Clinician Scientist Programme

The Clinician Scientist Programme is aimed at physicians who are in their specialist training, would like to conduct their own research project and would like to continue their scientific education within the framework of a structured training programme.

The programme has a two-stage structure and is divided into CSP Step 1 and CSP Step 2.
CSP Step 2 is aimed at physicians who have already successfully acquired a third-party funded project or IZKF or Junior Project, or who have completed a post-doctoral stay abroad of at least 2 years, or who have successfully completed Step 1 or who can submit a confirmation of acceptance for the DFG-funded programme NOTICE. An earlier change into Step 2 is possible under certain conditions.

Applications for admission to the CSP may be made on an ongoing basis. When applying for participation, the confirmation letter of the rotation must already be available at the time of application.
Applications for rotation positions for admission to the Clinician Scientist Programme (Step 2 module) are possible no later than two weeks before the meeting of the IZKF board.

For CSP Step 1 and CSP Step 2:

successfully completed medical studies
successfully completed doctorate to Dr. med. or Dr. med. dent. at the time of entry into the Clinician Scientist Programme. If proof of completed doctorate cannot yet be provided upon admission to the Clinician Scientist programme, it is possible to submit this within one year after admission to the programme (applies only to the Step 1 module). In this case, the opening of the doctoral thesis must be proven.
specialist training that has already begun at the time of entry into the CSP, which should not yet be completed
at least one original publication as first author should be published
suitable scientific environment
own research project
funding approval for the required leave of absence and other project relevant requirements (consumables, workplace, etc.)

In addition, for CSP Step 2:

Completion of CSP Step 1 (or certificate of a comparable training programme at another university) or
scientifically reviewed third-party funded project or ELAN/IZKF project or
the confirmation for admission to the DFG-funded programme NOTICE or
at least 2 years of post-doc experience abroad and
at least 2 years of specialist training

An earlier change from CSP Step 1 into CSP Step 2 is possible on application under the following conditions:

At least 2 years of specialist training and
personally obtained IZKF- or third party funded project

In principle, an early change is subject to a case-by-case examination and decision. Achievements performed in CSP Step 1 are to be assigned to CSP Step 1 and cannot be credited to CSP Step 2.

Candidates who have been in the habilitation process for more than two years or who have already undergone interim evaluation by the Fachmentorat (Mentoring Committee) cannot be accepted.

Protected research time of at least 12 months full-time (or equivalent in part-time), supplemented by a research time of 25% for a further 2 years or 50% for a further year (if necessary by clinic, flexible handling) → usually divided into 6 months CSP Step 1 rotation and 12 months CSP Step 2 rotation; in case of direct entry into CSP Step 2 or on request to complete solely within the framework of the CSP Step 2. In order to obtain the certificate for the Step 2 module, an exemption of a total of 18 months is mandatory, even if you started directly in Step 2. The maximum laboratory rotations financed by the IZKF over the entire scientific career is limited to 18 months.
Mentoring Commission consisting of at least 2 habilitated leaders of working groups from different clinics/institutes and proven in the respective field of research
Supervision agreement
Active participation in external congresses
Participation in network meetings
Participation in locally organized guest speaker seminars
Interdisciplinary training
Internal retreat
Annual project reports
Public relations
Funding of stays abroad within the framework of IZKF travel grants
Access to the IZKF travel and publication pool
for members of Step 2: High Tech Pool

	CSP Step 1	CSP Step 2
Start of programme	Directly after admission	Flexible up to 6 months preparation phase
Rotation	rotation flexible, 6 months	rotation at the latest 6 months after the start of programme
End of programme	After 2 years at the latest or with admission to CSP Step 2	End of programme with completion of the research project, the specialist training and proof of regular participation in the training modules

The CSP is supported by the IZKF. It relies on the provision of rotation positions and leave of absence by the IZKF, the local research associations and the clinics themselves. Clinician Scientist Programmes financed by third-party donors can be integrated into the CSP of the IZKF.

Application procedure with IZKF rotation position

The physicians funded with a junior project will be included in the CSP Step 2 if possible. An application for direct admission to the CSP Step 2 with the provision of a rotation position (100% Ä1 over 12 months) is possible on an ongoing basis. In addition, further rotation positions are available at the IZKF for a maximum of 6 months. The maximum leave of absence from the IZKF over the entire scientific career is limited to 18 months.

Application procedure without IZKF rotation position

Applicants who have a confirmation for a protected research time from other funds (e.g. DFG, Gerok positions SFBs, clinic, etc.) will be accepted into the programme on an ongoing basis upon application.

Clinician Scientist Programme