All PhD students at the RTG are members of OLTECH and complete a curriculum totalling 30 credit points (CP). This encompasses specialised training, communication and knowledge transfer, as well as interdisciplinary skills. Doctoral candidates put together their own individual programme in line with their academic background, their doctoral project and their career goals.

Relevant courses include, for example, those on medical imaging, time-series analysis, complex networks and the analysis of neuroimaging data, as well as programming with MATLAB or Python. Further courses develop skills in academic writing and presentation, university teaching methodology, science communication and knowledge transfer. The programme is complemented by courses on project management, data protection, research ethics, good academic practice, good clinical practice and career development both within and outside academia. International PhD students can also take advantage of language courses and other support services offered by the university.

The RTG complements OLTECH’s programme with events that are specifically tailored to the joint research programme and the doctoral candidates’ diverse academic backgrounds. Regular events include the RTG lecture series, the research colloquium, cross-project coordination meetings and the annual two-day RTG meeting. In addition, there are methodological workshops, Writing Days and Writing Retreats, as well as other events organised to meet specific needs.

These events not only serve to enhance academic and methodological skills but also foster exchange between projects and disciplines. PhD candidates and postdocs present their own work, discuss study designs and methodological challenges, and develop joint approaches across projects. External researchers are regularly invited to give lectures and engage in direct academic exchange with early-career researchers.

The annual Summer School plays a special role. It is planned and organised by the PhD students and combines academic lectures, methodological further education, career development and exchanges with national and international experts.

A research stay of at least four weeks in another laboratory, a rehabilitation centre or another scientific or clinical institution relevant to the RTG forms part of the qualification programme. The placement enables the acquisition of additional methodological or clinical experience, supports the knowledge transfer between the participating institutions and promotes the development of the doctoral candidate’s own scientific networks.

The RTG provides financial support for these placements as well as for active participation in national and international conferences. International PhD students and visiting researchers receive additional support, where required, from the International Office and other departments at the University of Oldenburg.

The RTG supports PhD students in exploring different career paths both within and outside academia and in developing their own academic profile. In addition to the opportunities offered by OLTECH and the University, exchanges with visiting academics, members of the Academic Advisory Board, alumni and representatives from various professional fields are particularly useful for individual career guidance.

Through internal funding opportunities, PhD students can apply to carry out their own small-scale research projects and academic activities. This enables them to gain early experience in developing research ideas, applying for funding and independently carrying out academic projects. Furthermore, they can participate in research-based teaching, for example by supervising student laboratory projects or Master’s theses.