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The Frankfurt International Research School for Translational Biomedicine - FIRST - is devoted to the interdisciplinary research training of international elite PhD students in translational biomedicine with a focus on drug research, development and safety. Despite much progress in basic research, the translation of these findings into therapeutic advances for any type of disease is frustratingly slow. The interaction of the pharmaceutical industry and academia including university hospitals is required to combat insufficient patient-oriented research and inadequate technology transfer. To meet this need, FIRST was established as an integrated effort of the Goethe University Frankfurt, the Georg-Speyer-Haus and the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut to accelerate education and research in areas of inflammation and pain, cardiovascular disease, cancer and biologicals, which show great promise for translating basic biomedical knowledge into prevention strategies or new treatments with the ultimate aim of enhancing and prolonging life. FIRST concentrates on translational biomedicine and the interdisciplinary training of "top-of-their-class" postgraduate students rather than all fields along the value chain. The knowledge in translational biomedicine is essential for the future realization of the full potential of new discoveries made at the level of basic science by ensuring rapid transfer into clinical studies. Our already established regional, national and international research networks with links to both industry and academia will help to guarantee the highest international standards for both research and education. The integration of pharmaceutical companies within the FIRST program highlights the interest of non-academic institutions in our graduate school, and guarantees an up-to date and practically orientated curriculum tailored to the future needs of biomedical research.
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