bio.nrw spot on biotechnology science
DESCRIPTION
This first issue of “Spot on Biotech Science” includes a total of 184 short profiles of life science research entities and their institutes in NRW.TRANSCRIPT
Spot on Biotechnology Science
BIO.NRWMerowingerplatz 1 40225 Duesseldorf, GermanyFon +49 211 385469-9200Fax +49 211 [email protected]
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia 40221 Duesseldorf www.innovation.nrw.de
www.exzellenz.nrw.de With the “Excellence NRW” cluster strategy, North Rhine-Westphalia has set new standards for both business and innovation. The state government has made the systematic improvement of NRW’s strengths and talents an absolute priority – both in established industries and up-and-coming fields like biotechnology. It is our goal to create a favorable climate for innovation, as that is the best way to sustain the competitive edge and stimulate growth and employment in the companies that call the state home. To find out more about North Rhine-Westphalia’s cluster strategy and the 16 clusters currently in NRW’s roster, just visit www.exzellenz.nrw.de. w
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Spot on Science Biotechnology Universities and
Research Facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia
© 2013, BIO.NRW “Spot on Science” www.bio.nrw.de
Print: enka-druck GmbH, BerlinDesign and Layout: it’s FR!TZ
Picture Source: © Duesseldorf Marketing & Tourismus © BIO.NRW; Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne © BIO.NRW; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster© it’s FR!TZ
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Editorial
for finding the right project partner from academia for project consortia. To make your search easier we have included a cat-egorization of the institutions based on the field of research and key words. To provide a overview on the life science landscape in NRW the brochure also features chapters on graduate cluster, dedicated research center and technology transfer.
BIO.NRW is the official state cluster for Biotechnology in NRW and was initiated by the state government in 2009. The cluster actively promotes young academics, for instance with the BIO.NRW (PhD) Student Convention – a 2-day event held since 2010 once a year in one of the large soccer are-nas in NRW. At these conventions, about 100 participants get first-hand information from leaders in the life science industry and academia on how to plan and navigate life science career options. Also, in small workshops, a number of dedicated coaches provide valuable information on how to be-have and react in a business environment or how to successfully apply for jobs.
A second example how BIO.NRW directly supports young and dedicated research-ers since 2010 is iGEM (international genetically engineered machine competi-tion), an international competition at the MIT (Boston, USA). With the projects from the Universities of Bielefeld and Bonn, BIO.NRW is supporting both teams from NRW in 2013 with the aim to present cutting-edge science from NRW to the international community.
We trust that you will find “Spot on Biotech Science” helpful and would like to encourage you to discover NRW’s excellent life science landscape, which is embedded
Dear Reader,
Talking about life science and education in Germany means talking about Universities and research facilities in North Rhine-West-phalia (NRW): the state with the valleys of Rhine and Ruhr hosts the country’s highest accumulation of academic institutions. Today, 51 institutions in the state are conducting life science research and education, among them Germany’s largest research facility, the “Forschungszentrum Jülich” with about 5000 staff. Due to the high density of academic institutions in the Rhine and Ruhr valley, a quarter of all German students are to be found in NRW.
Since 2009, BIO.NRW Cluster Biotechnol-ogy NRW publishes an annual compendium of the biotech business sector in the state (“Spot on Biotech Business”), which mainly builds on short profiles of the core biotech companies in NRW. The publication turned out to be highly valued by the – also interna-tional – community and was the motivation to present the academic life science land-scape with all its diversity and strengths in a similar manner. This first issue of “Spot on Biotech Science” includes a total of 184 short profiles of life science research entities and their institutes in NRW. Each chapter features a brief description of the respective organization. Both publica-tions are accompanied by our up-to-date and extensive online databases “Company Database” and “Academic Database” at www.bio.nrw.de, which are searchable by category and user-defined text search.
We hope that this new compendium will be helpful to students or professionals to identify the right university or to industry
in a rich and vivid cultural environment – thus combining an international competi-tive working location with a high standard of living. Also, please contact the BIO.NRW office for any further question, support needed or feedback.
Dr. Bernward GarthoffCluster BIO.NRW
Representative for Biotechnology of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia
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Greetings
Doing Research for Progress
North Rhine-Westphalia, as Germany’s number one chemical and pharmaceutical industry region, is excellently equipped to help provide solutions to the grand global challenges. However, the solutions we are working on are designed to put people first. Innovations, rather than exclusively focusing on increasing economic prosperity and well-being, are intended to also enable ecological and social progress.
Our strategy on research under the head-ing, “Fortschritt.NRW”, or ‘Progress North Rhine-Westphalia’, aims to bring about integrated solutions, system innovations and sustainable development. This is where biotechnology as a key enabling technology contributes vital approaches and inputs.
North Rhine-Westphalia benefits from optimal overall conditions in this field. The “Spot on Biotechnology Science” brochure published by North Rhine-Westphalia’s BIO.NRW cluster portrays the broad and
efficient basis and outstanding research ex-cellence of the State’s biotechnology scene.
The North Rhine-Westphalia govern-ment will continue to strengthen those potentials. We help create and improve a favourable general setting for research and development, inter- and trans-disciplinary cooperation, networking of the research and business communities, dialogue with society and for looking beyond borders.
I cordially invite you to take advantage of this up-to-date science and research atlas to make contact and find partners for co-operation.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
Svenja Schulze
Minister for Innovation, Science and Research of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
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Content
Editorial �������������������������5
Greetings ������������������������� 7
Content ��������������������������8
Spot on Biotechnology Science ����������� 11
Academic Institutions and Research Facilities in NRW �������������� 14
Universities ���������������������� 17
Bielefeld University ������������������ 18
CeBiTec – The Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology��������������������� 21
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf �������� 24
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn � 36
Ruhr-Universität Bochum �������������� 40
Protein research Unit Ruhr within Europe (PURE) � 45
RWTH Aachen University �������������� 46
TU Dortmund University ��������������� 50
University of Duisburg-Essen ������������ 52
University of Cologne ���������������� 58
University of Siegen ����������������� 62
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster ���� 65
Universities of Applied Sciences ���������� 71
Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences � 72
Cologne University of Applied Sciences ������ 74
Fachhochschule Münster University of Applied Sciences ����������� 76
Fachhochschule Aachen University of Applied Sciences ����������� 78
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences � 81
Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Science ������������ 83
Hochschule Ostwestfalen-LippeUniversity of Applied Sciences ����������� 84
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences ���� 86
Westfälische Hochschule University of Applied Sciences ����������� 88
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft ��������������� 91
Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI ������������� 92
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology – FIT ������������������� 93
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology – UMSICHT ��� 95
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME ������������� 97
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Helmholtz Association ��������������� 103
Forschungszentrum Jülich ������������ 104
German Aerospace Center (DLR) ��������� 109
German Center for NeurodegenerativeDiseases – DZNE ������������������ 112
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering Aachen ���������������� 114
Leibniz Association ����������������� 119
German Diabetes Center – Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University ����� 120
IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine ���������������������� 123
Leibniz Research Centre for WorkingEnvironment and Human Factors – IfADo ���� 128
Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e.V. ����������� 130
Leibniz-Institut für Arterioskleroseforschung an der Universität Münster ������������ 132
Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig ������������������ 134
Max Planck Society ����������������� 139
Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging ���� 140
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine � 143
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology �� 146
Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research � 149
caesar – center of advanced european studies and research ����������������������� 150
Other Research Organisations and Excellence Clusters ����������������������� 155
Bioeconomy Science Center – BioSC ������ 156
West German Cancer Center – WTZ ������� 157
Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD) ����������������� 158
Cells in Motion – CiM ��������������� 159
ImmunoSensation ����������������� 160
Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLAS � 161
Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass (TMFB) ���� 162
Graduate programs in North Rhine-Westphalia (Life Sciences) �������������������� 164
Index ������������������������� 168
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Spot on Biotechnology Science
Science Landscape NRW
Educating talented scientists is one of the most important investments into the future of North Rhine-Westphalia. Nowhere else is the transition from an industrial to a knowl-edge economy more apparent than here. The Ruhr Valley in particular has undergone enormous changes in recent decades. As the traditional coal mines and steel mills disap-peared one by one, communities and their political leaders have become engaged in an intense search for new economic opportuni-ties that could bring new jobs and prosperity. One of the stronger candidates has been the life sciences. In this area, as in the many di-verse shoots of the new economy, one of the keys to success is an educated workforce.
Today, the Rhine-Ruhr region has a higher density of universities and colleges than any other part in Europe. There are about 600,000 students at the 71 universities and technical colleges in NRW, among which the natural and engineering sciences are strongly represented. 6 of the 12 largest universities in Germany are located here. In 2012, two of them, the University of Cologne and Aachen University (RWTH) have particu-larly excelled and been awarded the label “Elite University” – out of 11 in Germany.
Beside the highest national density of universities also each of the four large Ger-man research societies, namely the Max Planck Society, the Helmholtz Association, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Leibniz-Association is running several facilities in NRW. Those with life science activity are portrayed in this compendium.
NRW has a highly competitive and dy-namic science landscape which shall be
illustrated in the following passage by a few recent examples out of different areas.
As a member of the Helmholtz-Associa-tion, Germany’s largest research facility, the Jülich Research Center (FZJ) with over 4500 staff is located in the state (see page 104). The FZJ has recently become extended by an unique institution: the first research institute in Europe which is dedicated exclusively to bioeconomy research (BioSC, Bioeconomy Science Center, see page 156) was founded in 2011 supported with the impressive invest-ment sum of € 58 million. The BioSC is a joint initiative of the FZJ and the universities of Aachen, Bonn and Düsseldorf and is part of the pioneering bioeconomy strategy of the state government.
In the area of biomedical research the Max Planck Society has established a noteworthy institution in the Ruhr valley: The “Lead Development Center” (LDC) in Dortmund works at the intersection of academia and industry and and has already become a suc-cess story shortly after its foundation. LDC has implemented a new concept of technol-ogy transfer as it takes up drug targets and candidates from basic academic biomedical research and tries to develop these candi-dates into lead structures using a number of high throughput screening technologies. The first lead structures have been out-licensed to the global pharmaceutical industry for drug development.
The Cologne-Bonn area has developed into a internationally renown hotspot for aging related diseases. The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn (DZNE, see page 112), the Cologne Cluster of Excellence for Cellular Stress Respone in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD, see
page 158) and the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging (MPI-Age, see page 140) act in concert to perform cutting-edge basic research in this area.
There would be many more institutions worth mentioning here and to provide you with an up-to-date and extensive overview, BIO.NRW has compiled this brochure of short profiles that are also indexed. For even more detailed information our online data-base presents NRW’s science landscape, even at the working group level, with over 1200 groups listed (www.bio.nrw.de/wissen-schaftsdatenbank) and free text searchable.
Graduate Clusters
Better graduate studies
There has been a transformation in higher education, especially graduate student edu-cation, over the last thirty years. Most obvious is the sheer number of graduate students. In the year 2010, 25.600 young researchers suc-cessfully completed their PhDs in Germany, among them 8200 (32%) in the natural sci-ences, which is three times the number that did so in 1980.
To standardize and structure the gradu-ate studies in Germany the idea to create doctorate programmes was born. The first program, called ‘Molecular Life Sciences’, was established in Cologne in 1985. The goal behind this and the many other graduate programs that have followed, was to give an extra dimension to the education of doctoral students, in addition to the time they spend working on their thesis projects. Today, 8% of all graduate students are associated with a graduate school.
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The first so called “DFG Research Training Group” was established at the Ruhr-Univer-sity Bochum in 1990. The program entitled ‘Biogenesis and Mechanisms of Complex Cell Function’ involved a dozen professors and as many students. The students inter-acted with researchers and fellow doctorate students from other departments, with biologists, medical students and physicists. This level of cooperation made departmental boundaries a thing of the past. The success of this concept triggered the development of Graduate Schools at other Universities in the state: Today, the German Research Foundation (DFG, www.dfg.de) funds nine such Research Training Groups and Gradu-ate Schools that focus on the life sciences, at universities all over NRW. Currently, more than 200 students are participating in the these DFG graduate programs in the state. They each receive a fellowship of € 1.000 - 1.365 per month for three years. Some also get temporary employment over the period of the graduate studies. Additionally, the DFG covers travel expenses for the students to participate in international scientific con-gresses. Four of the DFG research training groups are international in scope, including the Euregio Cardiovascular International Research Training Group (EuCAR), a collabo-ration between the Aachen and Maastricht Universities. In all nine of the programs, training includes ‘transferable skills’ like scientific writing, career planning and pro-ject management, to help to prepare the students for diverse aspects of their career.
Like the DFG, The Max Planck Society has a graduate training program, known as International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS, www.mpg.de/en/imprs). Founded in 2000, there are now 61 schools in Ger-many, eight of them in NRW. 44 % of IMPRS are focused on the biological and medical sciences.
The excellence cluster CECAD (Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress
Response in Aging Related Diseases, see page 158) runs another graduate school in life sciences together with the International Max Planck Research School-AGE (IMPRS-Age). The program, started in 2008 and is backed by a budget of €36 million over five years. Its remit is to complement Germany’s ‘Excellence Initiative’, a program of the na-tional and federal governments to promote cutting-edge research at German universi-ties. The program provides competitive fel-lowships to outstanding masters or diploma students to pursue PhD research within selected groups. The students have the op-portunity to obtain their doctoral degree in only three years.
In general and analogous to the US gradu-ate system, the graduate programs offer students a period of intensive supervision by a dissertation committee comprised of experienced scientists. Discussions with the thesis committee of the project proposal for the PhD, as well as written or oral annual reports, ensure optimal progress of the re-search project.
Engaging with industry
In addition to enjoying a wider exposure to top-level research fields, graduate students also benefit from interactions with industry. From the point of view of many students, this should be an essential component of their education, but currently is still poorly addressed by most universities and profes-sors, especially in the field of Life Sciences.
To respond to this need, a remarkable and unique graduate cluster has been initiated in NRW in 2009:
The CLIB2021 Graduate Cluster in Industrial Biotechnology (CLIB-GC) was founded by three universities (Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Bielefeld) on one hand, and life science industry and enterprises on the other. The graduate Cluster is supported by the state ministry of Innovation, Science and Re-
search (MIWF) and is the largest graduate cluster in Germany and one of the biggest graduate programs in Europe as it employs 120 PhD students in total. In the area of industrial biotechnology the graduate clus-ter is based on four technology platforms, namely “Polyomics”, “Expression”, “Biocata-lyis” and “Downstream Processing”.
CLIB2021 (Cluster Industrielle Biotechnolo-gie e.V.) is a cluster for industrial biotechnol-ogy that connects academic and industrial members who are active in research, devel-opment, production and commercialization.
A different approach to close this gap between industry and academia in higher education is the foundation of btS, the Bio-technological Student Initiative (www.bts-ev.de). The organization has had considerable success: btS groups are active in all major university cities in NRW and representatives of many companies collaborate with the student network. Every year, the btS of NRW organizes a fair to promote contact with companies, called ScieCon NRW, that has an excellent reputation among the exhibitors. The next fair will take place in October 2013 at the University of Bochum.
Students in MINT subjects
A topic of increasing importance which is also widely discussed in politics and pub-lic is the growing lack of students in the so-called MINT subjects (mathematics, informatics, natural or life sciences and technology). In 2012, a record number of 590.000 students (a quarter of all students in Germany) performed their studies at one of the 72 universities and universities of applied sciences in NRW. The vast majority of 411.000 students (70%) was associated with one of the 16 universities in NRW. Only 109.000 students (18.5%) had choosen a MINT subject for their studies. With respect to the fundamental economic impact of the MINT subjects this number is clearly too low.
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The largest section of students ( 187.000) continues to choose law, economy or social sciences as subject followed by language and culture (128.000). Moreover, since 2001 the percentage of MINT students could not be increased significantly (17% in 2001). This contrasts with a steadily growing need for MINT graduates by industry and enterprises. Only due to the overall increase in the num-ber of students in NRW, has the total number of students in MINT subjects increased by 23.000 or about 27%.
Thus, in our society, a task which will persist well into the future for politicians, teachers and organisations like clusters is to inform potential students about the importance of MINT subjects and excellent job opportunities available in life sciences.
(Source: Statistical Report; Students at Universities in NRW 2012; www.it.nrw.de)
Technology Transfer
To promote technology transfer in NRW, beside the respective transfer offices of the universities, a number of different institu-tions have been established over the years.
www.provendis.info
NRW’s ZENIT GmbH founded already in 1984 is a public private partnership runs an extensive network in NRW, Germany and throughout Europe.
ZENIT especially supports founders and start-up companies by various means – i.e. by providing direct and valuable business contacts, support in funding, especially EU project funding, but also management coaching and international technology transfer. To foster business co-operations (i.e. licensing, R&D collaborations) on the European level, ZENIT has teamed-up with the Enterprise Europe Network (http://een.ec.europa.eu).
www.zenit.de
As a cooperative network of NRW’s univer-sities and universities of applied sciences, InnovationsAllianz e.V. provides support in research and knowledge transfer since 2007.
The organization also develops and car-ries out continuous and proactive public relation activities and works at the intersec-tion of politics and administration, associa-tions and networks, chambers of trade and commerce, as well as diverse clusters. With 26 universities and universities of applied sciences as members InnovationsAllianz is the largest organization of its kind in Germany.
