Subscribe to our SMART Graduate School Mailing List!

We’re excited to introduce our CRC 1597 SmallData IRTG SMART mailing list! This is the best way for external participants to engage with our selected research community, stay informed about our upcoming public events and continuous education opportunities such as: How to Subscribe: Our mailing list is hosted by DFN-Listserv, a trusted email management service provided […]

A SMART Investment in Shared Language – Practicing Visual Communication in Science the Seyens Way

Clearer Communication Across Disciplines In interdisciplinary research, visuals help bridge gaps in understanding. Last week’s SMART workshop, “Shared Language through Visual Communication in Science”, led by Dr. Jernej Zupanc, focused on helping researchers communicate their work more clearly using effective visual strategies. Using the Seyens Method™, participants learned practical strategies for making their scientific ideas […]

Seeking Doctoral Researcher in Rare Disease Functional Genetics

The Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, is seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher to join the team. The successful candidate will conduct research under supervision of our PI Miriam Schmidts, starting as soon as possible in Project A04, An effective similarity integration multi-modal graph neural network method to facilitate disease gene […]

Kicking Off the SMART Tandem Lecture Series

On 16 May, we launched the first lecture in our new SMART Tandem Lecture Series 2025 – and it was a great success! The Series showcases interdisciplinary research by Principal Investigators from different disciplines. Each session features joint project presentations, updates, and insights into their collaborative process, including challenges and successes. The first lecture was […]

Celebrating the Achievements of SMART Master Lab Cohort 1.0

On April 17, 2025, we marked the culmination of a brilliant journey for the SMART Master Lab Cohort 1.0 students. After 10 weeks of in-depth research, collaboration with doctoral researchers and principal investigators, the students presented their exceptional work during the final presentation event. CRC members joined us in celebrating the achievements of the first […]

Inaugural SmallData Data Engineering Forum

On February 13, we held the inaugural SmallData Data Engineering Forum, bringing together method researchers and biomedical scientists to tackle data engineering challenges in SmallData tandem projects. Entirely organized by our postdoctoral early career researchers, the event strengthened their group identity and provided valuable experience in leading academic activities. Erika Graf, Head of the Statistical Consulting […]

Subscribe to our SMART Graduate School Mailing List!

We’re excited to introduce our CRC 1597 SmallData IRTG SMART mailing list! This is the best way for external participants to engage with our selected research community, stay informed about our upcoming public events and continuous education opportunities such as: How to Subscribe: Our mailing list is hosted by DFN-Listserv, a trusted email management service provided […]

A SMART Investment in Shared Language – Practicing Visual Communication in Science the Seyens Way

Clearer Communication Across Disciplines In interdisciplinary research, visuals help bridge gaps in understanding. Last week’s SMART workshop, “Shared Language through Visual Communication in Science”, led by Dr. Jernej Zupanc, focused on helping researchers communicate their work more clearly using effective visual strategies. Using the Seyens Method™, participants learned practical strategies for making their scientific ideas […]

SMART

SMART, the SmallData Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG)

SmallData brings together a broad group of data disciplines to tackle small data challenges that are at the intersection of these disciplines. Our Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) SMART will enable the four disciplines to move closer together to work on small data innovations in a collaborative effort.

Each doctoral researcher within SmallData will automatically become a member of SMART.

Aims of SMART

  • Crossing boundaries between disciplines
  • Developing a shared language
  • Creating a solid methods foundation across disciplines
  • Stimulating early independence
  • Promoting comprehensive professional skills

Structured qualification program


  • Structured qualification beyond the project-specific activity
  • Interdisciplinary research methods training
  • Peer networking
  • Annual retreats also allowing for group-based projects
  • Intensive project collaboration, e.g., through extended visits to another group within SmallData

Structured supervision

  • Trustful and respectful communication
  • Support with regulatory issues
  • Supervisory agreement and personal qualification plan
  • Annual progress meetings with thesis advisory committee

Further local training opportunities

ELLIS Unit Freiburg

Fostering European collaborations in machine learning, robotics, computer vision and reasoning

Freiburg Young Scientist AI Network

Creating a collaborative environment beyond faculty borders

Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine

Multidisciplinary graduate program combining basic with translational research, biotechnology and drug development

Freiburg Graduate Centre

Service department for all questions concerning doctoral studies in Freiburg

RUB Research School

Campus-wide institution for promotion of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers of Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Graduate Academy Greifswald

Creating excellent conditions for a successful doctoral and postdoctoral phase

Principal Investigators

Principial Investigators

Administrative Manager

Marc Schumacher

Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics,
Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center –
University of Freiburg