Qualification Program CUMIN
Code meets Clinic: New BMFTR Fellowship CUMIN Brings STEM Talent into eHealth Research
Are you studying computer science, data science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, or another STEM field and want to know how your skills can contribute to better healthcare? Then CUMIN is your entry into digital medicine.
Digital Medicine Needs Data Scientists, Computer Scientists and AI Experts
Medicine is becoming increasingly data-driven. Clinical routine data, genomics, real-world evidence, and AI assistance systems are already shaping clinical research and healthcare delivery. This requires professionals who master algorithms, understand data infrastructures, and can develop AI models responsibly.
With CUMIN, the Curriculum for Fostering Medical Interest and Interdisciplinary Networking, the Faculty of Technology at Bielefeld University and Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts are launching a new, excellently funded BMFTR qualification program for future data-driven health researchers.
What CUMIN Offers
In the three-year program, which runs alongside regular studies, participants learn about the central digital challenges in healthcare. The curriculum extends from technical infrastructure through algorithmic methods to the development of intelligent clinical assistance systems.
In the Data Platforms module, participants examine how clinical data from hospital information systems, FHIR interfaces, or research platforms such as the Medical Informatics Initiative can be made interoperable and securely usable. Topics include standards such as SNOMED CT, ICD, and LOINC, as well as the challenges of cross-institutional data platforms.
The Algorithmic Systems Medicine module teaches how molecular networks can be modeled and how biomarkers can be identified using high-throughput data and AI methods such as graph neural networks. A particular focus is on omics analyses for precision medicine.
In the Real World Evidence and AI area, fellows learn how statistical methods, machine learning, and explainable AI are applied to healthcare data. The module covers the methodological foundations of evidence generation from observational data and deepens central analysis methods using practical examples.
The program is rounded out by independent team project work and the development of an individual research proposal for a subsequent master's thesis or doctoral project. Participants are guided in identifying suitable research topics and selecting appropriate methodologies.
Practical Relevance as a Guiding Principle
CUMIN combines scientific depth with real-world application scenarios. Participants benefit from block seminars with experts from clinics, research, and industry, experience collaboration with partners from digital health and MedTech in a multi-day hackathon, and undertake field trips to clinics, data science teams, and companies. Regular exchange with researchers from CITEC, medical informatics, systems medicine, and AI research enables the development of a sustainable professional network.
Program Overview
The fellowship extends over three years and is divided into six one-week block modules, complemented by flexible online phases. Participation is free of charge, and accommodation and meals during the residential weeks in Bielefeld are included. Upon successful completion, participants receive a recognized certificate from Bielefeld University and Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
The program is aimed at master's students and doctoral candidates from STEM fields who want to qualify for scientific work in the field of eHealth.
Become Part of the First CUMIN Cohort
The application deadline is November 28, 2025. For your application, you need a CV, a letter of motivation, your bachelor's degree certificate, a current transcript of records, and proof of enrollment (master's or doctoral program).
All information about the program and the application portal can be found at
https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/zwe/citec/research/projects/cumin/
The CUMIN team is happy to answer any questions via the website.