The International Helmholtz Research School for Diabetes is integrated into the Helmholtz Graduate School Environmental Health - HELENA, established at Helmholtz Munich since 2010. Doctoral researchers of the International Helmholtz Research School benefit from additional support and training opportunities in addition to a vibrant graduate student community offered by HELENA.

HELENA Training and Education consists of mandatory elements, scientific training, professional skills training and offers additional training in third party funding, and language courses. Doctoral researchers can select from lectures, courses, and seminars to develop their own individual curriculum. Training programs offered by collaborating universities and graduate programs are also open to HELENA doctoral researchers, and thus, members of the International Helmholtz Research School for Diabetes.

These training activities can be accredited with HELENA working hours, which count towards the required training credits. 

---

All doctoral researchers of the International Helmholtz Research School for Diabetes from HDC have to attend the following mandatory HELENA training:

Translational Medicine Seminar Series

This seminar series aims to give an overview on translational medicine starting from the disease towards the understanding of disease mechanisms, epidemiological evidence, identification of biomarkers and development of new therapies and drugs leading to clinical studies. It covers basic concepts in life sciences, ranging from research ethics, good manufacturing practice, translation of knowledge from mice to men, data integration, and the transfer of research to the clinics and industry. Basis researchers, physician scientists and clinicians will introduce challenges and success stories of translational research. The 45 minute talk is followed by “Beer & Brezn” which provides a platform for active discussions and networking. The lecture series welcomes all researchers of the Center. Participation is mandatory 5 times (lists of attendance will be circulated by HELENA organizers).

HELENA Orientation Days

New doctoral researchers receive an introductory training to the mission of  the Helmholtz Zentrum München, its research program and the HELENA graduate school. Additional training within the 3 day program focuses on workshops in key competences and Good Scientific Practice. During HELENA orientation days, first year students meet their fellows to develop their first scientific and social network.

Additionally, HDC doctoral researchers of the International Helmholtz Research School for Diabetes have to attend the annual Graduate Students Day, as well as the LMU and TUM Welcome Event, respectively.