Research Training Group RTG 2873 (Graduiertenkolleg GRK 2873)

Medicinal Chemistry is a highly interdisciplinary field of research that focuses on the discovery, characterization and development of bioactive tool compounds and drugs. In recent years, the target landscape as well as the types of drug molecules (“drug modalities”) and the methods employed in Medicinal Chemistry and drug research have significantly changed. In the planned RTG we therefore intend to educate and train a future generation of medicinal chemists that will be well prepared to master future challenges.

Focus of Research

People

Projects

Training Program

Tools and drugs for novel types of targets

Different strategies will be employed to discover tools and drugs for novel types of targets.
The research program focuses on four core themes that are closely interconnected:

(I) targeted protein degraders (PROTACs),
(II) macrocyclic drugs,
(III) biopolymers as tools and drugs, and
(IV) drug conjugates.

The research projects are supported by jointly used technology platforms: the proprietary Pharma-Zentrum Bonn compound library, the Center of Aptamer Research and Development CARD, a structural biology platform, and a platform of advanced instruments in medicinal chemistry.

Senior researchers

This RTG proposal has been composed by leading researchers from five different institutes of two faculties (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine), who have a history of previous successful collaborations. The diverse group of PIs comprises experienced as well as young aspiring researchers.

The broad scientific backgrounds of the researchers and their interconnections will allow us to gain considerable synergies in covering a wide variety of new modalities, all of which have in common that they differ from classical drugs: their properties are beyond Lipinski’s rule of 5 (Ro5) resulting in similar problems that have to be solved. The RTG will allow close interactions to tackle the resulting scientific questions.

People

News & Events from GRK 2873

Meet the expert - Prof. Dr. Gunda Georg

Prof. Dr. Georg gave an interesting lecture to our RTG 2873 PhD students.

Pharmaceutical Colloquium

Current program - For more than 30 years the Pharmaceutical Colloquium offers excellent lectures on current topics in drug discovery and related fields.

Research Training Group GRK2873 Hosts Engaging Two-Day Retreat

The Research Training Group (RTG) 2873, under the banner "Tools and Drugs of the Future - Innovative Methods and New Modalities in Medicinal Chemistry," recently held its annual two-day retreat, aimed at fostering collaboration and skill development among its members. The group is committed to advancing medicinal chemistry, an interdisciplinary field focused on the discovery, characterization, and development of bioactive tool compounds and drugs. By cultivating a forward-looking approach, the group prepares the next generation of medicinal chemists to tackle emerging challenges and pioneer new drug modalities.

Meet the expert - Dr. Peter Ettmayer

Dr. Peter Ettmayer gave an interesting lecture to our RGT 2873 PhD students.

Meet the expert - Prof. Dr. Margherita Brindisi

Prof. Dr. Margherita Brindisi gave an interesting lecture to our RTG 2873 students.

GRK Student Julia Dörner received Diploma Thesis Award

Julia Dörner has been awarded the prize for the best diploma thesis at the Pharmaceutical Institute of the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg for the academic year 2022/23. The award is granted annually by Serumwerk Bernburg AG.

"Meet the expert" Dr. Nils Burkhardt

Dr. Nils Burkhardt gave an interesting lecture to our students!

"Meet the expert" Prof. Dr. Trond Ulven

Prof. Dr. Trond Ulven gave an interesting lecture to our students!

More news

Training Program:
Innovation in key areas of medicinal chemistry

We have planned a 3- to 4-year qualification program for the doctoral researchers. It comprises a lecture series in advanced medicinal chemistry, workshops, a central doctoral colloquium, an international lecture series and an international career development program comprising courses in soft skills, science philosophy and ethics in science. We will closely collaborate with our privileged international partner institutions, the Universities of Copenhagen (Denmark), Dundee (Scotland) and Tohoku (Japan) with which we have agreed on a lab exchange program for the doctoral students.

We will innovate in key areas of medicinal chemistry and educate and train a new generation of medicinal chemists and young scientists at the interface between medicinal chemistry and interconnected disciplines. Moreover, the research projects will contribute to drug research and development for the benefit of patients.

PhD students welcome!

We are looking for ambitious PhD students who want to work on an exciting, cutting-edge research project in the interdisciplinary field of drug research. The PhD students will enjoy an outstanding education and training in medicinal chemistry, focusing on the latest developments. Courses in soft skills will also be provided.