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Max Planck Institute for heart and lung research
(4.6/5) - 5 reviews

Research Fellowship Program: Understanding Epigenetic Inheritance and Its Applications in Human Health

About the Gu Lab: The Gu Lab is dedicated to exploring how epigenetic information is inherited across generations and leveraging these fundamental mechanisms to enhance human health and cure diseases. Our research focuses on several innovative directions:

Computational Methods for Epigenome and Transcriptome Reconstruction:

Developing advanced computational methods using generative artificial intelligence to reconstruct cellular epigenomes and transcriptomes.
Identifying meaningful biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers and other complex diseases.

Mechanisms of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance:

Investigating the underlying mechanisms of how epigenetic information is passed from one generation to the next.

Novel Epigenetic Modifications and Enzymes:

Identifying new epigenetic modifications and enzymes.
Studying their functions in different biological contexts.

Main Areas of Interest

he Gu Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research:

Research Areas:

Bioinformatics
Epigenomics
Cancer Biology
Fly Genetics
Mass Spectrometry

Research Focus:

Identifying and investigating the roles of novel epigenetic modifications and their regulating enzymes in:
- Aging
- Development
- Diseases
Exploring novel mechanisms in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

Techniques You Will Learn

Bioinformatics: Computational analysis of biological data to understand complex biological systems.
Epigenomics: Comprehensive study of epigenetic modifications across the genome.
Cancer Biology: Research on the molecular and cellular basis of cancer to identify new therapeutic targets.
Fly Genetics: Use of Drosophila (fruit fly) models to study genetic functions and inheritance.
Mass Spectrometry: Analytical technique to identify and quantify molecules based on their mass and charge.

Curriculum

2-Week Program: The 2-week program offers an intensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques used in the Epigenomics and Health Research Lab. Participants will engage in hands-on training and workshops designed to provide a solid foundation in epigenetics and bioinformatics.

Week 1: Introduction to Epigenetics and Bioinformatics
- Overview of epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in health and disease.
- Basic bioinformatics tools and data analysis techniques.
- Laboratory safety and protocol training.
Week 2: Practical Applications and Techniques
- Hands-on training in DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility assays.
- Introduction to computational analysis of sequencing data.
- Group discussions and presentations on current research topics.

6-12 Week Program: The 6-12 week program provides an in-depth exploration of specific research areas within the lab. Participants will work on a mini-project, gaining experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Weeks 1-2: Comprehensive Training
- Detailed overview of the lab's research focus areas.
- Intensive training in advanced laboratory techniques and bioinformatics tools.
Weeks 3-6: Mini-Project Development
- Design and initiation of a mini-project under the guidance of a lab mentor.
- Data collection using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
- Regular progress meetings and feedback sessions.
Weeks 7-12: Data Analysis and Presentation
- Data analysis and interpretation using computational tools.
- Preparation of a research report and presentation of findings.
- Participation in lab meetings and seminars to discuss research progress.

48-Week to 1-Year Program: The 48-week to 1-year program offers a comprehensive research experience, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in a major research project. This program is ideal for those seeking to contribute significantly to ongoing research and gain extensive expertise in epigenetics and bioinformatics.

Months 1-3: Initial Training and Project Design
- Extensive training in all relevant laboratory and computational techniques.
- Development of a detailed research proposal with specific objectives.
- Literature review and identification of key research questions.
Months 4-9: Experimental Work and Data Collection
- Execution of the research project, including data collection and analysis.
- Regular meetings with mentors to discuss progress and troubleshoot issues.
- Participation in collaborative projects and interdisciplinary research.
Months 10-12: Data Analysis, Manuscript Preparation, and Presentation
- Comprehensive data analysis and interpretation of results.
- Preparation of a research manuscript for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presentation of research findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences.
- Final project report and evaluation.

Participants in all programs will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers, contribute to cutting-edge research, and develop valuable skills for their future careers in science and medicine.

Accommodation

"Guest apartments at our institute are available for booking."

Try airbnb.com

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$1,063.00
6 weeks	$1,594.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00
24 weeks	$5,259.00
48 weeks	$9,890.00

This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.

Who Can Apply

Physicians, biomedical students, and individuals seeking research careers before commencing medical school or residency programs in the USA.

Host Details

Host Name: Lei Gu

Affiliation: Max Planck Institute for heart and lung research

Address: parkstreet 1, 61231 Bad Nauheim

Website URL: https://gulaboratory.com/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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Onsite/On-Campus Program

Fellowship - Basic/Translational/Clinical Research Program

Germany

Application Review Deadline:

Dec 15th, 2025

Apply Now

Featured Reviews

4.6

5 reviews

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-- The AI for health program is exceptional. The mentors are highly knowledgeable and the research opportunities available are top-notch. I've grown so much professionally since joining. rating = 5/5 -- I'm so grateful for the AI for health program. The exposure to clinical trials and pharmacovigilance has been invaluable for my career. Plus, the networking benefits are great. rating = 5/5 -- Excellent program! The AI for health program has given me the chance to publish my research and network with professionals in my field. It's a great way to make long-term professional connections. rating = 5/5 -- The program's immersion into French culture, practice language skills, and exploring new research environments have been amazing. I've learned so much and would highly recommend the AI for health program. rating = 5/5

🌟 Overall Sentiment: Highly Positive

Most participants rated the AI for health program 5/5. They praised the program for its impact on their professional and academic growth, highlighting high-quality mentorship, research opportunities, networking benefits, and cultural exposure.