The city of Düsseldorf together with the Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf recently (2010) has founded a technol-ogy transfer agency that follows a new approach: DIWA (Düsseldorf Innovations und Wissenschafts-Agentur GmbH) scouts institutes and departments for technolo-gies and potential start-ups already in early project phases. The concept of DIWA in-cludes support in compiling business plans, establishing contacts to financiers and patent lawyers or networking with secto-ral partners. Commercial development of promising ideas and their implementation is assisted, for example through the media-tion of partnerships between science and industry.
www.innovationsallianz.nrw.de
The state-wide technology transfer organi-zation PROvendis GmbH founded in 2001 acts as a service provider of the patent marketing association of the universities of North Rhine-Westphalia and works for other public research institutes as well. Using its expertise in the field of protecting intellectual property, PROvendis aims at opening innovations and new materials to commerzialization.
www.diwa-duesseldorf.de
Rhine
Rhine
Ruhr
The Netherlands
Belgium Germany
Lippe
Ems
Weser
Academic Institutions and Research Facilities in NRW*
MünsterQ
Hamm Q
Q Bielefeld
Q Rheine
Q Iserlohn
Q Lemgo
Q
Bonn
Q Köln
Krefeld Q
Kleve Q
Gelsenkirchen Q
Q Essen
OberhausenQ
Düsseldorf Q
Q St. AugustinQ Aachen
Q Jülich
Q Siegen
Q Wuppertal
Q Dortmund Q Bottrop Q
Bochum
Witten/HerdeckeQ
15
BIO.NRW
Universities
Bielefeld University Bielefeld 18Bergische Universität Wuppertal WuppertalCeBiTec Bielefeld 21Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Düsseldorf 24Private University Witten/Herdecke Witten/HerdeckeRheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Bonn 36Ruhr-Universität Bochum Bochum 40Protein research Unit Ruhr within Europe (PURE) Bochum 45RWTH Aachen University Aachen 46Technische Universität Dortmund Dortmund 50University of Duisburg-Essen Essen 52University of Cologne Köln 58University of Siegen Siegen 62Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Münster 65
University of Applied Sciences
Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Sankt Augustin 72Cologne University of Applied Sciences Köln 74FH Münster University of Applied Sciences Münster 76FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences Aachen 78FH Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences BielefeldHamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences Hamm 81Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Science Krefeld 83Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe University ofApplied Sciences Lemgo 84Hochschule Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences BottropMathias Hochschule Rheine University of Applied Sciences RheineRhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences Kleve 86South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences Hagen, Iserlohn, Meschede, Soest, LüdenscheidWestfälische Hochschule University of Applied Sciences Gelsenkirchen 88
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing – SCAI Sankt Augustin 92Fraunhofer Institute forApplied Information Technology – FIT Sankt Augustin 93Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology – UMSICHT Oberhausen 95Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME Aachen 97
Helmholtz Association
Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich 104German Aerospace Center (DLR) Köln 109German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases – DZNE Bonn 112Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering Aachen Aachen 114
Leibniz-Association
German Diabetes Center – Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 120IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 123Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors – IfADo Dortmund 128German National Library of Medicine KölnLeibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften –ISAS – e.V. Dortmund 130Leibniz-Institut für Arterioskleroseforschung an der Universität Münster Münster 132Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig Bonn 134
Max Planck Society
Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging Köln 140Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine Münster 143Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Dortmund 146Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research KölnMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Köln 149caesar – center of advanced european studies and research Bonn 150
Other Research Institutions
Bioeconomy Science Center – BioSC Jülich 156West German Cancer Center – WTZ Essen 157Cellular Stress Response in Aging-associated Disease (CECAD) Köln 158Cells in Motion – CiM Münster 159ImmunoSensation Bonn 160Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLAS Düsseldorf 161Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass (TMFB) Aachen 162
* with regard to Life SciencesGermany
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Universities
Universities
Universities
In Germany’s federal system universities are run and maintained by the states (Länder). Thus each state is responsible for building and financing its universities. Consequently, it is within the responsibil-ity of the federal states to decide on the number and location of its universities as well as for the topics, subjects and focuses of the studies that are offered. Currently, NRW’s universities provide a total of 1500 basic study courses plus 1.100 higher study courses that are offered by 16 uni-versities and 56 universities of applied sciences.
In 2012, almost 600.000 students were enrolled at one of NRW’s universities or universities of applied sciences. They find a diverse student landscape at universi-ties which have a long and rich tradition.(University of Cologne, founded in 1388), Germanys largest university (Distance University Hagen, 72.600 students), one of
the very few private universities (University of Witten-Herdecke) or rather young yet established and successful universities like those that were founded as the first new universities in Germany after the second world war, the Ruhr University Bochum and the Technical University Dortmund. The latter two – together with the University of Duisburg-Essen are also outstanding as they mark the beginning of a fundamental structural change in the Ruhr valley which shifted the area from a region of heavy coal mining and steel production toward a modern economy based on services and high technologies, especially including the life sciences.
NRW’s universities provide excellent education, research, scientific expertise and career development opportunities in an international environment: in the winter semester 2012/2013, 71.300 (11%) stu-dents came from other countries to study
in NRW. Compared to 2011/2012 this number has increased by 7.4% which clearly shows the growing attractiveness of NRW as a location of higher education for international students.
The prestigious label “Elite University” which has been awarded to the University of Cologne and the Aachen University (RWTH) in 2012 highlights NRW’s excellent and competitive science landscape of today. (Source: Statistisches Landesamt NRW)
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Bielefeld University
Bielefeld UniversityHumanities, Natural and Social Sciences, Techology – Transcending Boundaries
in the excellence initiative, award-winning concepts for further improving the quality of teaching and studying, and major new building projects that are transforming Bielefeld into an ultramodern university campus.
A founding idea still brimming with life: interdisciplinarity, that is, taking thought and research beyond the borders of single subjects, is a truly daily experience at Biele-feld University.
Scope for individuality, networked com-munication, reflection, and “lateral think-ing” are already an integral part of the university’s unusual architecture, and they particularly promote innovative ideas and unconventional thinking. This is the basis on which the university integrates its two per-manent key objectives: the continued ex-pansion of top-level international research and the strategic further development of its prize-winning teaching achievement.
Bielefeld University, founded in 1969, now has 13 faculties housing a range of disciplines spanning the humanities, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and technology. With roughly 18,500 students taking more than 100 study courses and about 3,500 staff, it is one of Germany‘s medium-sized universities that is currently expanding dynamically and with great suc-cess. This is clear to see with two successes
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Bielefeld University
Universitätsstr. 2533615 Bielefeld
Ingo Lohuis
+49 521 106-4170
www.uni-bielefeld.de
1969
scientific 2,396administrative 1,149
State Government NRW 100%
www.uni-bielefeld.de
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Bielefeld University
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Faculty
Internet
Address
Postal Code/City
FonFax
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Faculty
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Biotechnology, Organic Chemistry
Enzymes, Peptide Synthesis, Recombinant Proteins, Small Molecules
Prof. Dr. Thomas Dierks
www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/chemie/gaeste
UHG F2-141Universitätsstraße 2533615 Bielefeld
+49 521 106-2092+49 521 106-6014
Various Biological Fields of Research
Genomics, Metabolomics, Proteomics, Stem Cell Research, Behavioural Biology, Neurobiology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Klaus Reinholdwww.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/biologie/[email protected]
Universitätsstraße 2533615 Bielefeld+49 521 106-4758+49 521 106-6470
activities at the interface between biology and organic chemistry has been the high degree of interdisciplinarity, supplemented by numerous collaborations with external academic and industrial partners.
International CollaborationsToyama Prefectural University, JapanOsaka University, JapanUniversity of Oslo, Norway
National CollaborationsUniversity of DüsseldorfRWTH AachenUniversity of Cologne
of interdisciplinary research clusters, e.g. the Cluster of Excellence „Cognitive Interaction Technology“ (CITEC) as well as the “Center for Biotechnology” (CeBiTec).
International CollaborationsInternational Research (EU-FP7):THE Hand EmbodiedPROMYSE: Products from methanol by synthetic cell factoriesSUNBIOPATH: Towards a better sun-light to biomass conversion efficiency in microalgaeEMICAB: Embodied Motion Intelligence for Cognitive, Autonomous Robots
National CollaborationsSFB 613, Forschergruppe 1232, GABIBioindustrie2021/CLIB2021
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
The research activities of Organic Chem-istry I (Prof. Gröger) center around the application of enzymes as valuable and en-vironmental friendly catalysts in organic synthetic transformations. By means of interdisciplinary research projects a range of achievements have been made in the development of synthetic processes which fulfil the criteria of high efficiency, sustainability as well as scalability.
In particular a major focus has been on (1) the development of efficient biocatalytic reactions (biotransformations) and techni-cal applications thereof, (2) the combina-tion of biocatalysis with chemocatalysis in one-pot multi-step syntheses in water and (3) target driven synthesis based on the use of biocatalysts in synthetic key steps (in particular for the synthesis of pharma-ceuticals). A key feature of these research
The Faculty of Biology is one of the largest faculties at Bielefeld University with overall 25 workgroups. Their various innovative re-search activities are bundled in four research fields: “Molecular and Cell Biology”: The research field combines a broad spectrum of basic and applied projects with up-to-date methodology in molecular genetics and systems biology. “Brain and Behaviour”: The research groups in neurobiology, behaviour and evolution investigate the mechanisms enabling organisms to behave adaptively in complex environments and the selective pro-cesses that led to their evolution. “Special Bi-ology and Ecology”: The joint main research topic is the analysis of biotic interactions. “Bi-ology Didactics”: This section is concerned with contemporary research on learning and teaching in biology education. Some Work-groups at the Faculty of Biology are also part
Faculty of Chemistry
Faculty of Biology
20
BIO.NRWBielefeld University
Members of the Faculty of Technology are involved with the central research units Research Centre for Mathematical Mod-elling (FSPM2), Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), the Research Institute for Cog-nition and Robotics (CoR-Lab), and the Center of Excellence EXC 277: Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC), as well as the Collaborative Research Centre SFB 673: Alignment in Communication, where members of the Faculty of Technology are in leading positions.
Founded in 1990, the Faculty of Technol-ogy is the second-youngest department of Bielefeld University. Research and education concentrate on three core ar-eas: Cognitive Informatics and Robotics, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology. These areas are highly connected through com-mon foundations in computer science and technology, and the joint interest in better understanding of biological systems. The department has 17 full professors and 3 independent junior scientists.
Study programs in the Faculty of Tech-nology are structured along the core re-search areas with programs in Cognitive Informatics/Intelligent Systems (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.), Bioinformatics and Genome Research (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.), Informatics in the Natural Sciences (B.Sc., M.Sc.), and Molecular Biotechnology (B.Sc., M.Sc.).
Faculty of TechnologyResearch Field
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Biotechnology, Bioinformatics
Analytics, Bioinformatics Biopharmaceuticals, Cell Lines/Banks, Fermentation, Genetic Engineering, Recombinant Proteins
Prof. Dr. Jens Stoye
www.techfak.uni-bielefeld.de
Universitätsstraße 2533615 Bielefeld
+49 521 106-2649+49 521 106-6468
21
BIO.NRW Bielefeld University/Center for Biotechnology – CeBiTec
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Bielefeld University/Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)
Universitätsstraße 2733615 Bielefeld
Dr. Stefan Weidner
+49 521 106-8760
www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de
1998
scientific 85administrative 2
Federal Government (Germany) 58% State Government NRW 19% EU 5% Industry 18%
www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de
CeBiTecThe Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology
and crop genomics investigates plant regula-tory networks and aims to generate knowledge that can be transferred from model systems to agronomically relevant crops. In medical bio-technology projects range from deciphering and annotation of mammalian cells’ genomes to functional genomics in bioprocess and cell line development. The interpretation and com-parative analysis of genomes of pathogenic microorganisms provides comprehensive insights into molecular mechanisms and gene-regulatory networks involved in virulence. Bioenergy research focuses on elementary regulatory aspects of sun-to-biomass con-version via photosynthesis in microalgae and on the identification, characterization and optimization of potential bottlenecks. The CeBiTec organizes various events to foster international contacts and collaborations and exchanges with other scientists including a series of symposia about current research topics and a European Science Foundation (ESF) research conference series dedicated to ‘Industrial Biotechnology’ covering three alternating topics ‘Microbes and Industrial Biotechnology’, ‘Microorganisms for Bio-fuel Production from Sunlight’, and ‘Cell Culture Technologies’.
The Center for Biotechnology is a central academic institution of Bielefeld University that bundles activities of research groups fo-cusing on various aspects of biotechnology. The CeBiTec provides three Technology Plat-forms for Genomics (offering state-of-the-art equipment and a broad range of methods for genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), for Bioinformatics (providing structured acquisition, storage and automated processing of experimental data including the development of specialized software tools) and for Fermentation (combining expertise in bioreactor cultivation of microorganisms and animal cells from lab to pilot scale). The main research areas cover genome research and systems biology of microorganisms, plants and mammalian cells, medical biotechnology and bioenergy research. Genome and post-genome research on bacteria relevant for agri-culture, environment and biotechnology aims at establishing a systems-level understand-ing of (industrially relevant) bacterial cells and ranges from genome and post-genome research to metabolic engineering, rational strain development and synthetic biology ap-proaches under the framework of White Bio-technology. The research area plant genetics
BIO.NRW
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Bioinformatics
Genomics, Bioinformatics,Platform Technology, Polyomics, Systems Biology
Dr. Alexander Goesmann
www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de
Universitätsstraße 2733615 Bielefeld
+49 521 106-4821+49 521 106-6419
Future-oriented projects within the com-putational genomics group focus on the development of bioinformatics analysis workflows for rapid and parallel data in-terpretation, which also includes hardware accelerated software implementations.
National CollaborationsMedizinische Hochschule HannoverUniversität PaderbornRuhr-Universität Bochum
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
The large amounts of data acquired from today’s PolyOmics technologies demand intensive bioinformatics support including adequate data management, efficient data analysis algorithms, and user-friendly soft-ware applications.
The Technology Platform Bioinformatics can look back on many years of expertise in the computational processing of genomic and post-genomic datasets. It serves as a central bioinformatics research unit and cooperation partner, offering a compre-hensive IT infrastructure for data storage and analysis.
Furthermore, the Technology Platform Bioinformatics provides access to a variety of bioinformatics tools and software ap-plications ranging from functional genome analysis and metagenomics to transcrip-tomics, metabolomics, and proteomics.
Technology Platform Bioinformatics
Bielefeld University/Center for Biotechnology – CeBiTec
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Biotechnology
Bioenergy Research, Biomass, Fermentation
Dr. Jan MussgnugDr. Joe Max Risse
www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de
[email protected]@uni-bielefeld.de
Universitätsstraße 2733615 Bielefeld
+49 521 106-12260/5290+49 521 106-12290/6475
and departments of Bielefeld University/CeBiTec access to set experiments related to bioenergy research & application upon a technical scale.
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB 2021, Konsortium Bioenergie OWL, Neobzym
The Technology Platform Fermentation & Bioenergy combines knowledge and experi-ence of the chairs of Cell Culture Technol-ogy, Fermentation Engineering and Algae Biotechnology & Bioenergy of Bielefeld University. The technical infrastructure has consequently been complemented and updated and currently hosts more than 30 bioreactors from different manufacturers and scales. Major topics are the cultivation of microbial and cell cultures as well as enzymatic reactions in a semi-pilot plant scale using a broad spectrum of organisms and enzymes.
The associated BioEnergieTechnikum is a technical center for bioenergy research. Build by Bielefeld University and sponsored by the Stadtwerke Bielefeld, the interdisci-plinary approach and the modern techni-cal equipment of the center offer groups
Technology Platform Fermentation & Bioenergy
BIO.NRW
23
Bielefeld University/Center for Biotechnology – CeBiTec
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Biotechnology
Genomics, Metabolomics, Microbial Genomics, Microarrays, Proteomics
Dr. Jörn Kalinowski
www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de
Universitätsstraße 2733615 Bielefeld
+49 521 106-8756+49 521 106-89041
ments, a quadrupole TOF and an ion-trap machine. All the Omics methods have been applied to microorganisms in the past and are currently extended also to higher organ-isms and to microbial communities.
International CollaborationsUniversität für Bodenkultur, Vienna, AustriaCzech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech RepublicChinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
National CollaborationsMax-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, BremenResearch Centre JülichEvonik-Degussa GmbH
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB 2021
The Technology Platform Genomics (TPG) has four sections addressing the most im-portant technologies in genome research: Genomics mainly comprises genome se-quencing. The most recent high-throughput sequencing systems from Roche, Life Technologies, and Illumina are currently installed. Transcriptomics covers all tech-niques used to analyze transcripts. This includes gene expression by microarrays as well as deep sequencing of transcriptomes. Proteomics involves gel-based and gel-free separation as well as identification and quantification of proteins by MALDI-TOF or by LC-ESI mass spectrometry. Metabo-lomics embraces metabolic profiling and flux analysis by gas-chromatography (GC) or liquid-chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). The TPG is run-ning three GC-MS and two LC-ESI instru-
Technology Platform Genomics
BIO.NRW
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Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf BIO.NRW
www.hhu.de
Name
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Heinrich Heine Unversity Düsseldorf
Universitätsstraße 140225 Düsseldorf
Dr. Stefanie NiemannHead of Research Management
+49 211 81-13265
www.hhu.de
1965
scientific 1,904 (without PhD Students) administrative 909
State Government NRW 100 %
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) combines first class research and education with entrepreneurship in an environment that is inspired by innovation, collaboration, exchange, and diversity following our motto “Life, Nature, Society”.
Pursuing a growth strategy from its foun-dation in 1965, HHU today comprises five faculties (Medicine, Mathematics and Natu-ral Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, and Law) and six central and cross-faculty facilities. The faculties offer more than 50 study sections and are home to 269 professors and over 2,500 academic and non-academic staff members. HHU is the alma mater for about 20,000 students. The University’s departments enjoy an ex-cellent reputation due to for example their collaborative research centres (currently four collaborative research centres and two transregio collaborative research centres that are coordinated at HHU). Moreover, the state capital Düsseldorf provides an attrac-tive environment with a high quality of life.
HHU is internationally renowned for its outstanding research in life sciences and biomedicine. HHU life science and biomedi-cal researchers closely collaborate in sev-eral collaborative research consortia and
interdisciplinary university core facilities. The researchers profit from the excellent in-frastructure and the short walking distances between all research and administration buildings on the campus. Biotechnology is one of the key profile areas of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Ad-ditionally, HHU is an active partner within the Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) and has close collaborations with non-university re-search institutions such as the Forschungs-zentrum Jülich and the local industry.
Outstanding education and training of doctoral researchers are central to the mis-sion of HHU which is also reflected in the high number of research training groups and graduate schools coordinated at HHU.
HHU has a long-standing tradition of en-trepreneurship and was selected in 2011 as one of 10 universities for funding within the EXIST IV programme of the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology. The newly found Center for Entrepreneurship Düssel-dorf (CEDUS) provides support and advice for technology transfer activities and the foundation of science based spin offs.
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
BIO.NRW
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Heinrich Heine University DüsseldorfBIO.NRW
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Institute of Algorithmic Bioinformatics
The research of the group focuses on the data-driven analysis of biological ques-tions, as well as method development to solve prediction problems for large biologi-cal data sets. To address problems of either medical or biotechnological relevance we are using pattern recognition techniques and phylodynamic methods. An example is the development of phylodynamic tech-niques, which combine phylogenetic and epidemiological information to infer differ-ent aspects of the evolutionary dynamics of rapidly evolving populations.
