Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment

Are you interested in finding new and innovative drugs and therapies and do you wish to improve the use of existing drugs? The disciplines covered in this track circle around the theme: 'molecules for patients'. Students are encouraged to bridge the gap between the fundamental natural sciences (such as chemistry and physics) and the medical/clinical sciences in the field of medicinal products. This specialization contributes to the entire field of the pharmaceutical sciences, from basic areas such as chemical analysis and synthesis to pharmaceutical practice and patient-oriented research. Knowledge from different research disciplines is combined in the design and evaluation of optimal drugs, products and therapies that are being made available to society. Research in this specialization is of high societal impact with several drugs or related products developed in-house on the market or in clinical trials, several spin-offs, a strong portfolio of patents and research that contributes directly to healthcare policymaking. For detailed information go to the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy: https://www.rug.nl/research/grip/ For information and guidance on Drug Innovation research, please contact the Drug Innovation specialization coordinator prof. dr. Frank Dekker (f.j.dekker@rug.nl ).

What are the detrimental and beneficial roles of microorganisms in human health and disease? How can we exploit this knowledge in the prevention and fight against infectious diseases? In this specialization, students can unravel the mechanisms underlying immune-mediated chronic diseases by translation of basic immunological concepts into clinical practice (and vice versa). Students become involved in contributing to personalized and precision medicine for infectious and immune-mediated diseases. Students will address a wide variety of research topics ranging from the roles of microbes in the etiology of major autoimmune disorders to the genetics of celiac disease.

How do neurodevelopmental disorders arise and are they reversible? How is organismal or central nervous system ageing involved in neurodegenerative disorders? In this specialization, students will be exposed to a range of topics in the field of neurobiology, ranging from fundamental neurobiology, basic research, to more (pre)clinical translational research. We aim to unravel the (epi)genetics basis of the central nervous system (CNS) disease and the underlying cell biological defects in the context of various conditions and disorders are addressed in animals and humans. For detailed information on neuroscience-associated research, please go to the Department of Neuroscience and the Department of Cell Biology: https://bscs.umcg.nl/en/ For information and guidance on Neuroscience research, please contact the Neuroscience specialization coordinator dr. Bart Eggen (b.j.l.eggen@umcg.nl).