Autoimmunity and Mucosal Immunobiology Research Group (AMIR) at Broegelmann Research Laboratory, University of Bergen will offer doctoral training in immunology of rheumatic disease with special reference to Sjögren's syndrome (SS). This training is based on a broad integrated disciplinary approach with the aim of initiating a better understanding of the immunopathogenesis and genetic background of rheumatic disease in general. The long-term objectives is to reach a more fundamental basis for better diagnosis and treatment in this disabling and enigmatic disease affecting a large part of the European population. The area of research training is autoimmune reactions and disease mechanisms with special orientation against mucosal immunobiology and with basis in both human and murine model systems. State-of-the-art laboratory techniques have been established over a period of five to ten years encompassing advanced instrumentation with among others ELISA, PCR, in situ Immunohistochemistry, Fluorenscence Microscopy, Laser Scanning Cytometry and Sequencing.