Graduate School receives further funding

The “Natural Sciences and Technology” (OLTECH) Graduate School at the University of Oldenburg is to receive further funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This means that, since its launch in 2009, OLTECH will have a total of 0.5 million euros from the fund at its disposal until October 2014.

“As part of the Graduate Academy, the Graduate School of School V (Mathematics and Science) forms a building block in the sustainable development of the University of Oldenburg into a successful research university,” emphasises the initiator of the Graduate School and biologist Prof. Dr Georg Klump. Under the umbrella of OLTECH, there are currently four degree programmes focusing on the fields of neurosensory science, environmental sciences and biodiversity, materials science, and renewable energies. To provide young researchers with the best possible career opportunities, the Graduate School combines specialist courses with professional development opportunities.

There are currently 97 PhD students enrolled at the Graduate School. The aim is to double this number by the end of 2014. This growth is being driven by the ‘Gravitational Physics’ doctoral degree programme, which begins in the summer semester, and the establishment of further doctoral degree programmes – including those linked to the European Medical School. The ‘Fast Track’ programmes, which are now available, are also contributing to this further development. These enable outstanding graduates of bachelor’s degree programmes to commence a PhD programme immediately.