PhD Programme in Epidemiology at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Germany

The PhD Programme in Epidemiology at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in cooperation with Hannover Medical School offers a comprehensive research and training environment for students aiming to conduct independent epidemiological and public health research. Located in Braunschweig, Germany, the programme is fully on-site with voluntary online elements and spans six semesters (three years). All teaching and research activities are conducted in English, with the option to write the thesis in German after consultation with the main supervisor. German language courses are available to support international students.

The programme prepares fellows for careers in academia, research, national health institutions, ministries, health insurances, international organisations, and NGOs. The main focus is on epidemiology and public health, supporting individual training and career plans tailored to students' backgrounds and interests. Key objectives include gaining experience in planning, managing, implementing, and evaluating epidemiological and public health research projects, acquiring comprehensive knowledge of epidemiological and statistical methods, contributing to evidence gaps in health research, and presenting research at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. The programme also emphasizes Good Epidemiological Practice.

PhD project outlines should align with the research areas of the Department of Epidemiology at HZI. The programme is structured into individual research activities and a mandatory educational component (minimum 300 teaching units), including lectures, seminars, fieldwork, and laboratory training. International elements include training in intercultural skills, projects with partners in Germany and abroad, guest lecturers, and field studies. Integrated internships and voluntary teaching opportunities are available, and students benefit from a network of PhD students, postdocs, and supervisors from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Applicants must secure their own funding for living and project costs, as the host institution does not provide financial support. Typical funding sources include scholarships from DAAD, Humboldt-Foundation, or Stiftung des deutschen Volkes. Tuition fees are not charged, but a semester contribution of approximately 400 EUR covers public transportation. Living expenses are estimated at 1,200 to 1,700 EUR per month. There are no job opportunities during the programme, and visa restrictions limit employment outside academia for most foreign students.

Admission requirements include a university degree (Master's or equivalent) in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, natural science, or another biomedical or health-relevant field. The degree must entitle the applicant to pursue PhD studies in Germany, verified by an official authority. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and experience in epidemiological methods and statistics, either through relevant degrees or completed courses (minimum 120 contact hours or 10 ECTS). Excellent English language skills are mandatory, and technical equipment is provided by the programme office.

Applications are accepted via e-mail only during the designated periods: 15 May to 15 June for the summer semester and 15 November to 15 December for the winter semester. Complete applications must be submitted as a single PDF document following the guidelines on the programme website. Support services for international students include assistance with visa matters, accommodation, and registration procedures. The supervisor-student ratio is three to four supervisors per student, ensuring structured research and supervision, regular meetings, and access to career advisory workshops.

For more information and application guidelines, visit the programme website or the DAAD international programmes portal.