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What is iPRACTIS?
The International Clinician Scientist Program iPRACTIS is a structured career development program to support researchers with a foreign medical degree to become Clinician Scientists in Germany, offering a unique opportunity for internationally mobile researchers. Over three years, you will gain experience in translational research while working towards medical degree recognition in Germany.
iPRACTIS is designed for early-career physicians from all disciplines (including dentists) who have completed their medical degree but have not yet completed their specialist training (e.g. 'Facharzt' or residency). The program supports internationally trained researchers aiming to build careers in academic medicine. Over three-years, participants will deepen their research experience on translational research project while working towards integration into the German academic and healthcare system. To achive this, they receive clinical and research training, mentoring, and individualized support.
Clinical expectations: Participants will achieve recognition of their medical qualifications along with sufficient German language skills for clinical practice, allowing future specialist training and medical practice in Germany.
Research expectations: Participants will develop as R2 researcher (according to the European Framework for Research Careers), including their first third-party funding application. Participants who complete this process will be ready to pursue an independent research career (R3) in roles such as assistant professor, principal investigator, or junior group leader.
We look forward to welcoming you at the MHH. You can learn more about research and life in Hannover here.
Important milestones in iPRACTIS
As a Clinician Scientist in the iPRACTIS program, you will be taking crucial steps towards a career at the interface of clinical care, medical research, and therapeutic innovation. There are several key milestones we have outlined to help you make the most of this stage in your career development, and help you move effectively towards higher levels of specialization and achievement in the clinic, research, and beyond.
Clinical Expectations:
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Eligibility requirements
- Hold a completed medical degree (from outside Germany)
- Have initial research experience (completed R1 to early R2 based on European Framework for Research Careers)
- Have not yet completed specialist clinical training (residency or German 'Facharzt' / 'Weiterbildung' equivalent)
- Be committed to pursuing a career combining clinical practice and research
What iPRACTIS offers
- 36 months of structured clinical and scientific training based on an individually tailored career plan
- Individualized support in navigating the process of medical degree recognition in Germany and developing German language proficiency
- Funding for materials, travel, and publication
- Individualized support from a personalized mentoring team
- A curriculum to acquire key competencies (including data management and analysis, GCP clinical investigator certification (GCP-Prüfarztkurs), project management)
- Regular evaluations and feedback meetings
- A full onboarding program and integration into a strong Clinician Scientist Network
How to apply for the iPRACTIS program
To initiate your application process for the iPRACTIS program, please complete our Enquiry Form. This form serves as the primary tool to assess your eligibility, clinical background, and research focus, as well as to facilitate prospective mentor matching.
Application Steps
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Submit the Enquiry Form:
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Full Application Request:
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Initial enquiries are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Upon a positive initial evaluation and successful mentor matching, selected candidates will be invited directly to submit a full application package with supporting documents (CV, certificates, formal project proposal, etc.).
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External applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline for internal applications is January 5th, 2027.
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Selection Committee Presentation & Interview:
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Candidates selected for further consideration will be invited to give a presentation to the selection committee.
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Virtual presentation options are available for applicants residing outside Germany.
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On-Site Visit:
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Competitive applicants who present virtually will be invited for an in-person visit to Hannover Medical School (MHH) prior to receiving an official offer. This allows candidates to tour the facilities and connect directly with prospective clinical departments and research teams.
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The declaration of consent for applicants can be found here.
iPRACTIS applicants can also be considered for positions funded within the PRACTIS program if they apply during our annual recruitment cycle.
Applications open in the fall, and are due in early January.
More information on the Clinician Scientist programs of the MHH can be found here (German only) and for advanced clinician scientists, more information can be found here.
The date for the informational webinar will be announced shortly.
Please use our contact form to register for the webinar.
