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Three researchers looking at test tubes in a lab

Global health

This month, we highlight groundbreaking research in global health, showcasing innovative studies from leading institutions across Germany. The University of Hamburg offers courses and training through EUGLOH, supporting learners at all stages of their educational careers. At the Biomedical Center Munich, scientists are exploring the future of cardiovascular health and harnessing CRISPR technology for brain disorder therapies. Ruhr University Bochum is opening new perspectives in cancer treatment, while the University of Stuttgart is pioneering advancements in human-machine interaction and DNA nanorobotics. The Deggendorf Institute of Technology introduces the Master of Digital Health (DH-M), offering a gateway for international researchers. 

Experts from German neurocenters will share insights at SONA 2025 in Marrakesh, and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research explores forensic DNA analysis. The Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology presents a novel approach to breast cancer diagnostics. Forschungscampus Mittelhessen highlights how medical physics is being used to fight cancer and Parkinson’s in an interview with Prof. Dr. Boris Keil. Additionally, the Käte Hamburger Research Centre global dis:connect announces new postdoctoral opportunities. Scroll down to explore these exciting developments in global health.

Kaete Hamburger Research Centre postdoc positions

The Käte Hamburger Research Centre Dis:connectivity in Processes of Globalisation (global dis:connect), which is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), examines the dynamic, co-constitutive relationship of global integration, absent connections and disintegration in current and historical processes of globalisation.
The centre is currently looking for 3 research assistants at the Munich site.
Click here for more information.

Better Health through Better Hardware: MRI Technology

Professor Dr. Boris Keil, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences, is dedicated to advancing medical imaging technologies, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to address global health challenges posed by neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease. His research focuses on enhancing diagnostic processes and developing effective treatment options for millions affected by these conditions. ADMIT - Advanced Medical Physics in Imaging and Therapy – is one of two initiatives driven by Keil. This cross-university collaboration integrates advanced imaging techniques with therapeutic strategies to facilitate early diagnoses and effective treatments for various cancers and neurological diseases. A key focus of ADMIT is improving MRI usability for patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants by minimizing interference from magnetic fields. Brainmapping Technology, the second initiative, aims to transfer research innovations into practical applications. Prof. Keil’s team develops new hardware architectures for MRI systems, enhancing the acquisition of high-quality neuronal brain imaging data. This work supports the Human Connectome Project, which maps brain connectivity to better understand its function. Collaboration and Innovation Both projects underline the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. Partnerships among Hessian universities and with renowned institutions like Harvard and Yale facilitate the swift implementation of new technologies in clinical practice, ultimately enhancing diagnosis and treatment for patients worldwide.
Click here for the full interview with Prof. Dr. Boris Keil.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis with Exosomes

Tiny cell vesicles in our blood—called exosomes—could revolutionize cancer diagnostics. But how do we isolate and analyze them with precision?
Dr. Jyothi B. Nair, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at Leibniz IPHT, is developing a microfluidic platform to tackle this challenge. Her goal: a practical solution to improve the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.
Click here for more information.

Carrion flies as DNA collectors

Carrion flies are surprisingly effective at collecting DNA from their environment. They can pick up and transport DNA from various sources, including bacteria, viruses, animals and even human cells. Dr Fee Zimmermann and her team from the research group “One Health Surveillance” at the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH) in Greifswald, a site of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), use carrion flies to collect environmental DNA. This unique ability helps the researchers gather long-term data on human, animal, and environmental health — both in the African tropics and in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany.
In this interview, Zimmermann explains the comprehensive approach known as One Health, which links human, animal and environmental health to address issues related to emerging pathogens, biodiversity, antimicrobial resistance and climate change.
Click here for more information.

Neuroscience at SONA 2025

Are you ready to advance your neuroscience career? Join groundbreaking research at one of Germany’s prestigious institutes! From the vibrant city of Berlin to the historic charm of Bonn, and from the scientific hub of Munich to the innovative landscapes of Magdeburg, "Neurocenters in Germany" presents a network of research centers in the field of neuroscience.
Mark your calendars for April 2025! We’re excited to connect with you at SONA 2025 – the 17th International Conference of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa. This conference is a platform for sharing ideas, exchanging knowledge, and building connections between African neuroscientists and their global peers. Join us from April 17th to 20th at our booth.
We look forward to discussing the research opportunities waiting for you in Germany. Let’s shape the future of neuroscience together!
Click here for more information.

