The aim of the doctoral program "Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease" (DK-MCD) is to train students in various areas of biomedicine enabling them to perform original and independent research. We provide a stimulating scientific environment firmly based on the dedication of the program's faculty. The research in Graz in the field of lipid metabolism is traditionally defined by a series of highly competitive, externally funded, inter-university research grants such as the SFB Biomembranes, the SFB "Lipotoxicity: Lipid-induced Cell Dysfunction and Cell Death (SFB LIPOTOX)", the GEN-AU projects "Genomics of Lipid-associated Disorders (GOLD)", "Bioinformatics Integration Network (BIN)", "Genome Austria Tissue Bank (GATiB)", and the NFN "Proliferation, differentiation and cell death during cellular ageing (NFN AGING)". These research networks promote efficient use of common resources, exchange of ideas as well as technical expertise and they link research activities at the Medical University of Graz (MUG), the University of Graz (UG), and the Graz University of Technology (TUG). Interlaboratory cooperation and communication with a broad spectrum of experimental and technical expertise have been well established and created a "laboratories without walls" environment in Graz, which is supported by the policies and infrastructure of the host institutions.

The goal of the present program is to secure and maintain a long-term, internationally competitive doctoral program in biomedical research. The DK-MCD aims to establish a center of educational excellence in metabolic and cardiovascular disease that draws extensively on synergistic interactions between laboratories and enhances the national and international visibility of this consortium, particularly among PhD students. The multidisciplinary DK-MCD provides a broad translational approach to research that encompasses aspects from basic knowledge of fundamental mechanisms to medical applications. We devised the program to be attractive for students of both life sciences and medicine who intend to pursue a career in academia or industry. We offer a unique network of internationally well-known scientists and newly recruited faculty members of the three participating universities in Graz. In summary the doctoral program strives to provide excellent education in life sciences with a particular focus on biomedical research.