Greifswald research shines: 13 million euros for graduate school!

Greifswald research shines: 13 million euros for graduate school!

The University of Greifswald and the University Medical Center Greifswald can look forward to significant news: their graduate school PRO will receive further funding until 2030. The German Research Foundation (DFG) confirmed on November 27, 2025 that more than 13 million euros will be available for the next nine years. This not only recognizes the excellent research work, but also strengthens the contribution to the future of medicine. The University of Greifswald reports on the renewal of this funding, which prevailed against other institutional applications in Germany.

The focus of the research is proteases – enzymes that break down proteins. These play a key role in both cellular processes and the interaction between pathogens and their hosts. The thematic focus of the college is “Proteases in pathogens and hosts: their importance in inflammation and infection”. The research is particularly aimed at pathogens that are on the WHO's priority list for antibiotic-resistant germs, including staphylococci, streptococci and tuberculosis pathogens. This feedback underlines not only the scientific relevance, but also the global significance of the work of The knowledge.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

The coordination of the graduate school is in the hands of Prof. Dr. Barbara Bröker, a recognized immunologist. She emphasizes the great importance of this research for global health and the need to develop innovative therapeutic approaches. Research questions range from cell homeostasis to immune defense and immune evasion, creating a broad spectrum of opportunities for the development of protease inhibitors.

A particularly exciting aspect is the central role that the doctoral students play in the college. These work at the interface between the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine, which promotes exchange between the disciplines and provides fruitful impulses for research. These interdisciplinary connections are not only beneficial for the individual careers of doctoral students, but also for the overall scientific process the University of Greifswald highlights.

A look into the future

The funding is part of a total of 209 research training colleges that the DFG supports in Germany. These include 29 international graduate colleges, with the Greifswalder Kolleg being one of the few whose funding period has been extended. The exchange between doctoral students and experienced scientists is intended to enable rapid doctoral studies and promote training in a demanding research climate. The goal is to optimally prepare future scientists for their careers while at the same time developing creative solutions to pressing health issues.

In summary, it can be said that the University of Greifswald with its PRO graduate school and the associated funding from the DFG not only advances scientific progress, but can also have a significant influence on the global health situation.