From January to March 2026, Haizhang Chen (Assistant Physician, Med V, University Hospital Heidelberg) was supported through a Gerok position within CRC1709. During this period, he conducted experimental work in the laboratory and contributed to the B01 project.
Haizhang expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing that the protected research time provided by the Gerok position significantly supported both his scientific development and clinical perspective. The experience in the laboratory enabled him to better understand disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, which he believes will ultimately benefit his work as a physician and improve patient care.
“The time in the lab allowed me to gain new insights into translational research and to view clinical questions from a different perspective. This experience will help me better understand treatment strategies and approach patient care with a broader scientific background,” Haizhang noted.
Following this experience, Haizhang Chen has now been awarded funding through the Clinician Scientist Program by the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg, which allows him to continue his experimental work and further strengthen the link between clinical practice and research.
The Gerok position supports clinician scientists by providing protected research time, thereby fostering translational research and strengthening the connection between clinical practice and basic science within CRC1709.
