CGA Stories

“Working in a biotech start-up is at least as demanding as the pursuit of an academic career. However, it may lead to a cure that will help every patient long after approval and this is why it’s all worth it for me personally.”

“I moved from Brazil to Germany in 2017, and reaching the point of being able to start my own research group, confirms that this was the right decision.”

The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the CGA. In a special CGA Story we take a look behind the scenes of our graduate programme and talk to some of the students, alumni and faculty members. Check out our short interviews!

"After the mentoring, I feel more confident and informed about my career choices. Lucie’s insights have given me a clearer perspective on what to expect for life in industry after my PhD."

"My hope is that MHFA can destigmatize mental health issues and help make it more publicly acknowledged and considered."

"The CGA offers a unique working environment in ageing research. The biggest advantage is that we have a lot of techniques and expertise on campus to generate a lot of data in the wet lab and then analyze it in the dry lab."

"We both love being scientists. It is clear to us that we would like to lead a research team in the future."

"I still remember the first few days in the lab when I was completely amazed by the world-class facilities and equipment. But as the real treasure of our institute is the scientists working here."

"Being a CGA Master fellow helps me to make a well-informed decision regarding my next career step and my application for doctoral studies."

" The main advantage of the buddy programme is that at the moment you arrive in Cologne, you immediately feel prepared and well supported to start both your research project as well as your new life in Cologne! "

" The extremely collaborative environment, especially with the coordinators of the graduate programme as well as the excellent infrastructure for families, convinced me to join the CGA. "

"I was able to save a lot of time since I knew I would be in the same lab for my Master and PhD."

" I saw a way I could help improve an already excellent programme."

" I achieved so much more than what I expected at the start of my Ph.D."

"Somehow I actually never really left Cologne."

"One of the main reasons I chose the CGA is the structure of the program. It is focused not only in improving your scientific skills and critical thinking, but also other soft skills that will make you competitive in the job market."