We apply these techniques to analyze genomic data of microbial communities (also known as metagenomic data), of influenza viruses and of cancer cells.
International CollaborationsCSIRO, AustraliaNorwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway Glasgow University, UK
National CollaborationsMax-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, GermanyMax-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, GermanyFriedrich Loeffler Institut, Germany
Membership in local and regional NetworksGraduiertenkolleg E-norm Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)
Group of Solid-State NMR
We study the interaction of membrane proteins within the membrane, membrane association of a paramagnetic molecule and protein misfolding of a disease relevant protein. In the future, we will exploit the novel MAS-DNP technique for sensitivity enhancement.
International CollaborationsSISSA Trieste, ItalyRIKEN, Saitana, Japan
National CollaborationsMax Planck Institute, Mülheim Ruhr
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC),AcademiaNet Liebig Alumni of the FCI, AvH Alumni
Bioinformatics, Metagenomics, Viral Evolution
Computational Biology,Next Generation Sequencing, Influenza Viruses
Prof. Dr. Alice McHardywww.cs.hhu.de/en.html
[email protected] [email protected]
Universitätsstr. 1Building 25.12, Level/Room 01.4640225 Düsseldorf+49 211 81-10427+49 211 81-13464
Biophysics, Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy of Biopolymers
Analytics, Biomaterials, Parkinson Disease, Structural Biology
Prof. Dr. Henrike Heise
www.uni-duesseldorf.de/MathNat/fknmr/index.php
Forschungszentrum JülichBuilding 05.8v, Room 302552425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-4658
BIO.NRW
26
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Institute of Biochemistry II – Biotransformation and Biocatalysis
Our research focuses on the optimization of biocatalysts for technical application. Ap-plications of enzymes in biotransformation require high enzyme expression levels, fast substrate conversion rates, high enzyme selectivity as well as system stability in order to reach high total turnovers.
The actual research projects involved e.g. identification, cloning and high-level produc-tion of target enzymes in recombinant hosts, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms, which mediate activity and selectivity of enzymes, and improving activity, selectivity and stability of enzymes by protein engineer-ing. The optimization strategies for enzymes target diverse areas such as the extension of substrate spectra, enzyme specificity, but also cofactor recycling and enhancement of thermal and process stability which often can be achieved by immobilization of enzymes.
International CollaborationsFree State University, South AfricaUniversity of Oviedo, SpainUniversity of Kyoto, JapanTU Delft, The Netherlands
National CollaborationsUniversität des SaarlandesUniversität LeipzigUniversität Stuttgart
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
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Biochemistry, Biocatalysis, Protein Engineering
Biocatalysts, Enzymes, Synthetic Biology
Prof. Dr. Vlada B. Urlacher
www.biochemistry2.hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.42, Level U140225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-13687+49 211 81-13117
Institute of Biochemistry I – Membranetransport
Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art mo-lecular biology in yeast and bacteria for high level protein production and isolation, protein characterization as well as X-ray crystallography to study transport pro-cesses across biological membranes. Cur-rently we focus on membrane proteins of the ABC transporter family that are involved in bacterial protein secretion systems (type 1 secretion), bacterial, fungal and human drug resistance (multidrug resistance) as well as in human diseases of the liver. To understand the mechanistic principles of such transport processes, we employ a wide variety of techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance or isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to study protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions in vitro. These set-ups are completed by various in vivo approaches.
For example, the type 1 secretion system has been recently optimized for the secre-tion of fusion proteins that principally allow high-level isolation of the fusion protein di-rectly from the supernatant and subsequent downstream processing.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Groningen, The NetherlandsUniversity of Paris-Sud, France
National CollaborationsPhilipps University Marburg
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)CleanTechNRW
Biochemistry, Structural Biology
Enzymes, Platform Technology, Recombinant Proteins, Structural Biology
Prof. Dr. Lutz Schmitt
www.biochemistry1.hhu.de
[email protected]@hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.42, Level/Room 03.2740225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-10773+49 211 81-15310
BIO.NRW
27
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Institute of Bioinformatics
In order to understand complex biological systems, we need to see them in light of their functional connections (an ancient insight now termed Systems Biology). The networks best studied experimentally are transcriptional regulation, genetic in-teractions, and especially metabolism. A strategy that has proven highly fruitful for the analysis of these systems is the combi-nation of complementary methodological approaches.
Accordingly, the Institute of Bioinformat-ics combines modelling approaches with comparative or population genomics data, or integrates functional and evolutionary models. A major aim is to understand the co-evolution of genes and functions in the context of the complete organism. This understanding not only advances basic knowledge, but also pinpoints promising
starting points for biotechnological modi-fications of microbes and plants.
International CollaborationsBiological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, HungaryTechnion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
National CollaborationsUniversities of Münster and CologneEMBL Heidelberg
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)Center of Excellence in Plant Sciences(CEPLAS)
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Biochemistry, Plant Biology/Physiology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Signal Transduction, Recombinant Proteins
Prof. Dr. Georg Groth
www.biochemplant.hhu.de
[email protected]@hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1 Building 26.02, Level/Room 01.2340225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-12822+49 211 81-13706
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Institute for Biochemical Plant Physiology
Proteins carry out many fundamental bio-logical processes. In these processes they accomplish a remarkable variety of func-tions such as binding, catalysis, transport, cellular signalling and more. Knowledge of the 3D structures of proteins is critical to obtain a detailed insight into their func-tion, molecular mechanism or interaction with their binding partner.
The research at the Institute of Bio-chemical Plant Physiology focusses on structural and functional characteriza-tion of proteins from higher plants and thermophilic organisms (e.g. Bacillus ther-mophilus, thermophilic cyanobacteria). Our group has extensive expertise in ex-pression, purification, crystallization and structure analysis of eukaryotic proteins. The major tools employed are X-ray dif-fraction and fluorescence spectroscopy,
but other biophysical, biochemical and molecular biological techniques are also used. Major research topics in the labo-ratory are proton translocating ATPases and inorganic PPases, key enzymes of C4 photosynthesis, molecular chaperons and plant hormone receptors
International CollaborationsUniversity of Maryland, USA Michigan State University, USAUniversity of North Carolina, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of TübingenFU Berlin
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center, Plant Biology Network (CEPLAS)
Bioinformatics
Genomics, Microbial Genomics, Systems Biology
Prof. Martin Lercher, Ph.D.
www.cs.hhu.de/en/research-groups/[email protected] [email protected]
Universitätsstr. 1Building 25.02, Level 0240225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-10546+49 211 81-15767
BIO.NRW
28
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry
The group focuses on target molecule oriented synthesis. For this the develop-ment of new synthetic methods is pursued in order to access broadly applicable (enantiomerically pure) building blocks. In recent years expertise was acquired in organoboron chemistry, but of particular interest are biocatalytical methods: New (as well as commercially available) en-zymes, e.g. hydrolases, oxidoreductases, lyases, are utilized in chemoenzymatic syntheses.
The methods were applied in natural product synthesis: Target molecules range from polyketides, glycolipids, ara-chidonic acid metabolites to non-natural active agents. Complete facilities includ-ing the essential analytical equipment are available for organic syntheses as well as molecular biology projects.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Osaka, Japan
National CollaborationsRWTH AachenUniversity of BielefeldTU Dortmund
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021, Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
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Bioinformatics, Organic Chemistry
Biocatalysts, Enzymes, Small Molecules, Synthetic Biology
Prof. Dr. Jörg Pietruszka
www.iboc.uni-duesseldorf.de
Forschungszentrum Jülich Geb. 15.8 52426 Jülich
+49 2461 61-4158+49 2461 61-6196
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Genetics/Molecular Biology, Plant Biology/Physiology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Crop Research, Genetic Engineering, Genomics
Prof. Dr. Peter Westhoff
www.emp.hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 140225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-12338+49 211 81-14871
Institute for Developmental and Molecular Biology of Plants
(1) Molecular evolution of C4 photosyn-thesis in the genus Flaveria; (2) Identifi-cation of nuclear-encoded auxiliary and regulatory genes for thylakoid membrane biogenesis in Arabidopsis; (3) Molecular characterization of agronomically impor-tant quantitative trait loci (QTL) in maize.
International CollaborationsInternational Rice Research InstituteUniversity of CambridgeUniversity of Oxford
National CollaborationsTechnische Universität MünchenKWS Saat AG
Membership in local and regional NetworksCluster of Excellence in Plant Sciences(CEPLAS)
BIO.NRW
29
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
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Inorganic Chemistry, Nanotechnology
Biomass, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Small Molecules, Gasotransmitters, Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules
Prof. Dr. Christoph Janiak
www.chemie.uni-duesseldorf.de/Faecher/Anorganische_Chemie/AC1/[email protected]
Universitätsstr. 1 40225 Düsseldorf
+49 211-81-12286+49 211-81-12287
Institute for Developmental Genetics
Research in the developmental genetics insti-tute concentrates on the cellular and devel-opmental biology of Arabidopsis and related Brassicaceae. The labs are well equipped, and the local technological infrastructure includes a robotic platform for high-throughput in situ hybridisation, tissue processors, real-time PCR, confocal, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, high resolution fluores-cence microscopy with single-photon count-ing and image analysis. The team focusses on signal transduction pathways that control cell-cell communication during growth of meristems. Besides analysing signal release and perception, the lab investigates the tran-scription factor networks that regulate stem cell identity and the formation of organs and meristem-to-organ boundaries.
Standard techniques used in the lab are yeast 1- and 2-hybrid analysis, Affymetrix
microarray technology and next generation RNA sequencing, laser capture microdissec-tion, ChIP, inducible gene expression system, fluorescence techniques for protein analysis such as FCS, FLIM, FRET, FRAP, targeted inducible gene misexpression technologies, and in situ localization of gene and protein expression in living tissues.
International CollaborationsUniversity of MilanoUniversity of ZürichEcole Normale Superieure Lyon
National CollaborationsUniversität RegensburgPhytowelt GmBHSFB590
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC),SyNRG
Institute for Inorganic Chemistry and Structural Chemistry
Our research focuses on porous coordina-tion polymers/metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mixed-matrix membranes, (metal) nanoparticles, ionic liquids, supramolecular chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry and ca-talysis. Functional aspects of this work lie in the areas of gas storage, gas separation, drug carriers and drug release, e.g. carbon monoxide (CO) releasing molecules (CORMs) as gasotransmitters, anion detection and catalytic transformations.
International CollaborationsUniversidad La Laguna, SpainLanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, Lanzhou, ChinaMurcia University, Spain
National CollaborationsFraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISEBASF SE, Ludwigshafen
Cell Biology, Plant Biology/Physiology
Biomass, Crop Research, Microscopy, Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Simon
www.devgen.hhu.de
[email protected]@hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1 Building 26.12, Level 02 Room 2240225 Düsseldorf
+49 211-81-14045+49 211-81-12279
BIO.NRW
30
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Institute of Metabolic Physiology
The institute works on the cellular mecha-nisms of insulin secretion, pancreatic beta cell proliferation and angiogenesis with the aim to understand the physiology of these processes. In addition, disease models are used for developing drugs for diabetes treatment.
International CollaborationsGenentech Inc., South SanFrancisco, Ca, USAEidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Basel, SwitzerlandSan Raffaele Diabetes Research Institute, Milano, Italy
National CollaborationsProfil Institute for Metabolic Research,Neuss, GermanyMax Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
Membership in local and regional NetworksMember of the European Association of the Study of Diabetes (EASD)Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Society of Cell BiologySpeaker of the preclinical section of the Competence Network Diabetes (BMBF)
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Human Biology, Physiology, Diabetes, Angiogenesis, Insulin
Animal Models, Diabetes, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Lead Discovery, Microscopy
Prof. Dr. Eckhard Lammert
www.stoffwechsel.hhu.de, http://[email protected]@hhu.deUniversitätsstr. 1 Building 26.12, Level 00/ Room 00.8040225 Düsseldorf+49 211 81-14990+49 211 81-13897
Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology (IMET)
Scientists at IMET use state-of-the-art molecular genetic, microbiological, bio-chemical and biotechnological methods to develop novel bacterial expression systems for the synthesis of difficult-to-express enzymes, membrane proteins and secondary metabolites. Protein folding and secretion are studied and biotechnological applications of newly discovered enzymes are examined. A high-throughput robotic screening facility allows the identification of novel enzymes, e.g. from metagenomic libraries, and their subsequent optimiza-tion by using directed evolution methods. IMET also harbours laboratories according to German security level S2 allowing to experimentaly handle putative pathogens. Recently, IMET has put a focus on isolation, biochemical and structural characterization of a new class of fluorescent proteins which
can be applied as molecular reporters and sensors under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.International Collaborations
Department of Environmental Genomics, Bangor University, UKDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CanadaDepartment of Chemistry and Bio-chemistry, University of Bern, Switzerland
National CollaborationsMax Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Mülheim an der RuhrRheinisch-Westfälische TH Aachen Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021, BioRiver e. V., BioSC, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), CleanTechNRW
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Biotechnology
Biocatalysts, DNA, Enzymes, Genetic Engineering, Recombinant Proteins
Prof. Dr. Karl-Erich Jaeger
www.iet.uni-duesseldorf.de
Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH52428 Jülich
+49 2461 61-3716+49 2461 61-2490
BIO.NRW
31
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
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Biotechnology, Microbiology
Antibody,Biopharmaceuticals, Enzymes, Pathology, RNA/RNAi/antisense RNA
Prof. Dr. Michael FeldbrüggeDr. Kerstin [email protected]@hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.12, Level/ Room 01.4540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-15475+49 211 81-15370
Genetics/Molecular Biology
Antibiotic, DNA, Genetic Engineering, RNA/RNAi/antisense RNA, Small Molecules
Prof. Dr. Rolf WagnerDr. Ümit [email protected]@hhu.deUniversitätsstr. 1Building 26.12, Level/Room U1.1240225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-14928+49 211 81-15167
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Institute for Microbiology
The causative agent of corn smut, Usti-lago maydis, has matured as an excellent model system throughout the last decade. Currently, it belongs to the best 10 fungal pathogens in molecular plant pathology. Using this model pathogen, the Institute for Microbiology is focusing on three different aspects: cell biology, pathogenicity and biotechnology. In the cell biology section, we study in vivo the microtubule-dependent mRNA transport in filaments applying fluorescence microscopy. With respect to pathogenicity, we investigate the uncon-ventional secretion of effector proteins as well as the function of chitinases and lipases during infection. In the applied sciences, we are establishing and applying U. maydis as novel expression system for heterolo-gous proteins. As a unique feature we use unconventional secretion for the export of
functional proteins, such as single-chain antibodies and lipases.
International CollaborationsMichigan State University, East Lansing, USALMB MRC Cambridge, UKEcole Normale Superieure LyonUNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
National CollaborationsLudwig Maximillians University MunichKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyMax Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
Institute for Molecular Biology of Bacteria
Our main interest is to understand the molecular mechanisms of bacterial adapta-tion to the rapidly changing environmental conditions especially during stress. Adapta-tion generally involves altered gene expres-sion largely determined by transcriptional regulation. In the focus of our studies is the analysis of protein nucleic acid complexes as well as the functional characterization of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which have recently been recognized as important regulatory players in all types of organisms. A notable example is 6S RNA, which acts as a central regulator of the bacterial transcription apparatus. A second project deals with the widespread microbial immune system termed CRISPR. Again, small RNAs (crRNAs) together with a set of diverse CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas proteins) mediate adaptive and inheritable immunity
to bacteria against viruses and other mobile genetic elements. The junior research group, led by Dr. Ümit Pul, investigates the molecu-lar mechanisms of this microbial RNAi-like defense system.
International CollaborationsWageningen University, The Netherlandsl
National CollaborationsIBG-1, Forschungszentrum Jülich University Cologne Charité Berlin
Membership in local and regional NetworksMember of DFG Priority Program SPP1258 DFG Research Unit FOR1680
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Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Institute for Molecular Mycology
Research in Molecular Mycology is focused on Candida fungal species that cause human disease or that are useful for bio-technology applications. Candida albicans is the most important fungal pathogen causing superficial or systemic mycoses in humans. Molecular mechanisms contribut-ing to virulence of the pathogen are being studied with the aim to establish targets for novel antifungal compounds. Candida utilis is a harmless food yeast able to grow on numerous abundant biosubstrates to high density. We are establishing this fun-gus as an alternative host for production of heterologous proteins, investigating in particular secretion strategies to facilitate product purification.
International CollaborationsUniversidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, SpainJawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
National CollaborationsHeinrich Heine University, Jülich, Germany
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB Graduate ClusterMOI Graduate SchoolNRW ExpressO ERA-Net PathoGenoMics
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Microbiology
Anti-Infective Research, Fungal Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Recombinant Proteins
Prof. Dr. Joachim Ernst
www.mykologie.hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.12, Level/Room 01.8240225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-15176+49 211 81-15176
Institute of Molecular Evolution
The terms that best describe our work are “early evolution” and “endosymbiosis”. In the laboratory, we mainly work on the biochemistry and evolution of bioenergetic organelles (chloroplasts and mitochondria) with a special focus on organelle origins and the role of anaerobic energy metabolism therein. At the computer, we have helped to pioneer the use of networks, instead of trees, to capture the vertical and horizontal component of genome evolution. We have made noted contributions to the under-standing of gene transfer in evolution, both in the context of endosymbiotic organelle origins and in the context of gene transfer among free-living provaryotes. Our work has been recognized with well over 10,000 ciatations (h-index 54) and an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (2008).
