YoungNAKO

With the ‘YoungNAKO’ programme, NAKO e.V. supports young talents in the field of epidemiology. The training programmes are aimed at young researchers on the one hand and non-medical study team members in epidemiological studies on the other.

Both programmes are organised and further developed by a scientific steering committee in close cooperation with the scientific project managers of the German National Cohort (NAKO)  and the heads of the study centres.

Graduate ­programme

The training programme for young researchers consists of training modules on field epidemiology and epidemiological methods that focus especially on the datasets collected in the German National Cohort (NAKO). The course has a hybrid structure and is divided into both face-to-face and online events. In addition, annual special events with various thematic focuses are organised to give doctoral students the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with other students, researchers and professors.

  • Target group: Doctoral students doing research with NAKO data
  • Format: Face-to-face and online courses, special events to deepen learning on specific topics and for exchanging ideas in person
  • Language: English
  • Start: June 2025
  • Duration: 20 months
  • Registration: From the beginning of February 2025, more information to follow.
  • Place for face-to-face courses: To be announced.

Epi Study Nurse

The training programme is aimed at investigators, data managers and laboratory team members of the German National Cohort (NAKO). Staff from other epidemiological studies can also participate. The ‘Epi Study Nurse’ course is organised as a modular training course with face-to-face modules at least once a year.

Co-operation partner:

  • Target group: Non-physician team members of the German National Cohort (NAKO) and other epidemiological studies
  • Format: Three two-day face-to-face courses, plus three shorter online courses and a three-day period to work on exam questions.
  • Language: German
  • Place for the face-to-face courses:
    German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke
  • Contact: epistudynurse@nako.de

Lead and coordination

  • Prof. Dr. André Karch (Lead), Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster
  • Dr.  Sylvia Gastell (Lead and coordination), German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke
  • Anna Röhlig (coorination), Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster