Bioinformatics is a new discipline at many universities, particularly here in Vienna. Since 2005, however, there has been a substantial new impulse by the recruitment of the WWTF Vienna Science Chairs of Bioinformatics, one of which was awarded to this group at Boku University Vienna, the other is held by our colleague Arndt von Haeseler at the University of Vienna.

Having the possibility to start from a fresh slate offers exciting opportunities. Discussing the most effective way of furthering a world-class education of young scientists in Bioinformatics, we observed that in many curricula, the subject is taught at easier levels so that all lectures are suitable to students from either life-science or technical backgrounds. Important but more advanced skills then often have to be learned under great pressure on the job. The relative lack of advanced training contributes to the continuing shortage of qualified bioinformaticians.

Working together with colleagues from the other scientific universities in the city, we are organizing a studium individuale in which the right mix of lectures is compiled for every student according to their background. This way, students get the best lectures available from all five scientific universities in Vienna, tailored to their needs. This allows

• efficient catching-up in complementary fields
• sufficiently early selection of special interest topics, which is essential as bioinformatics is such a diverse and heterogeneous field.

As a result, students can be better prepared for their first job or subsequent PhD research.

The course is currently offered for individual students, and we therefore expect enthusiasm and initiative. If you are interested, please contact us.

Master thesis

Due to the efficient nature of the studium individuale, we can offer a meaningful 6-month thesis placement as part of that programme.

We are often approached by external students about the possibility of working on a master thesis in our group. While we are always interested in excellent students, we find that the minimum placement duration for a mutually satisfying outcome is usually no less than 9 months. If you are interested in working with us, please read more about studying in our group and contact us well in time.

M. Sc. in Biotechnology

We contribute to compulsory and elective lectures (course overview).

The biotechnology master programm is currently being revised to allow for earlier specialization. As part of this development, there will be a Bioinformatics specialization offered that, by design, includes more mathematics and statistics, some computer coursework and applied bioinformatics in the standard curriculum.