International CollaborationsUniversity of Utrecht, The NetherlandsUniversity College, London , UKMassey University, New Zealand
National CollaborationsPhilipps-University MarburgZoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, BonnUniversität Wien
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)iGRAD-Plant
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Physiology, Molecular Evolution
Bioenergy Research, Bioinformatics, Comparative Genomics, Microbial Genomics, System Biology
Prof. Dr. William Frank [email protected]@uni-duesseldorf.de
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.13, Level/Room 01.3440225 Düsseldorf+49 211 81-13011+49 211 81-13554
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Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
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Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry
Biocatalysts, Cancer, Colon Cancer, Enzymes, Small Molecules
Prof. Dr. Thomas J.J. Müller
www.chemie.uni-duesseldorf.de/Faecher/[email protected]@hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.43, Level/Room 00.4140225 Düsseldorf+49 211 81-12298+49 211 81-14324
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Biotechnology, Organic Chemistry, Bioactive Natural Products
Analytics, Antibiotic, Anti-Infective Research, Cancer, Lead Discovery, Plant Produced Products
Prof. Dr. Peter Prokschwww.pharmazie.uni-duesseldorf.de/Institute/[email protected]
Universitätsstr. 1 Building 26.23, Level/Room 00.4040225 Düsseldorf+49 211 81-14163+49 211 81-11923
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry
The research in our institute is focused on molecular and macromolecular functional compounds. The scope ranges from small molecule entities with biological activity or functional chromophores to supramo-lecular interactions of polymer-molecule host-guest interactions
International CollaborationsCluj-Napoca, RomaniaIasi, RomaniaUniversité de Strasbourg, France
National CollaborationsHenkel KGaABASF SEEvonik
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology
The research activities of the group of Prof. Proksch focus on the discovery of new bioactive natural products from marine organisms, fungi and from higher plants with activities against cancer and infectious diseases. Other research topics include new anti-fouling compounds and plant derived insecticidal and fungicidal compounds with potential use for plant protection. We cover the isolation and spectroscopic structure elucidation of new leads from nature as well as their production through fermentation.
International CollaborationsPeking University, Beijing, RP ChinaChinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, RP ChinaUniversity of Debrecen, Hungary
National CollaborationsUniversity MainzHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfDKFZ Heidelberg
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Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
Research of the Institute includes all as-pects of the preclinical drug development process: target identification, target valida-tion, computational medicinal chemistry, molecular modeling & bioinformatics, virtual screening, synthesis of small mol-ecules, biological and pharmacological testing, recombinant protein expression, biomolecular screening, cytotoxicity test-ing, hit identification, lead development, pro-drug development, gene expression microarray analysis. Current projects include: protein-protein-interaction inhibi-tors, HSP90 inhibitors, antimalarial drugs, medicinal chemistry of nucleotide (P2) re-ceptors, free-fatty-acid-receptors, histone-deacetylase inhibitors, chemoresistance of cancer cells, strategies to overcome chemoresistance, enzyme design, thermo-stabilization of proteins
Prof. Dr. M. Kassack: Pharmaceutical BiochemistryProf. Dr. H. Gohlke: Computational ChemistryProf. Dr. T. Kurz: Drug synthesis
International CollaborationsUniversity of Genova, Italy.Arizona State University, USAUniversity of Antwerp
National CollaborationsAachen UniversityGeorg-Speyer-Haus, FrankfurtUniversität Hamburg.
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021 Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSc)
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Medicinal Chemistry
Cancer, Cell Lines/Banks, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Molecular Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Matthias Kassack
www.pharmazie.uni-duesseldorf.de/Institute/[email protected]
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.2340225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-14587+49 211 81-13847
Institute of Physical Biology
Research of the Institute of Physical Biology (IPB) focuses on the development and ap-plication of methods to precisely investigate three-dimensional structures, dynamics, ligand interactions and molecular mecha-nisms of biologically and medically relevant macromolecules involved in basic cellular processes like autophagy. Function and malfunction of most investigated proteins play decisive roles in the development and progression of infectious diseases, e.g. AIDS and Hepatitis C, and neurodegenerative dis-eases, e.g. prion diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Thus, folding, misfold-ing and aggregation together with protein-protein and other protein-ligand interactions need to be investigated quantitatively and – if possible – in atomic detail by liquid and solid state NMR, X-ray crystallography and computational biology methods. With the
development of novel approaches for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders as well as therapeutic and preventive ap-proaches to Alzheimer’s disease, applied research is carried out as well.International Collaborations
Institut de Biologie Structurale, CEA, Grenoble, FranceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham, USATel Aviv University, Israel
National CollaborationsForschungszentrum Jülich, CaesarUniversities of Erlangen-Nuernberg and Duisburg-Essen
Membership in local and regional NetworksNRW Research School BioStructGRK1033, IHRS BioSoft, Bio-N3MR NetworkNRW, Competence Network DegenerativeDementias, CLIB-GC, MOI,Neuroscience Network Düsseldorf
Biochemistry
Alzheimer’s Disease, Biomarker, Infectious Diseases, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Structural Biology,Biomolecular NMR, Spectroscopy, Protein Ligand Interactions,Autophagy
Prof. Dr. Dieter Willboldwww.uni-duesseldorf.de/MathNat/[email protected]ätsstr. 1Building 26.12, Level/Room U1.8440225 Düsseldorf+49 211 81-11390+49 211 81-15167
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Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
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Biochemistry, Plant Biology/Physiology
Biomass, Genomics, Metabolomics, Systems Biology, Synthetic Biology
Prof. Dr. Andreas Paul M. Weber
www.plant-biochemistry.hhu.de
[email protected]@hhu.de
Universitätsstr. 1Building 26.03, Level 0140225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-12347+49 211 81-13706
Institute for Plant Biochemistry
The Institute of Plant Biochemistry is using systems biology approaches to obtain a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of plant metabolism and function. Through comparative genomics and transcriptomics, we generate blueprints of plant metabolic pathways, such as C4 photosynthesis and photorespiration.
The specific focus is on compartmenta-tion of metabolic pathways and intracellular solute transport and on transcriptional programs involved in govering leaf structure and function. Molecular blueprints of plant metabolism will permit the engineering of novel plants with improved properties, such as the ability to perform C4 photosynthesis or increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. In synthetic biology approaches, we attempt to establish synthetic orga-nelles with photosynthetic capacity in non-
photosynthetic cells, thereby creating novel photosynthetic organisms.
International CollaborationsMichigan-State-University, East Lansing, MI, USAUniversity of Cambridge, UKUniversity of Lille, France
National CollaborationsUniversity of Erlangen-NürnbergLudwig Maximilians University, MunichUniversity of Cologne
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)iGRAD-Plant
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Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität BonnTraditionally modern – the University of Bonn
leading scholars as well as students. The list of famous professors ranges from the astronomer Friedrich Wilhelm Argelander (1799-1875), through the chemist August Kekulé von Stradonitz (1829-1896) and po-litical economist Josef Schumpeter (1883-1950) to the philologist Ernst Robert Cur-tius (1886-1956) and the theologists Karl Barth (1886-1968) and Joseph Ratzinger (born 1927), from 05.2005 until 02.2013 Pope Benedict XVI. Bonn’s best-known students include Heinrich Heine, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Konrad Adenauer.
The university is proud of a long list of award-winning scientists and scholars, with more than a dozen Leibniz Prize winners. In the last 25 years two professors have received the Nobel Prize: Wolfgang Paul (for Physics, 1989) and Reinhard Selten (for Economics, 1994).
Bonn is one of the large universities in Ger-many, with around 30,000 students, 500 professors, 3,500 other academic staff and 4,800 technical and administrative staff. It offers a wide disciplinary spectrum comprising some ninety different degree programmes, from Agricultural Science to Tibetan Studies. This diversity is what characterizes Bonn as a full-range univer-sity with a strong international orientation. Its academic and research profile features internationally renowned specializations in the fields of Mathematics, Physics/As-tronomy, Economics, Chemistry, Pharma Research, Biosciences, Genetic Medicine, Neurosciences and Philosophy/Ethics. Other disciplines, such as Geography and Law, are of outstanding importance within the German research scene.
The Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn is rooted in a long tradi-tion going back almost 200 years. It was founded in 1818 by Friedrich-Wilhelm III, the Prussian king whose name it bears. Imbued with the spirit of Wilhelm von Humboldt, the university quickly joined the circle of Germany’s most distinguished universities and became a major pole of attraction for
Name
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Number ofemployees
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Regina-Pacis-Weg 353113 Bonn
Holger Impekoven, Dezernent für Forschung
+49 228 73-5944
www.uni-bonn.de
1818
scientific 3.786administrative 1.813
www.uni-bonn.de
© Dr. Thomas Mauersberg
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Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
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Plant Biology/Physiology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Environmental Research, Genomics, GMO, Microscopy, Plant Breeding
Prof. Dr. Lukas Schreiber
www.izmb.uni-bonn.de
Kirschallee 153115 Bonn
+49 228 73-2130+49 228 73-6183
Genetics/Molecular Biology/Physiology
Animal Models, Genetic Engineering, Immune Modulation, Microscopy, Neurodegenerative Diseases
Prof. Dr. Walter Witke
www.genetik.uni-bonn.de
[email protected]@uni-bonn.de
Karlobert-Kreiten-Str. 13 53115 Bonn
+49 228 73-4210+49 228 73-4263
International CollaborationsChinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
National CollaborationsBASF SE, LimburgerhofMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding,Cologne
Current and future projects in our unit focus on mechanisms of actin dynamics in synaptic plasticity, on the polarity of stem cell division, on local immune responses and mechanisms of metastasis. International Collaborations
Margaret Frame, University EdinburghThe University of Missouri, Columbia, USAInstituto de Tecnologia Quimica e Biologica, Oeiras. Portugal
National CollaborationsUniversity of KaiserslauternUniversity of Erlangen
The IZMB (Institute of Cellular and Mo-lecular Botany) at Bonn University con-sist of the three departments Molecular Evolution (Prof. Dr. Volker Knoop), Cell Biology (Prof. Dr. Diedrik Menzel) and Ecophysiology (Prof. Dr. Lukas Schreiber). Research at the IZMB is dealing with vari-ous aspects of functional plant biology. Scientific approaches include molecular biology, molecular evolution, cell biology, physiology and phytochemistry. Main research topics are molecular evolution of early land plants, membrane transport of nutrients, cytoskeleton and differentiation of plant cells and plant environment inter-actions occurring across plant interfaces made of cutin and suberin. Experimental approaches range from the molecular and cellular level to the organismic level of the intact plant.
The main interest of our research is to un-derstand the role of the actin cytoskeleton and cell motility in mouse morphogenesis and tissue physiology.
We employ the mouse as a genetic mod-el system to specifically manipulate cell motility in different tissues and cell types. We apply an interdisciplinary approach of molecular genetics, cell biology and bio-chemistry to understand basic questions of cytoskeletal dynamics during tissue morphogenesis and regeneration, during cell shape changes, cell polarization and cytokinesis. The relevance of cytoskeletal dynamics in physiological processes such as neuronal transmission, local immune responses and metastasis is indisputable, however the control mechanisms and the links of cytoskeletal dynamics to physi-ological readout are poorly understood.
Institute for Cellular and Molecular Botany
Institute for Genetics
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Plant Biology/Physiology
Environmental Research, Genomics, Plant Breeding, Proteomics, Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. Dorothea Bartels
www.imbio.uni-bonn.de
[email protected]@uni-bonn.de
Kirschallee 1 53115 Bonn
+49 228 73-2070+49 228 73-1697
ties in the leaves. During the drying Oktulose is converted into sucrose, and vice versa in the re-watering. It is believed that the sugar has a protective function. International Collaborations
Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona(IBMB), SpainCentro de Investigaciones Biologicas- CSIC, Madrid, SpainDanforth Center Missouri, USA
National CollaborationsMax Planck Institut für Pflanzenzüchtung, KölnUniversität Koblenz
Membership in local and regional NetworksAkademiaNetDeutsche Gesellschaft für BiochemieEMBO (European Molecular Biology Organisation)
Dorothea Bartels’s research group is con-cerned with the molecular basis of drought tolerance in plants. To this end, we work primarily with so-called resurrection plant that can adapt to extreme drought, Crater-ostigma plantagineum. This plant, which belongs to the family of Rachenblütler (Scro-phulariaceae) is originally from South Africa and has the remarkable ability to survive extreme drought. Craterostigma is therefore particularly suitable as a model system, as well as callus is drought tolerant after treat-ment with the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA). The ABA treatment induced drought tolerance, while at the molecular level the genes are expressed which are active in the whole plant during the drying process. Another area of research, changes in sugar metabolism. In the non-stressed plant enters the unusual sugar 2-Oktulose in large quanti-
Institute for Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
International CollaborationsThe University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia The University of Missouri, Columbia, USAInstituto de Tecnologia Quimica e Biologica, Oeiras. Portugal
National CollaborationsInstitute of Bio- and Geosciences, Biotechnology (IGB-1), JülichRWTH Aachen Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)NRW International Graduate Research School Biotech Pharma
The Institute of Microbiology and Bio-technology covers a wide range of topics including microbial physiology, medical and pharmaceutical microbiology, food microbiology and applied microbiology and biotechnology. In education we offer a Master s degree in Microbiology.
Research interests include:Antibiotic peptides and bacterial cell wall synthesis for the development of novel antimicrobials; food safety, bacte-rial cold adaptation and water recycling in aquaculture; application of regioselec-tive enzymes for the production of fine chemicals; methanogenic archaea for biogas production plants; molecular biol-ogy of bacterial sulfur metabolism; micro-bial degradation and conversion of lignite (brown coal); biotechnological application of extremophilic bacteria.
Institute of Microbiology and BiotechnologyResearch Field
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Microbiology
Antibiotic, Enzymes, Food Science, Genetic Engineering, Microbial Physiology, Biotransformations
Prof. Dr. Erwin Galinski
www.ifmb.uni-bonn.de
[email protected]@uni-bonn.de
Meckenheimer Allee 168 53115 Bonn
+49 228 73-6472+49 228 73-7576
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Research Field
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Life and Medical Sciences
Body Fat Regulation, Genomics, Immune Modulation, Lipid Metabolism, Nutrition, Plant Breeding, RNA/RNAi/antisense RNA
Prof. Dr. Michael Hoch
www.limes-bonn.de
[email protected]@limes-bonn.de
Carl-Troll-Straße 31 53115 Bonn
+49 228 73-62736+49 228 73-62639
program Molecular biomedicine, the Inter-national Graduate Program Life & Medical Sciences (M.Sc./PhD) and the joint Summer School program Life Sciences & Culture Bonn with Harvard University.
International CollaborationsWaseda University Tokyo, JapanTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan Harvard University USA
National Collaborationscaesar and DZNE, BonnUniversities of Heidelberg, Dresden, Cologne
Membership in local and regional NetworksDFG Cluster of Excellence “ImmunoSen-sation”, DFG-SonderforschungsbereicheSFB 645, SFB 704 (Bonn), SFB 832, SFB
670 (Cologne), SFB/TR 83 (Heidelberg)
Translational activities are embedded in several research consortia, including the Thematic Translational Unit “Novel Anti-infectives” of the newly established German Center of Infection Research International Collaborations
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, USANAICONS, ItalyUniversity of Newcastle
National CollaborationsUniversity of DüsseldorfUniversity of TübingenAiCuris
Membership in local and regional NetworksFOR 854, DZIF TTU Novel Anti-infectives
The Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) is a center of excellence for both basic research and higher education in Life Sciences and Biomedicine at the University of Bonn. It is positioned within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. A com-mon scientific focus of the LIMES Institute is to study metabolism and immunity and their cross-regulation in health and disease.
The LIMES research groups provide major research expertise in Chemical Biology, Me-dicinal Chemistry, Development, Genetics, Cell and Immune Biology, Membrane Biology and Lipid Biochemistry. They co-operate in a number of interdisciplinary research initiatives funded by the German Research Foundation DFG (Collaborative Research Centers SFBs 645, 704). Furthermore, the LIMES groups have set up various teaching programs including the undergraduate study
Many disciplines of modern medicine de-pend heavily on the availability of effective antibiotics, however, the rapid spread of multiply resistant microbes poses serious threats to infectious disease manage-ment and the achievements of intensive care and transplantation medicine. The research at the Pharmaceutical Micro-biology, University of Bonn is focused on antibiotic mechanisms and new bacte-rial targets for antibiotic intervention. We study natural antibiotic compounds from microbes and components of the innate immune system of animals and plants as to their modes of killing action to identify new anti-infective strategies. The basic research in this area is supported by the German Research Foundation, e.g. the Research Unit 854 “Post-genomic strate-gies for new antibiotic drugs and targets”.
Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES)
Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology Research Field
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Microbiology
Antibiotic, Bacterial Cell Biology, Staphylococci
Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Sahl
www.ifmb-a.uni-bonn.de/ag-sahl/index_en.html
[email protected]@uni-bonn.de
Meckenheimer Allee 168 53115 Bonn
+49 228 73-5272+49 228 73-5267
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
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Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Ruhr-Universität BochumPeople – Centred – Cosmopolitan – High Performance
knowledge, their curiosity, and their com-mitment. They help shape the RUB and their open-mindedness makes the RUB an attractive place for people from around the world.
Guiding principle of the RUB
The trio of values, people-centred – cos-mopolitan – high-performance, represent the cornerstones of the RUB environment. This space is more than just the sum of its individual elements: pepople-centred and cosmopolitan means to respect diverse cultures and to give guests a home. People-centred and high-powered means jointly developing creative forces, to “tackle” things with verve and ambition.
“Campus RUB” is the contemporary uni-versitas – the community in which people take centre stage.
Living universitas
The members of the universitas teach oth-ers and, at the same time, learn from each other whether in science, studies, engineer-ing, or management.
Located in the midst of the dynamic, hos-pitable metropolitan area of the ruhr, in the heart of europe, the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) with its 20 faculties, RUB’s disciplinary institutional units, is home to 5,600 employees and over 38,000 students. All the great sci-entific disciplines are united on one compact campus.
The RUB is on its way to becoming one of the leading european universities of the 21st century. Almost all courses are offered as bachelor and master degree programmes.
Our excellence programmes have made themselves an international name: our research school is an international college for structured doctoral research in the life sciences, natural sciences, engineering, the humanities and social sciences. Interfaculty and interdisciplinary research departments, which are mutually, nationally and internation-ally networked, sharpen the profile of the RUB – especially the Cluster of Excellence “RESOLV (Ruhr Explores Solvation) - Solvents as ac-tive units”. Added to this is an unsurpassed programme for the promotion of early career researchers, and an excellent infrastructure.