Key Strengths

🧑‍🔬 Hands-on Clinical Research Experience – Participants valued the exposure to clinical trials and pharmacovigilance.
👨‍🏫 Supportive & Knowledgeable Mentors – The mentors were praised for their expertise and guidance.
🤝 Collaboration & Networking – Participants appreciated the opportunities to publish research articles and make long-term professional connections.
🌍 Cultural & Professional Exposure – Participants enjoyed the chance to immerse in French culture, practice language skills, and explore new research environments.

Stephany Noemi Samaniego Orellana 1 month ago

(5/5)

Review and Highlights:

It was a unique opportunity to train at one of the most prestigious institutes in Germany. During my fellowship, I learned more about gene expression and use animal models, I had the chance to experience what it is like to work as a Ph.D. student, even though I am not one yet. This experience helped me discover one of the fields I am most passionate about. I am deeply grateful to my PI, Dr. Lei Gu, and my mentor, Ruoxi, for their constant support and guidance.

Improvements:

It would have been wonderful to attend Ph.D.-level lectures during my stay. I understand that no classes were scheduled at the time I was there, but being able to join them would have added even more value to the experience.

Visa Process:

The visa process was straightforward since, as a Peruvian citizen, I was able to complete the fellowship using only my passport due to the short duration of the stay. I did not need to apply for a separate visa.

Travel and Accommodations:

I highly recommend staying at the institute’s guest house. The price is affordable, and it provides all the necessary services, making the stay very comfortable.

Overall Rating:

10/10 — I truly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend this fellowship to other students.

Gangothri Selvarajan 2 months ago

(4/5)

Fellowship Feedback Form
1. Review & Highlights of my Program (AI in health care)
Exposure to advanced techniques
Guidance in bioinformatics and computer-aided NGS analysis
Mentor guidance during data analysis – enriched the learning process
Experience with different computational systems & gene expression analysis methods
Academic discussions and networking with fellows from diverse backgrounds
Comments - Friendly and supportive atmosphere throughout the fellowship

2. Areas for Improvement
• Clear orientation at the start of the program
• Advance information on laptop/PC requirements (Linux or Windows)
• Detailed schedule and time utilization plan based on fellows’ specialty interests
• More interactive case-based and data-driven sessions
• Access to systems at the institute if possible/feasible
Comments:
“Orientation and clarity on technical requirements would help fellows prepare better. A structured schedule with designated contacts ensures efficient time utilization.”

3. Visa Process
• Short-term research/training or business visa recommended
• Need to Apply early with required documents (invitation, funding proof, acceptance letter) one month before.
• Trialect should provide a standardized VISA process definition and inform consulates worldwide, since many officers are unfamiliar with academic terminologies
Comments:
“Clear institutional communication with consulates would ease visa approvals.”

4. Travel & Accommodations
• Pre-shared list of recommended nearby accommodations (to avoid last-minute difficulty and unavailability)
• Guesthouses, service apartments, or budget hotels near the training site with kitchen access are helpful for international fellows
• Local eateries and grocery stores for affordable meals
Comments:
“Centralised accommodation recommendations would save fellows time and ensure availability.”

5. Overall Rating
• 4 – Very Good

Comments:
“A very good fellowship experience – academically enriching and professionally valuable.”

Thanks and Regards,

Dr Gangothri Selvarajan

Dr.Arzu 2 months ago

(4/5)

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you for this valuable opportunity.

I participated in the AI for Health program from August 10–22 at the Max Planck Institute, in Dr. Lei Gu’s Lab in Bad Nauheim, Germany. The program was designed with flexible durations, the minimum being two weeks. Given that the focus was on bioinformatics, the short timeframe was not sufficient to gain a comprehensive understanding of all methods in the field. Nevertheless, it was an excellent introduction.

Dr. Gu provided me sources to review at the beginning of my stay and was always available to answer my questions. He also guided me through my first project, offering corrections and feedback, which was very instructive. I believe this program laid the foundation for potential collaboration between myself, my institution, and Dr. Gu’s lab.

Suggestions for Improvement:
It may be helpful to implement a more structured schedule, organized on an hourly basis and supported by seminars.

Visa Recommendation:
For future participants from Turkey, I recommend applying for a visa under the “Cultural Visit” category, which I found to be more suitable.

Accommodation and Location:
The Max Planck Institute kindly provided accommodation in the guest house located within the institute building. The room was clean, well-maintained, and reasonably priced. A great advantage was its proximity to my office—just two floors above—which saved me significant commuting time.

Bad Nauheim itself is a quiet and peaceful city, almost like living in a large park. However, after 6 p.m., it becomes difficult to find open cafés and restaurants, and on Sundays, even the markets are closed. Frankfurt can be reached within 30 minutes by train, though one must be mindful of the return connections, as direct trains to Bad Nauheim are not always available. In such cases, transfers through Friedberg by train, bus, or taxi are required.

Conclusion:
Overall, my visit to the Max Planck Institute was highly beneficial. It provided me with a strong starting point in bioinformatics methods and opened doors for future collaboration. I would rate my overall experience as 4 out of 5.

Dr Gangothri Selvarajan 2 months ago

(5/5)

It was truly a wonderful and enriching learning experience under your mentorship, and I am deeply grateful for your guidance and support.

Seda Yilmaz Semerci 3 months ago

(5/5)

It was great! I strongly recommend the program to my colleagues, and I wish I could stay longer. Dr.Lei Gu is a unique teacher with a huge experience in the field. I've learnt a lot for a short time.

Thank you and Trialect for all.