PhD Specialization

Introduction to the PhD specialization in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Mission

This specialization was created to foster a new and innovative multidisciplinary approach and unravel the communication network of stem cells within the tissue and throughout the body during tissue regeneration. Educational tracks for bachelor, master and PhD students are scheduled to sustainably implement the assignment of the SCRM.

Summary of PhD specialization

The new PhD specialization Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine is jointly offered by the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB) and the Platform for Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine (SCRM).  
Administrative coordinators: Prof. Dr. Benjamin Gantenbein and Dr. Amiq Gazdhar / Scientific coordinator: Prof. Dr. Volker Enzmann

The Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) curriculum is embedded in the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Bern (GCB) and benefits from the framework of the Platform for Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine. PhD students registered to the program will profit from:

• Basic knowledge of stem cell culture (iPS and adult stem cells) and differentiation
• Know-how about basic concepts of tissue engineering
• Overview of the different regenerative approaches researched at the University of Bern and the Inselspital
• Interaction of biomaterials and cells to mimic different micro-environments
• Workshops and practical courses that can individually be chosen
• Networking with other PhD students applying specialized methods for tissue repair or regeneration
• Personal contact with advanced scientists with special know-how in regenerative medicine
• Cost-free participation at the PhD retreat with excellent networking opportunities

The SCRM curriculum is embedded in already existing lectures and practical courses in the fields of stem cells, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering at the Faculty of Medicine and the Phil.-Nat. Faculty. Additional activities are offered to especially amend the needs of the proposed program.  

The program is divided into two sections: a basic module with mandatory courses (4 ECTS) and an elective module (4 ECTS) allowing the students to choose courses and set a focus on specific topics considered advantageous to the individual PhD projects. 

Mandatory courses (4 ECTS):

Out of the 6 ECTS needed for achieving the PhD from the GCB, the PhD students of the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine specialization can acquire 4 ECTS from the basic module of the program (Code “BM”). The “Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine” lecture is mandatory to ensure that all students have a basic knowledge in the field that allows them to profit from the rest of the program. In case the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine lecture has been taken during the Master education of the respective PhD student, this student will choose in consultation with the coordinators suitable courses from the elective modules allowing him or her to score 4 ECTS as a basic education. The annual PhD retreat, which is free, is compulsory for SCRM PhD students!

Elective modules (4 ECTS):

For the specialized education in the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine PhD program, each student will choose courses from the elective modules (Code “EM”) to obtain another 4 ECTS.  
The additional specialization of the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine PhD program will be honored with a certificate supplementing the PhD degrees to be awarded by the University of Bern according to the regulations of the GCB.

We highly encourage PhD students of the University of Bern with a research interest in regenerative medicine to enrol in this program as they will definitely profit from this special education.