed with up to EUR 2.5 million, is the most important research award in Germany and is awarded annually by the DFG. Prof. Marco Prinz was awarded the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize in 2020 for his outstanding work in the field of neuroimmunology. In this roundtable discussion, Prof. Prinz talked about the secrets to his successful research career and circumstances that are important in facilitating cutting-edge research.
„How to boost your academic career: Tips from successful scientists“
17.09.2019
The event provided a forum for information and exchange for early-career researchers about their academic career development. Successful scientists talked about funding opportunities in the transition from early-career researcher to leading researcher and shared their personal experience of moving to the next career steps.
Presentations (internal access only) or request by e-mail:


„What should I consider to become a Principal Investigator in a Research Consortium (CRC, RTG, Cluster of Excellence) – practical and strategic advice“
27.11.2018
The aim of the event is to discuss what early-career researchers should consider in order to become a PI in a Research Consortium such as CRC (Collaborative Research Centre), RTG (Research Training Group) or Cluster of Excellence.
Presentations (internal access only) or request by e-mail:
„Research Funding in Medical/Clinical Research“
09.10.2017
The event was geared towards Clinician Scientists and postdoc medical scientists and took place on 9 October 2017 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Department of Medicine. Professor S. Fichtner-Feigl, Medical Director of the Department of General and Visceral Surgery, and Professor R. Thimme, Medical Director of the Department of Medicine II, presented.
Presentations (internal access only) or request by e-mail:


„How do I start my research career – my first DFG proposal“
21.11.2016
The event was geared towards postdoc medical scientists and took place on 21 November 2016 from 12:30 pm until around 3:30 pm at the Department of Medicine. Professor K. Krieglstein (DFG Review Board 206-01, Molecular Neuroscience and Neurogenetics) and Professor J. Hennig (DFG Review Board 205-32, Biomedical Technology and Medical Physics) presented.
Presentations (internal access only) or request by e-mail:
„How do I finance my research?“
18.04.2016
The event was geared towards postdocs and early-career research group leaders in the life sciences and medicine and took place on Monday 18 April 2016 from 1:30 pm until around 6:00 pm at the Neurozentrum, conference rooms 1 and 2, ground floor. Registered participants received the slides via email.
Here you will find an overview of events for scientists with current information on funding opportunities through European and international programmes.
Upcoming events organized by the Office of the Dean for Research
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 30.04.2026 14:00 – 16:30 | Informationsveranstaltung zum ERC Advanced Grant und ERC Plus Grant [Präsenzveranstaltung, de] Das Forschungsdekanat der Medizinischen Fakultät und das EU-Büro der Universität Freiburg laden Sie zu einer Präsenz-Veranstaltung zu den Förderinstrumenten Advanced Grant (AdG) und ERC Plus Grant des European Research Council (ERC) ein. Ein Referent der Kooperationstelle EU der Wissenschaftsorganisationen (KoWi) wird wichtige Einblicke in die Förderlinien ERC AdG und ERC Plus geben. Ort der Veranstaltung: 6. OG des Rektoratsgebäudes; Friedrichstraße 39, 79098 Freiburg Nähere Angaben zur Agenda finden Sie hier in Kürze. Sie können sich hier anmelden: Anmeldung. |
| 19.05.2026 09:30 – 12:30 | Save the Date: Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship – Master class [online, en] The Master class is organized in co-operation with the National Contact Point MSCA and includes a brief introduction to the MSC Actions with focus on Postoctoral Fellowships, a presentation how to prepare a successful proposal and a successful applicant from the last MSCA call will report on her experience. Furthermore, there will be a presentation from an evaluator’s point of view. More information and a link to registration will follow shortly. |
| 17.07.2026 09:00 – 12:00 | Save the Date: Workshop on ERC (European Research Council) Starting- and Consolidator Grants [in-person event, en] The EU-Offices of the Office of the Dean for Research of the Faculty of Medicine and of the University of Freiburg organize an in-person information session for ERC applicants with focus on the Starting and Consolidator Grants. An expert from the National Contact Point ERC, a successful grantee and a reviewer will provide insights into the ERC application process. Further details about the agenda and a link to registration will be provided shortly. |
Upcoming events by others
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 12.02.26 – 19.03.20 13:30 – 14:15 | Horizon Europe collaborative projects in a nutshell [en, online] This mini-webinar series oragised by KoWi will shed light on different aspects of the proposal preparation process for collaborative projects in the thematic clusters of Horizon Europe. – 12 February – Horizon Europe and FP10: Status Quo – 19 February – Strategic preparation and network building for involvement in Horizon Europe – 26 February – Time planning for proposal preparation – 5 March – How to read a call topic – 12 March – Proposal and evaluation – 19 March – Impact in Horizon Europe More information and a link to registration can be found here. |
| 25.02.26 / 25.03.26 / 12.05.26 10:00 – 11:30 | RP Start – Horizont Europa für Einsteigerinnen und Einsteiger [de, online] RP Start ist die Veranstaltungsreihe des EU-Büros für Einsteigerinnen und Einsteiger ins Rahmenprogramm Horizont Europa. Das Webinar ist modular unterteilt in die Themenbereiche „Das Programm“, „Das Projekt“ und „Der Projektantrag“. Mehr Informationen und die Links zur Anmeldung finden Sie hier. |
Previous events
Symposia of the Berta-Ottenstein-Program
The symposia of the Berta-Ottenstein-Program offer scientists in Freiburg the opportunity to acquire up-to-date information on the projects of the fellows of the Berta-Ottenstein-Program, to attend talks by renowned Freiburg and other (inter)national scientists as well as to interact and network with one another.
