The doctoral program "Genes in Development, Disease and Evolution" is part of the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). The graduate center offers a joint modular training program to which all doctoral programs of GGNB contribute and that is open to all GGNB students. In addition to a lecture and seminar program, training consists of (1) individual counselling by thesis committees, (2) intensive methods courses of 1-3 weeks in special training labs, (3) 2-3-day methods courses in the laboratories of the participating faculty, (4) professional skills courses such as scientific writing, presentation skills, intercultural communication, project management, team-leadership skills, conflict resolution, ethics, and career development, and (5) student-organized scientific meetings, industry excursions, and intercultural events. Students are able to tailor their individual curriculum by choosing from a large number of courses and events.

Students get training in the fields of classical developmental biology, developmental genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, physiology, infection biology, genetic diseases, functional and comparative genomics, genome editing, as well as evolutionary biology. In addition to a seminar series on Genes, Development, and Evolution, additional lecture series and practical courses on the use of these organisms are offered including advanced microscopy, transgenic technologies, gene knockout and RNA interference technologies.

Experimental research constitutes the major component of the doctoral studies and is conducted in the laboratory of a faculty member of the doctoral program. Doctoral research projects are complemented by a school-wide training program, offered to all GGNB students, who are members of a vibrant international research community. The language of the doctoral program is English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, or related fields. For details on the application process, see the Apply page of GGNB.