Program evaluation with positive feedback
First steps taken for a second funding period
Following the submission of the written proposal for extension of RNAmed, an on-site evaluation took place at the program's lead university in Würzburg on the 4th and 5th of February, 2025. This event brought together all students and PIs for an in-depth assessment of the program's progress.
The first day was dedicated to a rehearsal. Participants prepared for the next day's evaluation by refining their presentations and discussing key points. Critical input from all participants was taken into account to ensure a well-structured presentation of the graduate program. The evening concluded with a group dinner at a traditional Franconian restaurant, providing an opportunity for informal discussions and networking in a relaxed setting.
On February 5th, RNAmed welcomed the review panel, which consisted of five renowned RNA researchers from Germany and Austria and two members of the Bavarian State Ministry. The evaluation session opened with a keynote speech by the President of the University of Würzburg, Prof Dr Paul Pauli. Thereafter, the spokesperson of the RNAmed program, Prof Dr Jörg Vogel, gave a comprehensive overview of the objectives, milestones and ongoing progress of RNAmed. His presentation was accompanied by PhD students, who presented their plans for upcoming events and demonstrated the active participation of students in the overall development of the program. The session continued with three short presentations by doctoral students detailing their PhD projects and achievements. During lunch, a poster session facilitated discussion and exchange of collaborative ideas among the review panel, students, and PIs. The agenda continued with a closed session in which the reviewer panel interviewed both the PIs and the PhD students separately.
The event concluded with positive feedback and insights from the reviewers on the program's progress and future directions. Altogether, the day served as a valuable platform for reflection, collaboration, and academic exchange, reinforcing the program's commitment to high-quality research and additional training in the field of RNA-based medicine.
Ultimately, this event provides an important basis for the proposed second funding period (2026-2030), for which new doctoral students can be recruited if the extension is granted.
- Pranjal Meel, PhD student in the Fischer group (University of Würzburg)