More detailed information on the events can be found here:
Research Infrastructure (RI) Facilities Open Day
More information and the detailed program of the event on 29 September 2023 can be found here:
Our Lecture Series and Course Program
The Office of the Dean for Research offers several lecture series and a course program for scientific qualification and information on research funding.

Take a look at our lecture series and our EQUIP (Education and Qualification for Postdocs) course program in the individual tabs:
The Lecture Series – Pitfalls and Solutions: Good Experimental Design addresses various specific research topics and good experimental design to improve the quality and reproducibility of your research data.
The aim of the lecture series From Bench to Bedside and Back – Understanding Translation is to promote a scientific culture in which the translational potential of research projects is recognized, to impart basic knowledge on translation and to create a platform for open exchange between clinician scientists and basic scientists from various disciplines.
The “Lunchtime Seminar – Funding and more” series provides valuable information on a wide variety of topics ranging from grant writing and funding opportunities to data processing and publishing.
The EQUIP (Education and Qualification for Postdocs) course program offers a variety of target group-specific courses and lectures on scientific topics and interdisciplinary skills.
Lecture Series – Pitfalls and Solutions: Good Experimental Design
The Office of the Dean for Research of the Faculty of Medicine invites qualified speakers to this lecture series to give a talk about good experimental design. The invited researchers will give you information on specific research topics and provide discussion opportunities with the goal to improve quality and reproducibility of your research data. Since October 2022 lectures within the series are repeated regularly following a structured curriculum. Please find further information on the 3-year curriculum below.
| Target Group: Clinician scientists, Postdocs or advanced doctoral students who are actively involved in lab research |
| Time and Venue: Wednesday, 17:00 – 18:00; seminar room ground floor, ZTZ, Breisacher Str. 115 |
Upcoming events
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 15.04.2026 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Non-Imaging Methods in Research Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has established itself as a central imaging method in medical and experimental research, enabling non-invasive insights into anatomical and physiological processes. In addition to classical MR imaging techniques, functional and specialized MR techniques, such as hyperpolarization MR and MR spectroscopy, are gaining increasing importance. The range extends from whole-body scanners in human medicine to preclinical small animal scanners and high-field NMR systems, all the way to table-top systems for sample analysis. The methodology is suitable for investigations of humans and animals as well as plants, technical objects, and minute samples. Challenges in study design, MR safety, and artifact avoidance necessitate careful planning and innovative technical solutions. The integration of core facilities such as MRDAC and AMIR at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Freiburg can be crucial for successful research proposals and publications. Speaker: Dr. Martin Büchert, Magnetic Resonance Development and Application Center – Freiburg Registration: Link |
Detailed information about the talks held in 2025 can be found below under „Previous Events“.
Curriculum
Previous events
Lecture Series „From Bench to Bedside and Back – Understanding Translation“
The goal of this Lecture Series is to promote a scientific culture in which the translational potential of research projects is recognized and an understanding of collaboration between different scientific disciplines exists. To this end, this lecture series provides a platform for open exchange between scientifically active physicians (Clinician Scientists) and basic research-oriented scientists from diverse disciplines (Medical Scientists). An additional aim is to impart basic knowledge about translation, such as:
- Definitions and explanations of important terms in the field of translation
- The translational process and important competencies in translation
- General framework conditions, regulations and quality criteria
- Overview of the research structures and infrastructures at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Freiburg
By translation („From Bench to Bedside“) we mean „an interdisciplinary process in which preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are developed for application in humans on the basis of findings from basic research“. In this context, the consideration of the clinical expertise of physicians at the bedside is just as essential in the research and development of diagnostics and therapeutics as the expertise of researchers in the laboratory (‚bench‘) and results in an iterative process: „From bench to bedside and back“. These complementary dynamics are important, as feedback between basic research and the clinic is a critical success criterion for translational medicine.