Master of Digital Health

The Master of Digital Health (DH-M) at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI), part of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), offers international researchers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge digital health studies. This interdisciplinary program bridges medicine, data science, and technology, preparing graduates to tackle global healthcare challenges.
With a curriculum covering telemedicine, AI, robotics, and data analytics, DH-M emphasizes hands-on research, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven learning. The program fosters a strong international network, enabling researchers to contribute to the global digital health landscape.
A key platform for knowledge exchange is DigiHealthDay, an annual event bringing together global experts to discuss the future of digital health. Researchers benefit from high-level discussions, networking, and insights into the latest trends shaping the field.
Click here for more information.

DNA nanorobots for synthetic biology

Professor Laura Na Liu and her research team at the University of Stuttgart have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes with the help of “DNA origami". “This work is a milestone in the application of DNA nanotechnology to regulate cell behavior," Liu says. The system they developed in interdisciplinary teamwork of physics and biology may facilitate the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. This opens up a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other therapeutic interventions. Thus, a very valuable instrument can be added to the toolbox of synthetic biology.
Click here for more information.

A new level of human-machine interaction

Once, as a postdoc, a Humboldt Fellowship enabled him to spend a research period at the University of Cambridge – a few years later an ERC Starting Grant has given his research vision a boost. Today, Professor Andreas Bulling is researching intelligent assistance systems at the University of Stuttgart, which are designed to provide people with the best possible support in areas such as medical diagnostics, care or as “everyday helpers”. In the future, they should even be capable of understanding and empathizing with others. Besides, Bulling puts a lot of his efforts in promoting doctoral students and postdocs in his Stuttgart research group.
Click here for more information.

EUGLOH Alliance for Global Health

EUGLOH (European University Alliance for Global Health) brings together nine research-focused universities across Europe, including the University of Hamburg and LMU Munich, to tackle global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. EUGLOH defines global health as a dynamic field requiring action in education, research, and innovation to ensure equitable health for all.
Central to EUGLOH’s mission is the creation of a transnational campus that connects students and staff across Europe. The Alliance prepares future professionals through innovative education, lifelong learning, and career development, while addressing global health challenges like preventative medicine, digital health, and climate change.
EUGLOH fosters research through initiatives such as the Research Managers Network and the Student Research Conference. The EUGLOH Connect platform enables researchers to collaborate on transnational projects, advancing global health solutions.
Click here for more information.

Opening up new perspectives for cancer therapy

Dr. Johannes Karges (born 1992) from the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ruhr University Bochum has already caused quite a stir with his work on novel active substances against tumors and metastases. Only recently, an international research team led by Karges developed a compound that fights cancer cells without the presence of oxygen.
Tumors often contain areas of oxygen-deficient tissue that frequently withstand conventional therapies. This is because the drugs applied in tumors require oxygen to be effective. An international research team led Karges has developed a novel mechanism of action that works without oxygen: polymeric incorporated nanocatalysts target the tumor tissue selectively and switch off the glutathione that the cells need to survive.  Thanks to this new mechanism of action, tumors can be treated even under difficult conditions. The research group published their findings in the journal Nature Communications.
Click here for more information.

Advancing Brain Disorder Therapies with CRISPR

How can gene editing tools be a game changer in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases? CRISPR is widely known for genetic modifications—but its potential extends far beyond that. Professor Stefan Stricker from LMU’s Biomedical Center Munich is contributing to the REGENERAR project, a European collaboration exploring innovative CRISPR-based therapies for health conditions like Alzheimer’s and stroke.
Developing treatments for brain disorders remains a significant challenge. However, using non-viral delivery systems and epigenetic reprogramming, the REGENERAR project aims to open up new possibilities for brain regeneration.
In this interview, Professor Stricker gives an insight into CRISPR technology for neurological therapies and the challenges that lie ahead.
Click here for more information.

Exploring the Future of Cardiovascular Health

How do heart rhythm disorders develop, and what role do immune cells play in inflammation? These are the key questions driving research at the new Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology at LMU’s Biomedical Center Munich.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in industrialised nations. Scientists at this institute focus on the sinus node, the heart's natural pacemaker, to develop innovative treatments for heart rhythm disorders. They are also investigating how immune cells effectively fight inflammation - ensuring that the immune system responds precisely, without causing unintended damage.
Step inside the lab with our latest video! Meet the director as he shares insights into this critical global health challenge, and follow young researchers as they explore the mechanisms behind cardiac arrhythmias and controlled inflammation.
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