What makes it all come alive is the people who meet on campus with their thirst for
Name
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FonE-Mail
InternetFounded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Universitätsstr. 15044801 Bochum
Dr. Josef König, Press and Public Relations Office+49 234 32-22830 [email protected]; Opened 1965
scientific 3,200 (+ 2,100 PhD students)administrative 2,400
State Government NRW 76% Other 24%German Research Foundation; Federal Ministry of Education and Research/Federal Funds; European Union; Foundations
www.rub.de
© Fotograf Blossey
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Ruhr-Universität Bochum
orphan receptors of the delta subfamily, and the protein-mediated trafficking of GluRs to the plasma membrane.International Collaborations
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, USAChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USADep. of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
National CollaborationsJulius-von-Sachs-Institut für Biowissenschaften, Würzburg Institut für Klinische Neurobiologie, Universität WürzburgKlinik für Neurologie, Heilig-Geist Krankenhaus Köln
Membership in local and regional NetworksKompetenznetzwerk Stammzell-forschung NRW; Kompetenznetzwerk Neurowissenschaften (NeuroNRW)
We investigate the structure, assembly, intracellular transport, function, regulation, and modulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs). We employ molecular biological and electrophysiological methods combined with confocal microscopy and protein biochemistry. We analyze functional properties of members of GluRs in heterolo-gous expression systems such as Xenopus oocytes and HEK293 cells. In our studies, we include vertebrate glutamate receptors as well as invertebrate and plant GluRs. Current projects include the modulation of GluRs by interacting membrane proteins, the cloning and functional analysis of plant GluRs from Arabidopsis thaliana, the expression of GluRs in differentiating stem cells, the assembly of tetrameric GluRs from 18 subunits known in mammals, the cloning and characterization of Xenopus laevis GluRs, the function of the
Department Biochemistry I – Receptor BiochemistryResearch Field
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Molecular Neuroscience
Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurotransmitter Receptors, Neuroscience, Molecular Neurobiology, Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. Michael Hollmann
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/bc1/[email protected]@rub.de
Universitätsstraße 150NC 6/17044780 Bochum
+49 234 32-24225+49 234 32-14244
International CollaborationsBaylor College of Medicine, Houston, USARotterdam, NLCase Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of Heidelberg
The overall goal of my research is to under-stand how G-proteins modulate ion channels and intracellular signaling pathways and how this modulation in turn determines neuronal network function and behavior.
Not easily addressed in the reduced prep-arations where G-protein signaling is for the most part studied is the most basic ques-tion: Why are neuronal systems modulated by G-proteins? We therefore developed a non-invasive approach to induce G-protein modulation into channels and neuronal net-works by light using vertebrate rhodopsin. These light activated GPCRs are currently be used to gain an understanding of the role of this signaling pathway for emotional and motor behavior as well as their underlying physiological response in animal models of disease, i.e. anxiety, aggression, ataxia and absence epilepsy.
Department of General Zoology and NeurobiologyResearch Field
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Cell Biology, Neurobiology, Optogenetics
Animal Models,Genetic Engineering, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Signal TransductionProf. Dr. Stefan Herlitze
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/neurobiol/[email protected]@neurobiologie.ruhr-uni-bochum.deUniversitätsstraße 150ND 7/3244780 Bochum+49 234 32-24363+49 234 32-14185
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Research Field
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Environmental Biology /Chemistry, Biodiversity, Evolution, EcologyBiodiversity, Chemical Ecology, Ecology, Evolution, Fresh Water, Genomics, Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Population Genetics
Prof. Dr. Ralph Tollrianwww.rub.de/[email protected]@rub.deUniversitätsstraße 150NDEF 5/75444780 Bochum
+49 234 32-24998+49 234 32-14114
International CollaborationsThe University of Iowa, USAUniversity of Otago, Dunedin, NZBritisch Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, UKUniversity of Birmingham, UK
National CollaborationsUniversity of BayreuthUniversity of WürzburgAlfred Wegener Institute, BremerhavenTU Darmstadt
Research in the fields of biodiversity, ecol-ogy and evolution with a geographic range from polar regions (Antarctic, deep sea) to the tropics (coral reef research, rainforests). Special emphasis on local and regional pro-jects (climate change and anthropogenic effects on freshwater systems, chemical ecology of polinator systems), collaboration with LANUV and nature conservation agen-cies, fundamental research on phenotypic plasticity (metabolic pathways, genomics, ecosystem effects), phylogenetics and DNA barcoding (cryptic species, species identification, species description) and many population genetic projects (genetic diversity, population connectivity), evolu-tion of sex.
Institute of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
The Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology aims at the eluci-dation of the molecular and cellular bases that regulate the generation of the central nervous system. Thematic groups focus i) on the biology of radial glia stem cells, motoneurons, glial progenitors and their mi-croenvironment, the stem cell niche during development and under pathological condi-tions; ii) on neuron-glia interactions and their regulatory influence on axon growth and guidance, as well as synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity; iii) on retinal stem cells and their integration into neural net-works and the possible application to visual system lesions and degeneration. On the molecular level, glycoproteins, chondroitin-sulfate proteoglycans and their receptors, tyrosine phosphatases and downstream GTPases of the RhoA-family and GEFs (e.g.
Vav-proteins) are studied using molecular and cell biological tools, and genetically modified animal models.
International CollaborationsThe University of Edinburgh, UKHokkaido University, Sapporo, JapanUniversity of Cambridge, UK
National CollaborationsLudwig Maximilians University MünchenOtto von Guericke University MagdeburgRuhr University Bochum
Membership in local and regional NetworksStem Cell Network North Rhine Westphalia
Institute of Cell Morphology and Molecular NeurobiologyCell Biology, Neurobiology, Stem Cell Biology
Antibody, Microscopy, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Tissue Engineering
Prof. Dr. Andreas Faissnerwww.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/zellmorphologie/[email protected]
Universitätsstraße 150NDEF 5/59344801 Bochum
+49 234 32-28851+49 234 32-14313
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Olfactory receptor genes constitute the largest gene family in vertebrate genomes. The structural diversity of the olfactory receptors are the basis for the astonishing capacity to discriminate so many different odorants. We are working on the identifica-tion of new receptor-ligand pairs and their protein interactions. In addition we study the odorant receptor induced signal trans-duction and transport processes. Moreover, the functional characterization of olfactory receptors in non-neuronal tissues is in the focus of our interest. In collaboration with dif-ferent clinical departments the physiological role of olfactory receptors in the human skin, heart, liver and testis is under investigation.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Florida, USAUniversity of Siena, ItalyUniversity of California, Los Angeles, USA
National CollaborationsUniversitätsklinikum Dresden, HNOUniversitätsklinikum Köln, NeurophysiologieTU München, Lebensmittelchemie und molekulare Sensorik
Membership in local and regional NetworksStem Cell Network North Rhine Westphalia
Institute of Cell PhysiologyCell Biology/Physiology
Drug Discovery/Delivery, Fertility, GPCR, Olfaction and Taste, Oncology, Proteomics, Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. Dr. Hanns Hatt
www.cphys.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/[email protected]
Universitätsstraße 150ND 444780 Bochum
+49 234 32-24586+49 234 32-14129
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Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Using functional and next-generation genom-ics, we dissect evolution and the genetic and molecular functional basis of extreme abiotic stress tolerance in plants. A second focus of our research are the molecular mechanisms of the maintenance of transition metal homeostasis (Zn, Fe, Cu) in plants, and the interactions with plant growth, metabolism and development. Applications are strate-gies in the breeding of stress-resistant crops, crop bio-fortification, increasing crop nutri-ent efficiency and phytoremediation.
International CollaborationsUniversity of California, Los Angeles, USA Uni?? JapanUniversity of Cambridge, UK
National CollaborationsMax Planck Institute for Developmental Biology TübingenUniversity of HeidelbergRuhr University Bochum
Membership in local and regional NetworksStem Cell Network North Rhine Westphalia
Institute of Plant PhysiologyGenetics/Molecular Biology, Plant Biology/PhysiologyAgricultural Biotechnology, Biomarker, Crop Research, Next-Generation Sequencing, Plant Breeding
Prof. Dr. Ute Krämer
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/pflaphy/Seiten_en/[email protected]@rub.de
Universitätsstraße 150ND 3/3044801 Bochum+49 234 32-28004+49 234 32-14187
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The BMBF-funded junior research group uses advanced mass spectrometry ap-proaches for the analysis of proteins and metabolites from microorganisms. Current efforts are geared to a systems biology un-derstanding of microbial physiology based on high quality quantitative data. Recent developments are tools for quantitative analysis of mebrane proteins and global studies of protein synthesis and degrada-tion kinetics in microorganisms. Application examples in the bio-economy area are the improvement of sphingolipid production pathways in yeast and stress resistance mechanisms in bacteria.
International CollaborationsQIBEBT, China University of British Columbia, CanadaUniversity of Cambridge, UK
National CollaborationsUniversity of Bielefeld Forschungszentrum JülichRWTH Aachen
Membership in local and regional NetworksStem Cell Network North Rhine Westphalia
Institute of Plant BiochemistryBiotechnology, Microbiology, Mass Spectrometry
Analytics, Biocatalysts, Metabolomics, Proteomics, System Biology
PD Dr. Ansgar Poetsch
www.bpf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Universitätsstraße 150ND 2/13044801 Bochum
+49 234 32-28419+49 234 32-14322
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Ruhr-Universität Bochum
International CollaborationsBurke Medical Research Institute, New York, USAUniversity College London, UKProf. Dr. Deneris, Cleveland, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of Duisburg-EssenUniversity of BielefeldUniversity of Leipzig– Paul Fleschig Institute of Brain Research
Membership in local and regional NetworksStem Cell Network North Rhine WestphaliaUniversity Alliance Metropolis Ruhr (UAMR)TRANSPOL (Marie Curie FP7, ITN)
Neuronal connectivity is regulated not only during development but also in the adult brain, in response to brain activity. The small GTPase protein Ras is a universal intracel-lular signaling protein that may mediate such mechanisms of brain plasticity through transient activation of downstream protein phosphorylation signaling cascades. We have developed a synRas animal model expressing permanently activated Val12 Ras, selectively in neurons. Using this model we investigate if neuronal Ras activity is involved in the dynamics of dendritic spine formation in neurons, in the regulation of synapse number and in the regulation of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Current research topics com-prise stem cell replacement therapy, nucleic acid functionalized calcium phosphate na-noparticles, Parkinson’s disease model and involvement of small G-proteins in apoptosis.
Department Biochemistry II – Molecular NeurobiochemistryResearch Field
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Biochemistry
Animal Models,Neurodegenerative Diseases, Parkinson Diesease, Signal Transduction, Stem Cell ResearchProf. Dr. Rolf Heumann
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/mol-neurobio/Lehrstuhl/[email protected]@rub.deUniversitätsstraße 150NC 7/17444780 Bochum
+49 234 32-24230+49 234 32-14105
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BIO.NRW Ruhr-Universität Bochum
www.pure.rub.de
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Ruhr-Universität Bochum/Protein research Unit Ruhr within Europe (PURE)
Universitätsstr. 15044780 Bochum
Prof. Dr. K. Gerwert
+49 234 32-24461
www.pure.rub.de
2010
scientific 100 administrative 5
State Government NRW 100%
At the European protein research institute PURE, internationally renowned protein researchers pool their resources at the Ruhr-University Bochum searching biomarkers for the early detection of diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Practically all cancerous and neurodegenera-tive diseases can be traced back to defect genes or gene products, the proteins. A plethora of cellular processes is regulated and determined by proteins: defect proteins trigger Creutzfeld-Jakob- or Alzheimer’s Disease, oncogenic mutated proteins trigger cancer. These defects serve as biomarkers for the PURE approach.
PURE aims to develop innovative diagnos-tic technologies for markerfree bioimaging and protein analytics, based on protein alterations. Uniquely, the interdisciplinary approach integrates fundamental research into applied and clinical research towards a future oriented project. Novel non-invasive label-free spatially resolving spectroscopic methods -successfully applied in funda-mental research- shall be transferred into clinical application. The combination of top-notch platform technologies for protein and biomarker research with the well-established
proteome analysis will reach an entirely new level in protein diagnostics. Bioinformatics evaluate the concerted results together with clinical scientists. By this means, a dif-ferentiated and predictive diagnosis within the scope of personalized medicine will be achieved.
The vision driving the researchers of PURE is to condense the essential examinations into a single, simple test on blood, urine or other minimally invasive samples. Just as every human has a unique finger print, every disease has a characteristic protein profile. Once characterized, it will be used to predict diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s at the most early, symptomless stage. This is the premise for an increased chance of therapy success.
Protein research Unit Ruhr within Europe (PURE).
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RWTH Aachen University
www.rwth-aachen.de
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RWTH Aachen University
Templergraben 5552062 Aachen
+49 241 80-1www.rwth-aachen.de
1870
scientific 2,500 administrative 4,350
RWTH Aachen is in the process of develop-ing from a polytechnic into an integrated, interdisciplinary technical university. The engineering focus of the University is closely coordinated with the natural sciences and medicine; the arts, social sciences and economics, structurally linked to the core disciplines, also make a significant con-tribution to the University’s teaching and research profile. With its 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen is among the leading European scientific and research institutions. 37,917 students in 118 courses of study are registered, including almost 5,000 international students from more than 120 countries. Teaching at RWTH Aachen is first and foremost application-oriented. Its graduates are therefore sought-after as junior executives and leaders in business and industry. National rankings and international assessments attest to the RWTH graduates’ marked ability to handle complex tasks, to solve problems constructively in team work and to take on leadership roles.
The competence centres of RWTH Aachen achieve very effective cross-subject, inter-faculty collaboration in interdisciplinary networks while maintaining a high level of
specialisation and differentiation into distinct subject areas. This was also the deciding fac-tor for international research institutions to be set up in the Aachen region. The Univer-sity’s innovative capacity is further reflected in the high number of business start-ups (cur-rently more than 1,400). As a result, around 32,000 jobs have been created in the region in the last 25 years. Furthermore, RWTH Aachen is the largest employer and educa-tion provider in the region. It will continue to play a decisive role as a driving force in influencing and shaping this high-tech region in the future.
RWTH Aachen UniversityTHINKING The Future.
© Peter Winandy
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RWTH Aachen University
BiochemistryPlant Biology /Physiology, Plant Pathology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Bioenergy Research, Biologicals, Biomass, Plant Stress Resistance
Prof. Alan J. Slusarenko
www.bio3.rwth-aachen.de
Sammelbau BiologieWorringer Weg 152056 Aachen
+49 241 80-26650
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Chemical Engineering
Biocatalysts, Biomaterials, Biomass, Bioprocessing, Enzymes
Prof. Dr. Ing. Antje C. Spieß
www.avt.rwth-aachen.de
Worringerweg 152074 Aachen
+49 241 80-23309+49 241 80-23301
Aachener Verfahrenstechnik – Enzyme Process Technology
Institute of Biology III – Plant Physiology
The research focus of Enzyme Process Technology comprises of the mechanisti-cally motivated description of interactions of enzyme and reaction medium, and of the interactions within reaction networks, with the aim of design of reactors and integrated enzyme-catalyzed processes. The modeling of the reaction kinetics forms the starting point for the quantitative understanding, and is thus prerequisite for the design of enzyme-catalyzed processes.
National CollaborationsCluster of Excellence Tailor Made Fuels from BiomassBioeconomy Science Centre (BioSC)DFG Research Training Group Biocatalysis using Non-conventional Media
Plants must recognize pathogens as non-self and defend themselves. Plants em-ploy a molecular ‘surveillance system’ to detect pathogens and an intricate cellular communication system to transmit the information to the nucleus. In the nucleus specific genes are activated or repressed in response to actively help the plant fight for survival. In addition to active defence mechanisms plants often have natural pre-formed antibiotics. Research in all of these areas is carried out in the Department and agriculturally important crops, such as soy-bean and cereals like rice, barley and wheat, as well as model plants, like the small weed Arabidopsis thaliana, are being investigated.
Membership in local and regional NetworksDECHEMA
International CollaborationsMetabolon Inc, USA University of Missouri, USA Universidad de Chile
National CollaborationsPflanzenschutzamt NRW BASF Plant ScienceUniversity of Saarbrücken
48
BIO.NRWRWTH Aachen University
Anthropogenic chemicals are distributed on large areas (e.g., pesticides) or regionally (e.g., veterinary pharmaceuticals, heavy metals) in the environment.
Our group investigates the transformation of chemical compounds in the environment and in organisms, their binding and release into water, soil and the atmosphere. Regard-ing organisms we investigate the chemical, biochemical and genetic mechanisms of the uptake, transformation and immobilization of the chemicals. We are particularly inter-ested in residues that cannot be extracted by solvents from soil or plants. Beside their chemical structure special interest focuses on the conditions necessary to render such ‘bound residues’ bioavailable for uptake by plants, animals or humans.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Saskatchewan (Canada), National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (EnTox, Australia), FHNW/Basel (Switzerland), EAWAG/Zürich (Switzerland), University Curitiba (Brasil)
National CollaborationsMany cooperation partners from universities, Helmholtz centers and Fraunhofer institutes
Membership in local and regional NetworksSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry SETAC, European Food Safety Authority EFSA, Ministry of Environment UBA, Ministry of Risk Assessment BfR
Institute for Biology V – Environmental ResearchEnvironmental Biology /Chemistry
Environmental Research,Renewable Energy and Resources
Prof. Dr. Andreas Schäffer
www.bio5.rwth-aachen.de
Worringerweg 152074 Aachen
+49 241 80-26678/6815+49 241 80-22182
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Biotechnoloy, Microbiology, Metabolic Engineering
Biocatalysts, Biomass, Fermentation, Systems Biology, Synthetic Biology
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl. Bio. Lars M. Blank
Sammelbau BiologieWorringer Weg 152056 Aachen
+49 241 80-26600+49 241 80-22180
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Institute of Biology IV – Applied Microbiology – iAMB
The ultimate aim of the Blank lab (Chair of Applied Microbiology) is to use microbes to the benefit of environment, society and economy. By studying the metabolism of bacteria and fungi we aim to optimize and control a wide array of applications, ranging from the production of cleaner detergents to the spoilage of bio diesel.
International CollaborationsThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, DTU, Denmark Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Australia Systems Biology Program, National Center of Biotechnology, Madrid, Spain
National CollaborationsTU Dortmund, Fakultät BCI, ORGANOBALANCE GmbHUniversität Marburg, FB Biologie – Genetik
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021 Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
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AVT.BioVT was founded in 1996 by Prof. Dr.-Ing Jochen Büchs. Since then the chair has developed a distinct profile on devel-opment of new methods and techniques for innovative biotechnological processes.
The AVT.BioVT cooperates both nation-ally and internationally with other universi-ties and research institutes as well as with leading companies.
AVT.BioVT’s main research areas in-clude the description and characteriza-tion of shaken culture systems, selected areas of fermentation technology, and the development of new methods for online process monitoring and analysis at all (bioreactor) scales.
