Iris Gratz, Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Expertise: T cell biology, skin, organotypic cultures, autoimmune models, xenograft skin models, xenograft tumor models, flow cytometry
Gratz lab: Tissue immune regulation
Research interest: Barrier immunology and Cancer
Web: https://www.plus.ac.at/gratz
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7470-7277
My younger self: During my PhD, I discovered that following your own ideas is both exciting and challenging. I learned that every late night in the lab – and even every frustrating result – was a small but meaningful step toward uncovering something new. So, when things don’t go as planned (and let’s be honest, they often won’t), remember this: you’re learning, growing, and proving – to yourself and the world – that you can navigate the unknown. Your resilience, curiosity, and hard work set you apart.
Oh, and I also mastered the fine art of painting faces on gloves, which is a pretty cool skill, if you ask me!
What a PhD student can expect from me: As a PhD student in our group, you will receive comprehensive training in T cell biology and broader immunological questions related to the skin. You will have the freedom to develop your own ideas and projects, with the support of a collaborative team that will both challenge and refine your thinking – helping you shape your ideas into their best possible form.
If I were a cell, I would be a keratinocyte. These cells do more than just form a physical barrier – they actively protect the body by engaging in host defense and antimicrobial responses. What makes them truly remarkable is their constant communication with their environment, interacting with both body cells and microbes on the skin’s surface to maintain balance and protection. Similarly, during your PhD, I will strive to help you master the language of science and navigate the world of research with confidence.
