GRK 1976:  Functional Diversity of Cofactors in Enzymes

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: from 2014 to 2023
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 235777276

The RTG 1976 offers an excellent qualification program to doctoral researchers by providing cutting-edge education and individual supervision. The RTG strengthens interdisciplinary research in the multifaceted field of ‘Functional Diversity of Cofactors in Enzymes’. A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound, like a small molecule, metal ion, or post-translational modification that is required for biological activity and is a strict requirement for the proper functioning of many enzymes. Although only a limited number of cofactors exists in nature, they are involved in a seemingly endless number of enzymatic reactions. Understanding cofactors is an essential pre-requisite to elucidate function and mechanism, and enables the development of applications in bio-technology and medicine. Within the RTG, the function and interplay of cofactors are elucidated and protein-cofactor interactions precisely determined. The diverse expertise of RTG scientists has led to numerous fruitful collaborations, as evidenced by a large number joint publications. The RTG recruits its members from the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, and Pharmacy. These researchers employ a broad spectrum of techniques and methods that integrate to form an excellent platform for successful projects, enabling doctoral researchers to acquire a broad spectrum of specific skills that prepare doctoral researchers for challenges in their future life. In the first funding period we established a highly structured qualification program that will be continued in the second funding period, with further optimization being achieved through internal quality management measures. In addition to the ‘Industry Lecture’ series, the ‘Academia Meets Industry’ lecture series has been implemented. Moreover, modules of the new pharmaceutical study course on ‘Regulatory Affairs and Drug Development’ and a ‘Topics Seminar’ will be part of the program. We will continue the lecture series, seminars, workshops, and soft-skills courses, as well as encourage research placements of doctoral researchers in laboratories abroad. To promote especially talented students, a fast-track program and a program for start-up funding of postdoctoral researchers will be established. The University of Freiburg is committed to embracing modern gender equality structures. The RTG will focus on a better compatibility of career and family, support of young female scientists, and the strengthening of gender equality in science.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Andreas Bechthold
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Jennifer Andexer; Professorin Dr. Susana Andrade; Professor Dr. Matthias Boll; Professor Dr. Oliver Einsle; Professor Dr. Thorsten Friedrich; Professor Dr. Stefan Günther; Professorin Dr. Carola Hunte; Professor Dr. Manfred Jung; Professorin Dr. Gunhild Monika Layer; Professor Dr. Michael Müller; Professor Dr. Erik Schleicher; Professor Dr. Robin Teufel; Professor Dr. Stefan Weber