The research interest of the Institute for Mo-lecular Biotechnology is in the production of recombinant enzymes and therapeutic proteins for industrial and medical use. Applications range from drugs and vaccines against major infectious diseases to ligno-cellulosic biomass conversion for the pro-duction of biofuels. Our research expertise includes protein bioanalytical techniques, like X-ray based structure determination and mass spectrometry, the engineering and production of recombinant proteins and antibodies in different heterologous expression systems, including microbial expression systems as well as protein pro-duction in plants. Further research interest of our institute includes the identification and characterization of targets for chemo-therapeutical and transmission blocking intervention of malaria tropica. Antibodies,
International CollaborationsGenencorDow AgroScienceDSM
National CollaborationsBayer Kühner AG
Membership in local and regional NetworksDechema
vaccines and plant virus nanoparticles are developed for diverse biomedical and se-lected material science applications.
The Institute of Molecular Biotechnology has a close cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology.
International CollaborationsISS Rome, Italy CWR University, Cleveland OH, USA CMB, Delaware, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of WürzburgUniversity of GießenUniversity of Münster
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
Aachen Chemical Engineering (AVT)/Biochemical Engineering
Institute of Biology VII – Molecular Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering
Biocatalysts, Biomass, Bioprocessing Fermentation,Recombinant Proteins
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jochen Büchs
www.avt.rwth-aachen.de
Sammelbau Biologie 42 C 039Worringerweg 152074 Aachen
+49 241 80-25546+49 241 80-22570
Biotechnology
Biocatalysts, Biomass, Biopharmaceuticals, Infectious Diseases,Recombinant Proteins
Prof. Dr. Rainer Fischer
www.molbiotech.rwth-aachen.de
Worringerweg 152074 Aachen
+49 241 80-26627+49 241 87-1062
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RWTH Aachen University
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Technische Universität Dortmund TU Dortmund University
Dortmund’s Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, and the Faculty of Chemistry cooperate with other research institutions. In the third profile area, Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Complex Processes and Systems, computer scientists, mathemati-cians, statisticians, engineers and economists work together to model technical processes and economic developments. A fourth key area is Youth, School and Education Research, providing significant impulses for national and international educational policies.
In 2011, TU Dortmund obtained research grants of more than 76 million Euros. This includes funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for several collaborative research centers, transregional collaborative research centers, research units and priority programs. In these programs, the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering, Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, and Statistics are partic-ularly successful. Researchers use the grants to collaborate with innovative industrial partners and to conduct joint research at specialist facili-ties. The grants also support young scientists who come to TU Dortmund for its exceptional PhD programs including DFG research training groups and NRW research schools.
TU Dortmund University has developed a unique profile with a special combination of faculties in the natural sciences and engineer-ing, the social sciences and the humanities. This structure produces new knowledge, methodologies and technical innovations. All this is achieved through a wide spectrum of innovative research and in more than 65 bachelor’s and master’s programs including a broad-based teacher training curriculum in at least 30 subjects.
About 29,900 students, 300 professors, 6,700 employees as well as several institutes and cooperation partners are shaping the future at and with TU Dortmund Univer-sity. Modern research is interdisciplinary – a principle to which all TU Dortmund faculties subscribe. This is especially visible in four profile areas. In production and logistics, TU Dortmund researchers develop innovative ideas for processing materials and shape the management of goods flows and production processes together with experts at the Fraun-hofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics. Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, the second profile area, brings together several strong partners. Here, Germany’s largest Fac-ulty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering,
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Technische Universität Dortmund/ TU Dortmund University
44221 Dortmund
Prof. Andrzej Górak, Prorector Research
+49 231 755-2323
www.tu-dortmund.de
1968
scientific 3,109administrative 3,933
Federal Government (Germany) 28.2% State Government NRW 7.2% EU 9.2%DFG/SFB 31.1%Others 24.2%
www.tu-dortmund.de
Technische Universität Dortmund/TU Dortmund University
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Technische Universität Dortmund/TU Dortmund University
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Modeling of Downstream Processing
Antibody, Biopharmaceuticals, Down Stream Processing
Prof. Dr. Andrzej Górak
www.bci.tu-dortmund.de/en/department/[email protected]
Emil-Figge-Straße 70Building 2, Room 6.19A44227 Dortmund
+49 231 755-2323+49 231 755-3035
in experiments and used for model valida-tion. In addition, research on fundamental separation phenomena, as mass transfer or adsorption isotherms of biomolecules, is conducted in this group.
International CollaborationsAIMs EuroBioRefF3-Factory
National CollaborationsMoBiDiKPolyTE CAEC
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021-Graduate Cluster
The Laboratory of Fluid Separations is located at the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering at TU Dort-mund University. The laboratory is among international leaders in the field of model-ling, simulation and experimental valida-tion of reactive and hybrid separation pro-cesses. A multinational team of scientific and non-scientific staff members headed by Professor Andrzej Górak works closely together to gain new scientific insights. Currently, we focus on process intensifica-tion, bioseparations with regard to white and red biotechnology, hybrid separation processes as well as conventional fluid separations. The research focus of the bioseparations group is the model-based optimisation of biotechnological down-stream processes. Necessary data for unit operation and process models is acquired
Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering
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University of Duisburg-Essen Open-Minded
development which is also thanks to the five main research areas: Nanosciences, Bio-medical Sciences, Urban Systems, Empirical Research in Education, and Transformation of Contemporary Societies.
The staff members share their enthusi-asm for science and research not only with students. At the Children’s University for example, budding scientists can get a taste of academic life on campus while exploring some everyday phenomena. The interested public can also learn about the UDE’s current research themes and are invited to attend literary and musical events at the university.
Creative inspiration between the Rhine and Ruhr: the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis, the European region with the highest density of institutions of higher learning. Founded in 2003 by the merger of the universities of Duisburg and Essen, the UDE is one of the youngest universities in Germany and has a fresh way of looking at things.
Rector Prof. Ulrich Radtke: “We think in terms of unlimited possibilities instead of possible limitations. We have 11 faculties working to develop ideas with a future. We are strong on research and teaching, embrace diversity, promote academic potential and fight for genuine educational equality.”
Both campuses are easy to reach and offer 38,900 students a broad academic spectrum with an international orientation – ranging from the humanities and social sciences to economics and the engineering and natural sciences, including medicine. Students from 130 countries are currently enrolled at the UDE.
In many disciplines the UDE ranks amongst the TOP 10 of German research universities. Over the past three years, research income has risen by approximately 100 percent, a
University of Duisburg-Essen
Universitätsstraße 245141 Essen
Prof. Dr. Ulrich RadtkeRector
+49 201 183-4949
www.uni-due.de
2003
scientific 2,599 administrative 1,339
Federal Government (Germany) 100%
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www.uni-due.de
University Duisburg-Essen
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Urban and Landscape Climatology
Applied Climatology
Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Kuttler
www.uni-due.de/klimatologie
Schützenbahn 7045127 Essen
+49 201 183-2734+49 201 183-3239
Department Applied Climatology and Landscape Ecology
Analysis of temperature, humidity and wind conditions as well as human-bi-ometeorological situations in urban and industrial areas. Investigation of near-surface air exchange between city, urban and surrounding green areas during calm weather conditions (“cold air dynamics”). Processing of results for use in local plan-ning procedures – characterization of urban land use structures as climatopes. Climatological evaluations of current and planning situations.
Investigations of air hygiene situation in near-surface atmosphere with record-ing of horizontal pollutant concentration profiles, for example for the presentation of averages along a section. Stationary measurements, e.g. over 24 hours for the analysis of diurnal courses at selected sites.
Components recorded: CO, CO2, NO, NO2, O3, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene), isoprene as well as particles (e.g. PM1, PM2,5 and PM10). In addition oc-cur quantifications of turbulent H2O- and CO2-fluxes.
University Duisburg-Essen
Centre for Medical Biotechnology
in Medical Biology prepare for a scientific career by including courses in molecular biology, chemical biology and medicine while postgraduates have a choice of various structured PhD programmes and Research Schools.
International CollaborationsHarvard Medical SchoolMedical Research Council, NIMR, Mill Hill, London, UKWeizmann Institute, Israel
National CollaborationsMax Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, DortmundGerman Consortium for Translational Cancer ResearchMax Planck Institute of Plant Breeding Research, Cologne
The interdisciplinary scientific Centre for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) integrates medical research at the University Hospital and natural sciences at the Campus.Its mission is to elucidate molecular mecha-nisms of disease and to turn this knowledge into medical progress. The ZMB is active in four key areas of clinical and basic biomedi-cal research: 1. Oncology, 2. Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Transplantation, 3. Genetics, Developmental, Molecular and Cell Biology and 4. Biomolecular Structure and Function. The basic science and its translation into novel drugs and diagnostic tools are driven by 60 research groups. The ZMB provides a dynamic, stimulating and collaborative research environment including state of the art core facilities and educational programmes in biomedical research. The BSc and MSc programmes
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Medical Biotechnology
Developmental Genetics, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Prof. Dr. Michael Ehrmann
www.uni-due.de/zmb/[email protected]@uni-due.de
Universitätsstr. 545117 Essen
+49 201 183-2949+49 201 183-3672
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Department Developmental Biology
Skeletal diseases, like osteoarthrosis or rheumatoid arthritis belong to the major medical problems of the aging population. To understand the pathogenic processes and develop disease specific therapies we are investigating of the basic mechanisms regulating proliferation and differentia-tion of the skeleton, focussing on carti-laginous tissues. We are using modern molecular, genetic, biochemical, bioin-formatic and mathematical methods in combination with bioanalytical screening approaches to understand the molecular basis of the differentiation processes. At the cellular level chondrocyte differen-tiation is investigated using primary cell and organ cultures in combination with mouse models mimicking various as-pects of human skeletal diseases. These are analyzed by in situ gene and protein
expression studies and in vitro and in vivo imaging techniques.
International CollaborationsCellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, USABiotech Research and Innovation Centre; University Copenhagen, Denmark
National CollaborationsUniversity Muenster, GermanyMax-Planck Institut for Biochemistry, Munic, GermanyUniversity of Lübeck, Germany
Membership in local and regional NetworksCenter for Medical Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen
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Cartilage Differentiation and Regeneration
Animal Models, Microarrays, MSC, Regenerative Medicine, Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. Andrea Vortkamp
www.uni-due.de/zmb/members/vortkamp/[email protected]@uni-due.de
Universitätsstr. 245117 Essen
+49 201 183-4298+49 201 183-3852
University Duisburg-Essen
Department Bioinformatics/Faculty of Biology
systems of patients. By computational modeling, we study physical effects of these mutations on the affected mol-ecules to gain a quantitative, mechanistic understanding of this evolutionary pro-cess at the molecular level.
International CollaborationsState Key Laboratory of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, ChinaCentre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud UniversityMedical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
National CollaborationsInstitute of Virology, University Hospital Essen
Evolution is one of the keys to understand-ing biology, including biomedicine. For instance, we work on seemingly disparate phenomena as the biodiversity in our envi-ronment, resistance of viruses to therapies, or development of cancer, all of which can be understood in the light of evolution in ecosystems and organisms. Another unify-ing viewpoint on biology is the molecular level, where all biology speaks the same lan-guage of genes, proteins, etc. In our research we bring together both unifying aspects of biology by discovering the mechanics of evolution at the molecular level.
An example to illustrate this mode of work is the discovery of specific genetic mutations of viruses. By statistical analy-sis of data collected from many patients, we identify mutations that allow a virus such as HIV-1 or HCV to evade the immune
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Bioinformatics
Anti-Infective Research, Biologicals, Environmental Research, Enzymes, Infectious Diseases, Personalized Medicine
Prof. Dr. Daniel Hoffmann
www.uni-due.de/[email protected]@uni-due.de
Universitätsstr. 1-545141 Essen
+49 201 183-4391+49 201 183-3437
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University Duisburg-Essen
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Cell Biology, Microbiology
Alzheimer’s Disease, Antibiotic, Cancer, Protein Quality Control
Prof. Dr. Michael Ehrmann
[email protected]@uni-due.de
Universitätsstr. 345141 Essen
+49 201 183-2949+49 201 183-3135
Department Microbiology II
purposes such as inhibitors of an essential bacterial HtrA that could be the basis for a novel antibiotic against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
International CollaborationsInstitute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, AustriaSchool of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UKDepartment of Biochemistry, Section of Pathology, Second University of Naples, Italy
National CollaborationsZentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung, Ludwig MaximiliansUniversity MünchenDept. of Chemical Biology, University Duisburg-Essen
Our research focuses on the widely con-served HtrA family of serine proteases that are involved in all aspects of ATP-independent protein quality control. We showed that a protein can combine the antagonistic functions of protein repair and degradation activities within a single polypeptide. Furthermore, bacterial and human HtrAs are excellent models to study the mechanisms of allostery, cooperativity and activation by oligomerisation. Work on human HTRA1 has revealed its involve-ment in cancer (as a tumor suppressor), in arthritis (by remodeling of the extracellular matrix) and in Alzheimer’s disease (by de-grading proteins and protein fragments that aggregate to form senile plaques). Since a number of years we are using chemical biology approaches, to generate tools for basic research and for drug development
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Cell Biology
Cancer, Enzymes, Neurodegenerative Diseases
Prof. Dr. Hemmo Meyer
www.uni-due.de/zmb/members/meyer/overview.shtml
[email protected]@uni-due.de
Universitätsstr. 545141 Essen
+49 201 183-4217+49 201 183-4257
Department Molecular Biology I
proteasome or the lysosome. We are us-ing biochemical, molecular biological and state-of-the-art microscopic approaches to reveal the mechanism and functions of this system on the cellular level in order to understand its relevance in neoplastic as well as degenerative diseases.
International CollaborationsETH Zurich, SwitzerlandImperial College London, UK
National CollaborationsMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund
Our goal is to perform basic research on the cellular level to understand funda-mental processes that mediate controlled degradation of proteins and other cellular components. This degradation is to remove damaged or harmful proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis particularly under cel-lular stresses and during aging. On the other hand, the cell needs to degrade individual regulatory proteins as part of key signal-ling processes that respond to internal and external stimuli, and control fundamental processes such as genome maintenance and cell proliferation.
Our research is focusses on a central cel-lular regulatory system, which is governed by modification with the small protein ubiquitin and processing by the abundant VCP/p97 nanomachine and that targets cellular component to degradation by the
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Cell Biology, Oncology
Cancer, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Microscopy, Small Molecules, Therapeutics
Prof. Dr. Shirley Knauer
www.uni-due.de/molekularbiologie2
Universitätsstr. 545141 Essen
+49 201 183-4987+49 201 183-6053
Organic Chemistry
Alzheimer’s Disease, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Peptide Synthesis, Organic Synthesis
Prof. Dr. Thomas Schrader
www.uni-due.de/chemie/ak_schrader/index.shtml
Universitätsstr. 745141 Essen
+49 201 183-3081+49 201 183-4252
Department Molecular Biology II
Institute for Organic Chemistry
of chemical nanobiology. These long-term research interests aim to dissect the (patho)biological functions of two cancer-relevant, mobile proteins, Survivin and Taspase-1, and to potentially biomedically exploit this knowledge.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Salzburg, Austria University of Birmingham, UK
National CollaborationsCMB, University of Jena University Medical Center Mainz MPI/Chemical Genomics CentreDortmund
Membership in local and regional NetworksDECHEMA e.V.GBM e.V. (Chemical Biology) Global Young Faculty II of the Mercator Foundation
International CollaborationsDepartment of Neurology, UCLA, USA Institute for Nanotechnology, Ben-Gurion University Beersheva, Israel
National CollaborationsInstitute of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen
The department’s mission is to establish an independent, competitive research line at the interface of basic and translational molecu-lar cancer biology. Hence, we are pursuing interdisciplinary research projects with high scientific as well as promising biomedical relevance, by transferring insights gained from basic research on e.g. nucleocytoplas-mic transport of cancer-relevant proteins to the generation of highly innovative biosensor systems, in turn allowing to therapeutically modulate pathobiological protein function. Building on our previous expertise and now further extended technological and scientific repertoire, current and future projects focus on: i.) a detailed understanding of the regula-tion of nucleo-cytoplasmic transport and its impact on cancer; ii.) the pathobiological rel-evance of proteases; iii.) the rational modula-tion of pathobiological processes by means
Our group develops artificial ligands for protein and DNA recognition. These li-gands come from supramolecular design; i.e., they contain binding sites for amino acid side chains in proteins or the protein backbone of a beta-sheet or the nucleic bases on the floor of DNA’s major groove. These single binding sites are combined into small molecules or polymers which then selectively bind to nonclassical targets, such as the surface of proteins or the major groove of nucleic acids, in a noncovalent fashion.
Together with these new approaches for molecular recognition, we aim at introduc-ing new avenues for therapy. Specifically, we have a program against protein misfold-ing diseases (AD, PD, Diabetes mellitus II), and just started another one for specific gene blocking.
University Duisburg-Essen
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University Duisburg-Essen
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Structural Biology
Biologicals, NMR Spectroscopy, Structural Biology
Prof. Dr. Peter Bayer
www.uni-due.de/zmb/members/bayer/[email protected]@uni-due.de
Universitätsstr. 1-5Faculty Biology45141 Essen
+49 201 183-4677+49 201 183-4188
Department Structural and Medicinal Biochemistry
International CollaborationsUniversity of Aberdeen, UKInstitute for Biochemistry and Biophysics, Warsaw, PolandMedical Research Council, London, UK
National CollaborationsUniversity of Bayreuth, Dept. of BiochemistryUniversity of KielUniversity of Bochum
Membership in local and regional NetworksBio-N3MR
The SMB focusses on posttranslational modification of proteins. Biophysical methods such as nuclear magnetic reso-nance spectroscopy are used to study the structure, interaction and ligand-complex formation of biopolymers.
Major topics of the research are the elucidation of the structure and function of Peptidyl-Prolyl-cis/trans Isomerases (Parvulin proteins) as well as of enzymes involved in the sulfation of tyrosine resi-dues. The SMB aims to develop functional peptides and miniproteins, for instance, acting as molecular probes in magnetic resonance imaging or exhibiting antimi-crobial features.
The SMB holds a 700 MHz high-resolu-tion NMR spectrometer equipped with a cryo probe system and owns fluorescence as well as CD spectrometers.