The Lecture Series is organized by the Office of the Dean for Research in collaboration with the Clinical Trials Unit, University Medical Centeris and is composed of six lectures. Each lecture offers expert input, discussion and case studies. Please find further information on the curriculum below.
| Target Group: Non-clinically-active scientists (Medical Scientists) and scientifically-active clinicians with an interest in research (Clinican Scientists and Advanced Clinician Scientists) |
| Time and Venue: Mondays, 12.00 – 13.00; Online via ZOOM |
Upcoming events
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Contributions of Medical and Clinician Scientists in Translational Research Speaker: tbd |
| 2026 | Supportive Structures and Programmes for Successful Research at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg Speaker: tbd |
| 2026 | Best Practice Examples of Successful Translation Speaker: tbd |
Curriculum
Previous events
Lunchtime Seminar – Funding and more
Are you ready to take the next step to greater independence in your post-doc career? In that case, don’t miss the opportunity to learn from experts on how to successfully secure research funding, and to discuss and exchange information on this important topic with your peers.
This lunchtime seminar organized by the Office of the Dean for Research of the Faculty of Medicine will provide useful information on a wide selection of topics ranging from grant proposal writing and funding opportunities to data handling and publication. Invited experts will inform you about the different aspects of grant proposals as well as internal and external funding oppotunities.
| Target Group: Clinician scientists and postdoctoral researchers who intend to apply for a grant |
| Time and Venue: Tuesday, 12:00 – 13:00; Online via ZOOM |
Upcoming events
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 17.03.2026 | Hinweise zur Fördermöglichkeit im Berta-Ottenstein-Programm: Förderlinie Clinician Scientist [de] Das Berta-Ottenstein-Programm bietet wissenschaftlich aktiven Mediziner*innen im Rahmen eines strukturierten Exzellenz-Programms der Medizinischen Fakultät optimale Voraussetzungen für die Kombination einer wissenschaftlichen und klinischen Laufbahn in der Freiburger Universitätsmedizin. In diesem Seminar bietet die Geschäftsstelle des Berta-Ottenstein-Programms Informationen rund um das Bewerbungsverfahren für die Förderlinie Clinician Scientist, die sich an Ärzt*innen aller Fachrichtungen während der fachärztlichen Weiterbildung richtet. Referentin: Dr. Irene Nagel-Jachmann, Forschungsdekanat der Medizinischen Fakultät Registrierung: Link |
| 21.04.2026 | EU Funding Opportunities: How to Apply for an ERC Grant? [en] Participants will receive information on the two funding lines (Starting Grant and Consolidator Grant) from the European Research Council (ERC). This talk may be especially interesting for advanced researchers with a promising scientific track record. Speakers: Alexander Affeldt and Dr. Sandra Straßburg, Office of the Dean for Research of the Faculty of Medicine Registration: Link |
| 05.05.2026 | Hinweise zur Fördermöglichkeit im Berta-Ottenstein-Programm: Förderlinie Advanced Clinician Scientist [de] Das Berta-Ottenstein-Programm bietet wissenschaftlich aktiven Mediziner*innen im Rahmen eines strukturierten Exzellenz-Programms der Medizinischen Fakultät optimale Voraussetzungen für die Kombination einer wissenschaftlichen und klinischen Laufbahn in der Freiburger Universitätsmedizin. In diesem Seminar bietet die Geschäftsstelle des Berta-Ottenstein-Programms Informationen rund um das Bewerbungsverfahren für die Förderlinie Advanced Clinician Scientist, die sich an wissenschaftlich und klinisch besonders qualifizierte Fachärzt*innen richtet. Referentin: Dr. Amelie Jäger, Forschungsdekanat der Medizinischen Fakultät Registrierung: Link |
Previous events
Education and Qualification for Postdocs (EQUIP)
Equip yourself with the knowledge and competencies required for your successful scientific career!
To offer the best possible support for researchers and clinicians pursuing an individualized career path, the Faculty of Medicine has implemented the EQUIP (Education and Qualification for Postdocs)-Program, which provides a variety of target group-specific courses and lectures covering both scientific topics and transferrable skills.
Courses offered within the EQUIP-Program are organized by the Office of the Dean for Research, Faculty of Medicine, as well as our cooperation partner (In-House Training Center of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg (Fachbereich Fortbildung))
Please find the detailed program here:
Other Event Calendars:
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Universität Freiburg [de]
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University Freiburg [en]
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Max-Planck-Institut für Immunologie und Epigenetik (MPI-IE) in Freiburg [de]
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Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics [en]
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Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) [en]
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Veranstaltungen und Fortbildungen für Wissenschafter*innen in der patientenorientierten Forschung [de]
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Events and training courses for scientists in patient-oriented research [en]


