Promoting young scientists: Interprofessional Research Training Group for Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (IGIM) launches new year

In order to improve the scientific training of junior researchers (doctoral studies and Master's degree) in integrative medicine, Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) is offering the Interprofessional Research Training Group for Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (IGIM). The mandatory introductory seminar on 26 and 27 September 2025 marks the start of the fifth year of the scientific funding programme; applications are still possible until 31 August. Participation in the programme is free of charge after admission.

Research training group promotes exchange between different disciplines

As a cross-university structured funding programme, the IGIM offers a platform and a network to bring together doctoral supervisors and doctoral candidates. "With high-quality theses, we can ensure strong science in integrative medicine," says Dr Beate Stock-Schröer, spokesperson for the IGIM. Integrative medicine focuses on the needs of the patient. It combines therapeutic approaches from conventional and complementary medicine in order to find the best individual treatment for each patient. Previous doctoral and master's theses in the research training group have investigated, for example, the effects of Kneipp therapy on high blood pressure or music therapy for children with cancer and their carers.

Colloquia are held three weekends a year, usually at Witten/Herdecke University. On the one hand, accompanying basic and elective modules on scientific work are offered here: They cover topics such as literature research, academic writing, qualitative research or epistemology. In addition, there is a regular writing workshop, various research workshops, a journal club and individual consultation hours.

Support and motivation for doctoral studies

On the other hand, the colloquia offer the opportunity to exchange ideas in small working groups on thematic and methodological focal points and to present the status of your own research project as well as any challenges. "The participants come from different disciplines and greatly appreciate these opportunities for discussion," emphasises Dr Silke Lange, research associate at the IGIM. "Interprofessionalism makes it possible to look at a problem from a different perspective and develop solutions that you might not be able to tackle yourself."

The individualised and close supervision at the IGIM itself also ensures that the work does not come to a standstill and that the students work successfully on their project. Thanks to the constantly growing network of graduates, there is also the opportunity to make valuable contacts both during the Master's thesis or doctoral studies and after graduation and to get ideas and suggestions for their own topics.

Relief for doctoral candidates and supervisors

The programme is open to anyone who is interested in doctoral studies or a Master's thesis in integrative medicine and comes from the fields of medicine or psychology, healthcare professions, therapy, humanities or natural sciences - regardless of the university at which they are doing their doctorate or studying. It is also irrelevant whether they are still looking for a doctoral topic or already have a topic of their own with the corresponding supervision.

The fact that doctoral and Master's students at the IGIM receive an academically sound education also relieves and supports their supervisors. Supervisors who would like to work on a topic in integrative medicine together with IGIM staff and are still looking for a doctoral student can also get in touch.

Programme of the Interprofessional Research Training Group

The introductory seminar on 26 and 27 September 2025 is mandatory for participation in the IGIM. The application deadline is 31 August. The two-day event introduces the basics of scientific work. Participants get to know each other and make contact with potential supervisors. If required, a doctoral project can be arranged during the introductory seminar.

Those who subsequently decide to participate in the research training group must submit another short application. The deadline for this is the end of October. The next colloquium will take place from 14 to 16 November at Witten/Herdecke University.

In a digital information event on the IGIM on Wednesday, 6 August, from 7 to 8 p.m., interested parties will have the opportunity to get to know the programme and ask questions. After registering by email (igim@uni-wh.de), you will receive the access data. Further information can also be found on the IGIM website.

Further information: If you have any questions about the content, please contact Dr Beate Stock-Schröer (Beate.Stock-Schroeer@uni-wh.de, 02302 926-795) or Dr Silke Lange (Silke.Lange@uni-wh.de, 02302 926-713).