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www.uni-koeln.de
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AddressPostal Code/City
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Fon
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Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
University of Cologne
Albertus-Magnus-Platz50923 Cologne
Prof. Dr. Axel Freimuth, RectorDr. Patrick Honecker,Communications and Marketing
+49 221 470-2202
www.uni-koeln.de
1388
scientific 4,500
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest within europe and is rec-ognized for its high standards of graduate education and international reputation of academic accomplishment. The University of Cologne (UoC) was 2012 one of the win-ner of the excellence initiative competi-tion. The UoC’s core mission is to create, preserve, and disseminate knowledge, to provide a high level of education and train-ing for its students and young academics, and to encourage and support top-level research with the specific aim of address-ing the ever-changing challenges facing society. The life and natural sciences are represented by the faculty of medicine and the faculty of mathematics and natural sciences comprising biology, chemistry, geography, geosciences, mathematics, and physics. These two faculties have greatly benefited from long-standing excellent interfaculty collaborations. Cutting-edge, internationally competitive research is currently being performed in many fields including aging-associated diseases, mo-lecular evolutionary biology and plant sciences, quantum matter and materials, and quaternary research. In addition, three
interdisciplinary centers directly link basic with translational clinical research: (1) the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, (2) the Cologne Center for Genomics, and (3) the Center for Integrated Oncology (in collaboration with the University of Bonn). Moreover, the University of Cologne Center of Excellence (CE) on aging-associated dis-eases was established in 2007 and builds on the Cluster of Excellence on cellular stress responses in aging-associated diseases (CECAD). Finally, the new center for accel-erator mass spectrometry offers excellent research possibilities for environmental and earth sciences.
University of CologneGood Ideas – Since 1388
University of Cologne
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University of Cologne
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Biotechnology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Biomass, Enviromental Research, Microalgae, Plant Produced Products
Prof. Dr. Michael Melkonian
www.melkonian.uni-koeln.de
Zülpicher Str. 47 b Cologne Biocenter50674 Köln
+49 221 470-2475+49 221 470-5181
Botanical Institute
The Melkonian laboratory develops innova-tive solid-state photobioreactors for the growth of microalgae in biotechnological applications. The novel approach is based on the immobilization of microalgae onto porous surfaces (Twin-Layers) and aims to overcome present limitations of large-scale suspension cultures.
Applications of the cultivation technol-ogy are manifold: microalgal biomass is used in human nutrition, as live feeds in aquaculture and in the production of nutraceuticals (e. g. carotenoids, PUFAs) and pharmaceuticals (toxins, antiviral compounds). Recently, the group applied the Twin-Layer technology to the treatment (removal of nitrogen and phosphorus) of municipal and industrial wastewater. Furthermore, the Melkonian laboratory employs immobilized microalgae in small-
scale innovative whole-cell biosensors to identify and quantify of airborne and waterborne toxic substances.
The laboratory maintains one of the world’s largest public collections of living microalgae (>2500 strains; www.ccac.uni-koeln.de).
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Biomedical Research
Cardiovascular Research, Infectious Diseases, Neurodegenerative Diseases, OncologyProf. Dr. Thomas Benzing ChairDr. Debora Grosskopf-Kroiher Scientific Coordinatorwww.zmmk.uni-koeln.dedebora.grosskopf-kroiher@[email protected]
Robert-Koch-Str. 21 CMMC-Research Building 50931 Köln+49 221 478-5552+49 221 478-4833
Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne
The Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne – founded in 1994 – is a multi-disciplinary center within the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sci-ences at the University of Cologne. It provides a forum that brings together clinicians with research scientists who can perform top-quality competitive research due to the out-standing constellation of faculty and facilities including state-of-the-art technologies and access to unique disease models and pa-tient material. The CMMC’s mission – based on its highly collaborative approach – is to advance the understanding of the underly-ing molecular and cellular mechanisms of human diseases as a prelude to improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment of many common health problems. Currently, the CMMC comprises 36 research groups investi-gating on the molecular level the pathogentic
mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders, cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases as well as neurological disorders.
International CollaborationsBroad spectrum of collaborations with NIH research units, research institutions in Europe, Asia, Canada and the US; technology transfer activities with biotech enterprises; participation in large inter-national research networks (EU-funded)ECRIN-Netzwerk (Koordinierungszen-trum Klinische Studien)
National CollaborationsBMBF-Research (e.g sybacol), DKFZ, Bernstein-Cooperations, Helmholtz Cent-ers, e.g. for Infection Research, TransRegios
Membership in local and regional NetworksInnovationsAllianz NRW, ABCD-network of Universities, BioRiver, BioCologne
BIO.NRW
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Research Field
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Biochemistry, Neurobiology
Aging, Cancer, Cardiovascular Research, Neurodegenerative Diseases
Prof. Dr. Angelika Anna Noegelwww.uni-koeln.de/med-fak/biochemie/biomed1/[email protected]@uni-koeln.deJoseph-Stelzmann-Str. 52 Center for Biochemistry 50931 Köln
+49 221 478-6980+49 221 478-6979
Institute for Biochemistry I
In our institute we use biochemical and cell biological techniques to study the function of components of the cytoskeleton in cell polarity, cell motility, cell adhesion, signal transduction and differentiation. These properties of a cell are highly relevant for tumor formation. The studies are carried out in the motile amoeba Dictyostelium as well as in mouse. Of further interest are structural components of the nucleus and their involvement in human disease. We have identified novel components of the nuclear membrane and established their importance for the connection between the cytosol and the nucleus. Defects in this system can result in various disease states ranging from muscular dystrophy to premature aging.
Our comparative and functional genom-ics studies are mainly concerned with
amoebozoa for which we have reported several genome sequences.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Torino, ItalyUniversity of Dundee, UKUniversity of Durham, UK
National CollaborationsLudwig Maximilians University MünchenUniversität ErlangenUniversität Bonn
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center (BioSC), SyNRG
University of Cologne
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Neurobiology
Aging, Diabetes, Microscopy, Neural Networks, Proteomics
Prof. E. Rugarli; Prof. H. Scholz; Prof. A. Büschges; Prof. Kloppenburg; Prof. Walkowiak; Dr. Gruhn; Dr. Wellmann; and Prof. R. [email protected]
Zülpicher Str. 47 b Cologne Biocenter50674 Köln+49 221 470-5684+49 221 470-4889
Department of Neurobiology/Animal Physiology
The research groups focus on neural network function with respect to sensory processing, metabolism, and motor behavior, or study the molecular biology and genetics of nerve cell function, e.g. perform molecular genetic analysis of neural circuits, biochemistry and cell-biology, protein quality control, and several neurodegenerative diseases. The Büschges group studies the neuronal control of motor behavior in vertebrates and inverte-brates from the analysis of cellular properties to the final neuro-mechanical transformation into movement. The group of the theoretician Gruhn works on across-level simulations of neuro-mechanical and cellular systems. The group of Kloppenburg studies the cellular function of individual neurons in the insect ol-factory system and the neural control of feed-ing, metabolism and obesity. The research of the Predel group is focused on the evolution of
peptidergic signaling systems in the nervous system; the emphasis is on neuropeptides of insects. The Rugarli group studies the genetic and molecular bases of hereditary spastic paraplegia, a neurodegenerative disease. The neuronal control of addictive behavior is stud-ied by the group of Scholz, using Drosophila as model organism. The Walkowiak group studies sensory integration and behavioral selection in lower vertebrates. The Wellmann group works on the neural pathways and mechanisms underlying coordination among rhythmic neuronal networks in the central nervous system of crustaceans.International Collaborations
Dept. Biology, Athens, UoO, USAMed. School, Huntington, WV, USA
National CollaborationsFac. Mechanics, TUM, Munich, Med. Fac., UoC, Cologne
BIO.NRW
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Head of Institute
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Biochemistry
Cartilage Biology, Protein Protein Interaction, Recombinant Proteins, Skin Biology
Prof. Dr. Mats Paulsson
www.uni-koeln.de/med-fak/biochemie/biomed2/index.e.shtml
Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 52 Center for Biochemistry 50931 Köln
+49 221 478-6997+49 221 478-6977
Institute for Biochemistry II
Our research interest is focused on the function of extracellular matrix proteins and their receptors in relation to human diseases and to animal models. Extracel-lular matrices are complex structures formed by proteoglycans, collagens, and noncollagenous proteins and providing the structural integrity needed in organs and tissues. The importance of the differ-ent components has been deduced from mutant phenotypes in humans or knock-out mice. Far from just having a structural function, the extracellular matrix has been linked to multiple additional roles, including regulation of cell growth, differentiation, growth factor sequestration, apoptosis, and cell migration.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Padova, ItalyUniversity of Lund, Sweden
National CollaborationsUniversity of FrankfurtUniversity of Münster
University of Cologne
BIO.NRW
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University of Siegen Creating a Humane Future
“Governance” as the central guiding struc-ture in examining the control and regulatory mechanisms of modern organizations with a particular emphasis on SMEs; “Convergent innovation” as the complementary basic and application-oriented research of scien-tific and technical principles, methods and systems, particularly in the fields of sensor technology, innovative materials and intel-ligent production technologies.
One institution of interdisciplinary scien-tific work is the graduate research school “Creating a humane future”, which has also proven to be extremely attractive to prestig-ious visiting researchers. The main idea is to research the future not for its own sake, but rather under the premise of shaping the present today in such a way as to make it worth living for humanity in the future, too.
Notwithstanding any particular research focuses, research and teaching are on an equal standing at the University of Siegen. Teaching is regarded as a research-based process. The approximately 17,500 stu-dents benefit from this. They can expect a high-quality range of courses with good support relationships.
The University of Siegen is an institution with a strong interdisciplinary profile. Founded in 1972 as a comprehensive uni-versity in a so-called educationally deprived region, it has now established itself as a medium-sized research university that is well networked at a regional, cross-regional and even international level. At the begin-ning of 2011, in order to further enhance the interdisciplinary research, what were previously twelve departments became four faculties: the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Education•Architecture•Arts, the School of Economic Disciplines and the Faculty of Sci-ence and Technology. Crossing boundaries has meanwhile become an everyday occur-rence, with, for example, the traditional sub-jects of mathematics, informatics, sciences and engineering working in cooperation with the humanities, social sciences and economics. Four key areas of research have emerged from the interdisciplinary facul-ties: transdisciplinary culture and media studies with an emphasis on compara-tive media and social research; “Creating spaces” as the focus of the exploration of the cultural and spatial architecture of educational contexts and social spaces;
University of Siegen
Herrengarten 357068 Siegen
Press- and Communication
+49 271 740-4865
www.uni-siegen.de
State Government NRW 79,8%Others 20,2%Drittmittel, inkl. Projekte aus Bundesmitteln (Z. B. BMBF, DFG und andere)Landesmittel ohne HP I (2012 Ca. 5 Mio. Euro und HP II (2012 Ca. 5,5 Mio. Euro)
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www.uni-siegen.de
University of Siegen
BIO.NRW
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Postal Code/CityFonFax
University of Siegen
Functional Materials, Micro- and Nanochemistry, Nanotechnology
Biomaterials, DNA, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Microscopy, Small Molecules, Bioorganic Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Reinhard Trettinwww.chemie-biologie.uni-siegen.detrettin@chemie.uni-siegen.dedekanat@chemie.uni-siegen.deAdolf-Reichwein-Str. 2Raum: PB-A 414/257068 Siegen+49 271 740-2984+49 271 740-2780
Department Chemistry-Biology
tion of tailored 3D microenvironments as niches for cells; polymeric hydrogel based materials for biointerfaces and sensing; time resolved spectroscopy of biologically relevant molecules as well as biology.
International CollaborationsUMR Université Bordeaux, France Laboratorio di Oncoematologia, Università di Padova, ItalyBacterioSafe consortium
National CollaborationsInstitut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Johann Wolfgang Wolfgang Goethe University FrankfurtUniversity Medical Center, Mainz
Membership in local and regional Networks“Research Center for Micro- and Nano-chemistry and Engineering” University of Siegen
The Department with its focus on mi-cro- and nanochemistry has numerous connections with the life sciences and biotechnology. These activities span all the way from sensor materials synthesis, func-tional materials and advanced microscopic characterization to biology. The different research groups possess relevant research foci in the platform development focused at high-density sensoric arrays enabling n-dimensional biochemical analysis; the de-sign, synthesis and characterization of new molecules as versatile DNA-binding ligands and fluorescent probes, also biologically relevant analytes; biofuelcells and defined DNA-protein complexes; polymer-based biomaterials for bacterial detection and controlled release in wound dressings as well as fabrication and exploration of guided mesoscopic self-assembly for the crea-
Department of Chemistry-Biology/Biology and its Didactics
Research in Biology in Siegen is mainly focussed on behavioral ecology (sexual selection, public information, life his-tory, biology conservation). Teaching is focussed on teacher education in all fields of biology.
The institute will be extended soon and a focus on molecular biology/physiology will be established in 2013/14.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Texas, Austin, USAUniversity of Quebec, Montreal, CA Carleton University, Ottawa, CA
National CollaborationsRuhr University at Bochum Bielefeld UniversityUniversities of Göttingen, Frankfurt, Mainz and Giessen
Membership in local and regional NetworksDZG, ISBE, ASAB
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Head of InstituteInternet
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FonFax
Environmental Biology/Chemistry, Behavioral Ecology
Behavioral Ecology: Sexual Selection, Public Information, Life History, Biological Conservation
Prof. Dr. Klaudia Wittewww.uni-siegen.de/fb8/biologie/[email protected]@biologie.uni-siegen.de
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 257068 Siegen
+49 271 740-3297+49 271 740-4182
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Department of Chemistry-Biology/Organic Chemistry II
With the long-term goal to establish anne-lated quinolizinium derivatives as versatile platform for the design of DNA-binding ligands and fluorescent probes, we study the synthetic approaches to this class of compounds and investigate in detail their chemical, photophysical and DNA-binding properties. Along with the perspective of discovering novel DNA-targeting drugs, our main research interest in this area lies in the understanding of structural parameters that govern the DNA-binding properties of cationic hetarenes, in par-ticular towards special DNA forms such as triplex- and quadruplex DNA, and DNA with abasic sites.
In another project we aim at the devel-opment of fluorescent probes based on the water-soluble benzo[b]quinolizinium fluorophore that enable the fluorimetric
detection of biologically relevant analytes, such as e.g. Hg(II), Cu(II), DNA or proteins, in water and in cells.
International CollaborationsDepartment of Chemistry, University of Victoria, BC, CanadaDipartimento di Pediatria, Laboratorio di Oncoematologia, Università di Padova, ItalyA. N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoele-ment compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
Membership in local and regional NetworksMember of the “Research Center for Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering” (University of Siegen)
Organic Chemistry
DNA, Bioorganic Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Heiko Ihmels
www.uni-siegen.de/fb8/oc/oc2
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 257068 Siegen
+49 271 740-3440+49 271 740-4052
University of Siegen
Department of Chemistry-Biology/Organic Chemistry I
Our efforts center around establishing a high-density sensoric array of multi-faceted essence at the 6000 nanotips of a multi-fiber optical bundle (lab-on-tips) thus enabling n-dimensional (bio)chemical analysis by electrochemilumi-nescence (ECL) and photoluminescence (PL). As ECL has become a powerful quantitative analytical technique for immunoassays, food/water testing and many individual analytes, the present endeavour seeks to establish a full ana-lytical laboratory at the global tip of a 300 μm (diameter) optical waveguide with its 6000 individual fibers.
To accomplish this goal, the fiber optical nanotips (diameter: 3 μm; apex: 30 nm curvature radius) need to be addressed in an individually guided and spatially highly defined manner.
International CollaborationsInstitut des Sciences Moléculaires – UMR Université Bordeaux, France
National CollaborationsInstitut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt
Membership in local and regional NetworksMember of the “Research Center for Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering” (University of Siegen)
Research Field
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Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Organic Chemistry
Environmental Research, Microarrays, Sensing of Ions and Molecules
Prof. Dr. Michael Schmittel
www.chemie-biologie.uni-siegen.de/oc/oc1/chef/[email protected]@chemie.uni-siegen.de
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 257068 Siegen
+49 271 740-4356+49 271 740-3270
65
BIO.NRW Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterWWU Münster – living.knowledge
• Above-average rate of degrees obtained and short length of study
• Top marks in the CHE university rank-ings
International and interdisciplinary coopera-tion are, more than ever, a prerequisite for top-level research and innovation. Münster University is well placed in the international academic environment and is constantly extending this position. Internationalisation in the sense of increasingly international orientation and global networking is embed-ded in the University’s overall strategy and is a cross-disciplinary approach affecting all areas of the University – studying, teaching, research, administration and services.
The University motto – “knowledge and life” – describes exactly the close interplay between the University and the city of Mün-ster. It underlines the way that the academic world and social life are interlinked, and at the same time it calls upon us to live our knowledge actively. Münster very clearly bears the stamp of WWU – through research and teaching and through its students, its academic and cultural events, its museums and theatres and the range of sporting activi-ties it offers.
The Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität (WWU) in Münster is distinguished by out-standing research in many areas. In addition to targeted funding for top-level research (“Strengthening strengths”), one focus is on junior academics. At the same time WWU provides for a wide range of research as the basis for helping further disciplinary excellence and interdisciplinary collabora-tion to grow.
With around 39,000 students WWU is one of the largest universities in Germany. The teaching offered by its 15 departments comprises 250 courses in 120 subjects from practically every field of the Humani-ties, Social Sciences, Medicine and Natural Sciences. The government and the federal states have agreed a pact for further im-provements to the quality of teaching and of study conditions. As part of the funding programme WWU is to receive an additional € 30 million up to 2016.• 120 subjects, 250 courses• 15 departments, 7 faculties• 39,000 students• 7,300 graduates per year • 2nd place nationally in number of degree
examinations taken
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Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (WWU)
Schlossplatz 248149 Münster
Prof. Dr. Ursula NellesRector
+49 251 83-22211
1780
5,000 in total
State Government NRW 78%Others 22% EU, federal government, private financing, third Party funds, foundations
www.uni-muenster.de
BIO.NRW
66
Research Field
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FonFax
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Head of Institute
Internet
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Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Nanotechnology
Genomics, Peptide Synthesis, Proteomics, Signal Transduction,Structural Biology
Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Galla
www.uni-muenster.de/chemie.bc/[email protected]@uni-muenster.de
Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149 Münster
+49 251 833-3200+49 251 833-3206
Molecular Cell Biology
Animal Models, Immune Modulation, Microscopy, Recombinant Proteins
Prof. Dr. Martin BählerProf. Dr. Theresia StradalProf. Dr. Andreas PüschelProf. Dr. Ralf Seidelwww.uni-muenster.de/biologie.allgmzoo/[email protected]@uni-muenster.de
Schlossplatz 548149 Münster
+49 251 832-3841+49 251 832-4723
of chemistry and biology, permeability control and transporters at the blood brain barrier as well as biophysical aspects of lipid-protein-interaction in lipid monolayer and bilayer membranes.
