Cell biology and molecular imaging technologies have made enormous progress in basic research. However, the transfer of this knowledge to the pharmaceutical drug discovery process, or even therapeutic improvements for disorders such as neuronal diseases, is still in its infancy. This transfer needs scientists who can integrate basic research with imaging technologies and clinical applications. The graduate training programme described can provide this knowledge based on a translational approach. It integrates the expertise in basic and clinical research within the University of Heidelberg and the applied research established within the Department of Biotechnology of the University of Applied Sciences Mannheim. (Contains 1 figure.)