News

Inspiring First DZD Diabetes Research School for Young Researchers

Five internationally renowned scientists gave graduate students and postdocs from around the world insight into the latest results and trends in diabetes research. The young researchers met at the invitation of the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) on November 6, 2013 for the first DZD International Diabetes Research School. The event took place prior to the high-profile XII International Symposium on Insulin Receptors and Insulin Action in Barcelona.

The German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) invited 90 outstanding PhD students and postdocs to the first DZD International Diabetes Research School in Barcelona.
The young scientists enjoyed this unique opportunity, showing great enthusiasm and engaging in lively discussions. Under the direction of the young people, who briefly introduced the professors and moderated the subsequent discussions, the renowned scientists gave presentations on the most pressing issues of diabetes research. Anja Marciniak, a PhD student at the Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, appreciated the inspiring atmosphere between novice and experienced researchers: “The professors geared their presentations to the young audience. They gave us an excellent overview of the different topics related to diabetes and shared their expertise and experience with us.”
High quality of the presentations
The DZD directors Professor Hans-Ulrich Häring of Tübingen University Hospital and Professor Martin Hrabĕ de Angelis of Helmholtz Zentrum München guided the participants through the day’s program. They were enthusiastic about the great interest of the students and the high quality of the presentations. A broad spectrum of topics was offered, including the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance, the effect of insulin and new insights into the role of microRNAs in diabetes as well as a cure for type 1 diabetes in dogs. The speakers were: Professor Morris White and Professor Ronald Kahn (Harvard Medical School, USA), Professor Domenico Accili (Columbia University, USA), Professor Fatima Bosch (University of Barcelona) and Professor Emmanuel Van Obberghen (University of Nice).
The day ended with a guided walk through the city to the architectural highlights in Barcelona. Prior to the walk, however, Ronald Kahn encouraged the graduate students and postdocs to continue on their path in diabetes research: “Many challenges await you as young scientists in this field, and much remains to be elucidated about the development and treatment of insulin resistance.”
Due to the great success of this year’s research school, plans for the DZD Diabetes Research School 2014 have already begun.

If you are interested in the DZD Diabetes Research School 2014 please send an e-mail to schoolnoSp@m@dzd-ev.de to be kept informed.