Clinician Scientist Programme

For CSP Step 1 and CSP Step 2:

• successfully completed medical studies
• successfully completed doctorate to Dr. med. or Dr. med. dent. at the time of entry into the Clinician Scientist Programme. If proof of completed doctorate cannot yet be provided upon admission to the Clinician Scientist programme, it is possible to submit this within one year after admission to the programme (applies only to the Step 1 module). In this case, the opening of the doctoral thesis must be proven.
• specialist training that has already begun at the time of entry into the CSP, which should not yet be completed
• at least one original publication as first author should be published
• suitable scientific environment
• own research project
• funding approval for the required leave of absence and other project relevant requirements (consumables, workplace, etc.)

In addition, for CSP Step 2:

• Completion of CSP Step 1 (or certificate of a comparable training programme at another university) or
• scientifically reviewed third-party funded project or ELAN/IZKF project or
• the confirmation for admission to the DFG-funded programme NOTICE or
• at least 2 years of post-doc experience abroad and
• at least 2 years of specialist training

An earlier change from CSP Step 1 into CSP Step 2 is possible on application under the following conditions:

• At least 2 years of specialist training and
• personally obtained IZKF- or third party funded project

In principle, an early change is subject to a case-by-case examination and decision. Achievements performed in CSP Step 1 are to be assigned to CSP Step 1 and cannot be credited to CSP Step 2.

Candidates who have been in the habilitation process for more than two years or who have already undergone interim evaluation by the Fachmentorat (Mentoring Committee) cannot be accepted.

• Protected research time of at least 12 months full-time (or equivalent in part-time), supplemented by a research time of 25% for a further 2 years or 50% for a further year (if necessary by clinic, flexible handling) → usually divided into 6 months CSP Step 1 rotation and 12 months CSP Step 2 rotation; in case of direct entry into CSP Step 2 or on request to complete solely within the framework of the CSP Step 2. In order to obtain the certificate for the Step 2 module, an exemption of a total of 18 months is mandatory, even if you started directly in Step 2. The maximum laboratory rotations financed by the IZKF over the entire scientific career is limited to 18 months. 
• Mentoring Commission consisting of at least 2 habilitated leaders of working groups from different clinics/institutes and proven in the respective field of research
• Supervision agreement
• Active participation in external congresses
• Participation in network meetings
• Participation in locally organized guest speaker seminars
• Interdisciplinary training
• Internal retreat
• Annual project reports
• Public relations
• Funding of stays abroad within the framework of IZKF travel grants
• Access to the IZKF travel and publication pool
• for members of Step 2: High Tech Pool

	CSP Step 1	CSP Step 2
Start of programme	Directly after admission	Flexible up to 6 months preparation phase
Rotation	rotation flexible, 6 months	rotation at the latest 6 months after the start of programme
End of programme	After 2 years at the latest or with admission to CSP Step 2	End of programme with completion of the research project, the specialist training and proof of regular participation in the training modules

The CSP is supported by the IZKF. It relies on the provision of rotation positions and leave of absence by the IZKF, the local research associations and the clinics themselves. Clinician Scientist Programmes financed by third-party donors can be integrated into the CSP of the IZKF.

Application procedure with IZKF rotation position

The physicians funded with a junior project will be included in the CSP Step 2 if possible. An application for direct admission to the CSP Step 2 with the provision of a rotation position (100% Ä1 over 12 months) is possible on an ongoing basis. In addition, further rotation positions are available at the IZKF for a maximum of 6 months. The maximum leave of absence from the IZKF over the entire scientific career is limited to 18 months.

Application procedure without IZKF rotation position

Applicants who have a confirmation for a protected research time from other funds (e.g. DFG, Gerok positions SFBs, clinic, etc.) will be accepted into the programme on an ongoing basis upon application.