International CollaborationsInstitute of Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. ChinaDept. of Biochemistry, Leicester University, UKPrinceton University, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of HeidelbergUniversity of TübingenInstitut für Molekularbiologie u. Tumorfoschung, Uni Marburg
Membership in local and regional NetworksHigh Nanoanalytics, bioanalytic-muenster,CeNTech
Membership in local and regional NetworksExcellence Cluster “Cells in motion”SFB629
The Institute of Biochemistry is part of the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Münster. The institute provides state of the art facilities for re-search and houses three research groups whose activities cover a broad spectrum of topics ranging from biophysical membrane chemistry to protein chemistry, cell and molecular biology and biotechnology.
As part of the Chemistry and Pharmacy Department the institute plays a major role in the teaching of students enrolled in the chemistry Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. degree programs and also offers lecture and laboratory courses for biology students.
Major research topics are transcriptional control of cell proliferation of eukaryotic cells and novel tumor suppressor genes, novel approaches for site-specific chemical modification of proteins at the interface
The institute focuses on basic research in the areas of developmental biology, cell biology, signal transduction, biochemistry and biophysics. Research topics include neurogenesis, cell polarity, cell migration, cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix adhesion, signalling by small monomeric G-proteins, host-pathogen interactions, innate and adaptive immune responses.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Canterbury, York, UKYale University, New Haven, USAUniversity of Berne, Switzerland
National CollaborationsTechnical University MunichHannover Medical SchoolCAEC
Institute of Biochemistry
Institute for Molecular Cell Biology
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
BIO.NRW
67
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
laboratory allows process optimization by parallel fermentations and scale up of processes to the 500-L scale. Novel compounds can be produced at the kilo-gram scale.
International CollaborationsNeste Oil Corporation (Neste Oil, Finland) University College Dublin (Dublin, Ireland)F3-Factory
National CollaborationsBiotech Genomik Network Centre GöttingenSymrise AG, Holzminden Silantes GmbH, München
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
terize the interaction of nanoparticles with cells and cell barriers. A special focus is on cytotoxicity aspects of nanomaterials, cellu-lar uptake and intracellular drug transport.
International CollaborationsSchool of Biosciences, Kent, UKInstituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (IBET), PortugalClinica Universidad de Navarra, Spain
National CollaborationsFraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), St. IngbertApceth GmbH biolitec research GmbH
Membership in local and regional NetworksBMBF BioTransporter ERA-Net EuroNanoMed
The IMMB has a long tradition of research in applied microbiology and biotechnol-ogy, and it currently harbours four groups (Prof. Dr. S. Fetzner, Prof. Dr. F. Meinhardt, Prof. Dr. B. Philipp, Prof. Dr. A. Stein-büchel). All laboratories are investigating basic and applied aspects of microbiology, and many research projects are related to biotechnological processes.
The microbial metabolism of biopoly-mers like polyesters, polythioesters, polyamides, natural rubber and Gutta Percha, of lipids, steroid compounds, het-eroaromatic compounds, aromatic flavor compounds and amino acids, as well as of extracellular enzymes, key enzymes of novel pathways and plasmids and strain optimization by metabolic engineering are major subjects of research in the labora-tories. The equipment of the bioreactor
The main focus of the Institute is on the prep-aration of nanoparticles as carrier systems for different drug molecules. Major topics are preparation techniques for nanoparticles and physico-chemical particle characterisation. Drug compounds such as nucleosidic drugs (oligonucleotides, plasmid DNA), cytostatic drugs, photosensibilizing agents, or others are incorporated in different nanoparticle systems in order to improve drug delivery and drug release. Besides protein-based na-noparticles various other starting materials such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) are under evaluation. An extensive platform of preparation techniques and methods for surface modifications with drug targeting ligands is established.
Besides preparative development of nanostructured dosage form, cell culture methods are increasingly used to charac-
Institute for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy
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Biotechnology, Microbiology
Biomaterials, Enzymes, Fermentation, Genetic Engineering, Microbial Genomics, BiopolymersMicrobial Pathways
Prof. Dr. Alexander Steinbüchel
http://mibi.uni-muenster.de
[email protected]@uni-muenster.de
Corrensstr. 348149 Münster
+49 251 83-39821+49 251 83-38388
Nanotechnology
Biomaterials, Cancer, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Gene Therapy, Oncology
Prof. Dr. Klaus Langer
www.uni-muenster.de/chemie.pt
[email protected]@uni-muenster.de
Corrensstr. 148149 Münster
+49 251 83-39860+49 251 83-39308
BIO.NRW
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Physiology
Drug Discovery/Delivery, Environmental Research, Genetic Engineering, Infectious Diseases, System Biology
Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Paul
www.uni-muenster.de/biologie.zoophysiologie/[email protected]@uni-muenster.de
Schlossplatz 848143 Münster
+49 251 832-3851+49 251 832-3876
Plant Biology/Physiology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Bioenergy Research, Plant Produced Products, Proteomics, Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. Michael Hippler
www.uni-muenster.de/biologie.ibbp/[email protected]
Schlossplatz 8Schlossplatz 448149 Münster
+49 251 832-4791+49 251 832-8371
and physiology (e.g., electrophysiology, optophysiology). (www.uni-muenster.de/Biologie.Zoophysiologie)
International CollaborationsUniversity of Birmingham, UKWashington University of St. Louis, USABanaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
National CollaborationsUniversity of MainzUniversity of HamburgUniversity of Göttingen
International CollaborationsSeveral partners in Israel (Haifa, TelAviv)Several partners in Europe (Barcelona, Ghent, Wageningen)Several partners in India (Hyderabad, Pantnagar)
National CollaborationsBotanical groups University of DüsseldorfBiotechnology groups University of Bielefeld
Three workgroups at the institute focus on the molecular principles of environ-mental adaptation and acclimatization in the model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Daphnia both within the range of tolerance and under stress conditions (AG Paul), on parasitic nematodes and the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to xenobiotic compounds and oxidative stressors in C. elegans (AG Liebau), and on strategies for the treatment of chan-nelopathies (e.g., cystic fibrosis) (AG Weber). Methods and techniques utilized in the institute include tools from mo-lecular biology (e.g., RNA interference, reporter gene assays, transcriptomics), protein biochemistry (e.g., proteomics, recombinant protein technology and structure determination), bioinformat-ics, cell biology, (confocal) microscopy,
The seven major groups and three junior groups use a broad range of organisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, plants) and meth-ods (genetic engineering, protein engi-neering, enzymatic modification, mass spectrometry, bio-assays, transgenic plants, confocal microscopy) to address a wide range of fundamental and applied topics, including the production of hydro-gen, rubber, secondary metabolites for applications in agriculture, the design of plants for biomass production, stress and pathogen resistance, the development of alternative strategies for pathogen con-trol, various aspects of nanotechnology and structure-function relationships of functional polysaccharides.
Institute of Zoophysiology
Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
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Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
bio.nrw.de academic database
This academic database is the first of its kind in Germany and aims to facilitate collaboration between industry and academia. The database is being launched in fall 2010 by Venture Valuation
and BIO.NRW. There are currently over 1000 working groups in North Rhine Westphalia listed. The organizations are currently in the process of up-dating and complementing their data.
phone: +49 211 38 54 69-9200 • E-Mail: [email protected]
BIO.NRW
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Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are institutions of higher education that com-bine education and research with a focus on products, markets and the demands of specific job profiles. UAS in NRW offer studies in engineering, life sciences, social sciences, business, law as well as technical subjects and design, music and arts. UAS students are awarded a bachelor degree (after 7 to 8 semisters) or a master degree (after completion of bachelor degree three additional semesters).
In Germany, in the history of UAS three phases can be distinguished: after World War II and up until 1969 the concept of new institution of higher education apart from and separate to universities has been developed. In 1968 it was decided by the federal state governments that UAS should become independent institutions in contrast to the Universities, which are supported and maintained by the states.
Universities of Applied Sciences
In the second phase up until 1999 the concept and the organizational structures of UAS have been optimized and extended with about one third of the UAS that are present today being founded in the 1990s. A central modification of the UAS concept has been the “Hochschulrahmengesetz” from 1976, a national law which gave UAS the same educational status (tertiary level) like as Universities. This law also ensured freedom of education and research for the institutions as well as their independent academic administration.
In the third phase from 2000 on as an outcome of the “Bologna process” the academic degrees that can be obtained at UAS have been modified to bachelor and master. The most important consequence of this restructuring process is the equality of the academic degrees from UAS with those attained at Universities. Therefore, students that acquired a master degree
at a UAS are eligible to enter PhD programs at Universities.
Today, 44 UAS are located in NRW, out of which 13 are active in life science research and education. The majority of these are located ei-ther in the Rhineland or the Ruhr valley. 170.000 students performed their studies at a UAS in the winter semester 2011/2012 which corresponds to about 28% of all University students in NRW. (Sources: Statistisches Landesamt NRW; BIO.NRW)
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Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciencesinternational – innovative – excellent
dents within a continuously growing network so as to enable them to jointly and actively shape their future.
Furthermore we help students and em-ployees to combine their study, academia and family commitments by offering family-friendly facilities to students and employees alike.
A number of excellent rankings and achievement awards, above all the feedback we receive from satisfied students and alumni, prove that the BRSU is already one of the top universities in many respects.Additionally our International Office sup-ports international students and academics in order to shape studying or working at the BRSU in a comfortable and easy manner.
The Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (BRSU) is a young university with approximately 6,000 students, 150 profes-sors and 175 research associates. They are supported by many highly qualified lecturers from the fields of academia, business and in-dustry. There are also roughly 180 employees working for the administration, the library and the Language Centre.
At the BRSU you can currently choose from 15 Bachelor and 11 Master degree courses. All of these courses are practice-oriented and based on the newest research findings and some of the courses are taught in English. The University’s professors have professional experience in both business and academia. Our excellent infrastructure and our well-equipped laboratories are just as integral to our offer as our numerous PC workstations, our W-LAN, our modern library and our active campus life. The three campuses are located in Hennef, Rheinbach and Sankt Augustin.
We attach a lot of importance to training highly qualified specialists and executive staff for the international and national job market. The Alumni Club links alumni and current stu-
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
Grantham-Allee 2053757 Sankt Augustin
Dr. Udo Scheuer
+49 2241 865-650
www.hochschule-bonn-rhein-sieg.de
1995
scientific 335administrative 164
www.hochschule-bonn-rhein-sieg.de
Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
BIO.NRW
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Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
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Immunology
Animal Facility, Antibody, Cell Separation, Flow Cytometry,Immune Modulation
Prof. Dr. Harald Illges
http://fb05.h-bonn-rhein-sieg.de/Illges.html
Von-Liebig-Str. 2053359 Rheinbach
+49 2241 865-570+49 2241 865-8570
Biochemistry, Renewable Energy and Resources, Biomaterials
Biomaterials, Biomass, Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering
Prof. Dr. Margit Schulze
http://fb05.h-bonn-rhein-sieg.de/schulze.html
Von-Liebig-Str. 2053359 Rheinbach
+49 2241 865-566+49 2241 865-8566
immunological diseases. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=illges)
International CollaborationsSystems and Cell Biology of NeurodegenerationYale University School of MedicineNew Haven, CT 06520-8031, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of Bonn, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology University of Jena, Institute of PathologyMilenia Biotec, Gießen
Membership in local and regional NetworksSecurity Research: http://fb05.h-bonn-rhein-sieg.de/IDT-p-7947.htmlEurora
International CollaborationsRoyal Institute of Technology (KTH) Stockholm, SwedenUniversità di Palermo, ItalyRobert-Gordon-University Aberdeen, UK
National CollaborationsBrandenburgisch-Technische Universität Cottbus/Biopos Teltow-SeehofUniversität Bonn, Campus Klein-Altendorf Human Bioscience GmbH
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioRegioBonnrealis
Our main interest in autoimmune diseases concerns rheumatoid arthritis, where we study basic mechanisms. We use human samples to study simple molecular aspects and the K/BxN model to study both cellular and molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
The complement receptor 2 (CD21) is a co-receptor for the B cell receptor. CD21 is expressed on B-cells and follicular den-dritic cells (FDC), among other cell types. It ligands are C3d on immune complexes and the Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV).
The CD21 receptor can be proteolyti-cally cleaved off the membrane in a process called shedding. This results in a soluble version of the receptor, which retains all biological functions.
We analyze the function, shedding mech-anism and involvement of soluble CD21 in
Research activities include material syn-thesis (monomers and polymers) based on renewable resources and biomass. Soecial focus on biobased polymers for medical ap-plications (tissue engineering and drug re-lease materials). Current research projects on cellulose hydrogels for drug release. In addition, development of collagen scaffold materials for stem cell differentiation and proliferation in bone tissue engineering. Another project deals with dental implants and bone regeneration via human stem cell differentiation, biomaterials, bone and dental replacement, signal transduction, especially purinergic (P2) receptors.
Department of Natural Science/Biology I
Department of Natural Science/Biology II
BIO.NRW
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Cologne University of Applied SciencesCreate Understanding to Advance Solutions
of Plant, Energy and Machine Systems (In-stitute of Agricultural Machinery Technology and Renewable Energies) and, for example, within the framework of the competence platform “Sustainable Technologies and Computational Services for Environmental and Production Processes” (STEPS). In 2011, CUAS had total outside funds of around 13 million Euros
The Cologne University of Applied Scienc-es is a popular partner for business, science and industry. 230 international universities maintain particularly close links as partners.
Together with eleven partner universities in Asia, Africa and Latin America, CUAS is also developing the “Centre for Natural Resources and Development” (CNRD) as an excellence center with funds from the BMZ (German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development). The teaching, research and knowledge transfer of the CNRD are directed specifically towards the seventh millennium objective of ensuring ecological sustainability. CUAS is a member of UAS7, an association of seven high-performance uni-versities of applied sciences in Germany, and is a full member of the European University Association (EUA).
The Cologne University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) is the largest of its kind in Germany. 420 professors look after more than 19,800 students. With its proven strengths in engi-neering and natural sciences, in humanities and social sciences as well as in the field of art and design, it is among the very innova-tive and research-intensive universities of applied sciences. Eleven faculties and the ITT offer more than 75 bachelor as well as master courses. The model of differentiated teach-ing at CUAS is one of the ten best concepts for excellent teaching in Germany.
In terms of research, the Cologne Univer-sity of Applied Sciences pursues an innova-tive and future-oriented approach with inter- and trans-disciplinary projects. Premises of research are: responsibility, sustainability for society and the environment. This also applies for CUAS itself: it is audited and certified in accordance with the European Eco Management and Audit Scheme and the international standard ISO 14001. CUAS currently has three competence platforms, 20 research focal points and four research bodies. Biotechnology plays a role in vari-ous areas of CUAS, above all in the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and the Faculty
Name
Address
Postal Code/City
Fon
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Number ofemployees
Funding
Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Gustav-Heinemann-Ufer 5450968 Cologne
+49 221 8275-3190
www.fh-koeln.de
1971
scientific 1,000administrative 434
Budget: around 121 million euros, including donations from private sponsors.
www.fh-koeln.de
Cologne University of Applied Sciences
BIO.NRW
75
Cologne University of Applied Sciences
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Biotechnology, Renewable Ressources, Applied Cell Biology and Molecular Pharmacology
Assay Development, Biocatalysis, Cell Biology, Process Analytics
www.f11.fh-koeln.de
[email protected]@fh-koeln.de
Kaiser-Wilhelm-AlleeCampus LeverkusenChempark Leverkusen Buildg. E3951368 Leverkusen
+49 214 32831-4623
Environmental Biology/ Chemistry, Renewable Energy and Resources
Bioenergy Research, Biomass, Environmental Research, Small Molecules
Prof. Dr. Christiane Rieker
www.f09.fh-koeln.de/institute/ltre/
Betzdorferstr. 250679 Köln
+49 221 8275-2398+49 221 8275-2768
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioRiverGDCh
International CollaborationsCiência sem Fronteiras (DAAD, Brazil)University of Kraljevo, Serbia
National CollaborationsUniversity of Bonn TU München Landwirtschaftskammer NRW
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIBEA-NRW (AG Biomasse)ZEBIO, BioRiver
The faculty of Applied Natural Sciences was founded in 2009 and comprises Pharmaceutical and Technical Chemistry.
Bio-Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (Prof. Dr. Nicole Teusch): Research focus is the development
of innovative in vitro pharmacological testsystems for compound characteri-zation & identification of drug-like lead structures.
Green Chemistry Group (Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schörken): Research focus is the development,
optimization and application of techni-cal enzymes in the synthesis of chemi-cal intermediates preferably on the basis of renewable raw materials.
Bioenergy for students and researchBachelor and Master degree in the field of renewable energies.
Bioenergy: Generation of energy carriers (biogas, biopellets) from renewable bio-mass and organic residues from industry, municipalities, forestry and agriculture. Optimization of end energy producing ma-chines and plants (to produce electricity, heat, motor drive).
Research projects in the field of biogas pro-duction (optimization of microbial degrada-tion, pretreatement, inhibitors).Combustion of biomass (pellet production from straw-like material, reduction of emis-sions, prevention of slagging)
Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences
Institut für Landmaschinentechnik und Regenerative Energien
BIO.NRW
76
Fachhochschule Münster University of Applied Sciences
Fachhochschule Münster University of Applied SciencesAdvantage through Quality10,700 students, 70 degree programmes, 250 professors – today, Münster University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany’s largest and most successful universities of applied sciences. Its trademark: a practi-cal approach, an international outlook and interdisciplinarity, not only with regard to research but also to teaching. The range of degree programmes comprises engineer-ing, design and artistic subject areas, social and service-oriented disciplines, as well as business subjects. It is an award-winner of the contest “Exchange processes between higher education and business” and was the first university of applied sciences in Germany to receive system accreditation.
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Fon
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Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Fachhochschule Münster University of Applied Sciences
Hüfferstraße 2748149 Münster
Christoph Hachtkemper
+49 251 83-64090
www.fh-muenster.de
1971
scientific 550administrative 350
State Government NRW 83%Federal Government (Germany) 17%
www.fh-muenster.de
© Ulrike Dammann
BIO.NRW
77
Fachhochschule Münster University of Applied Sciences
Research Field
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Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry
Analytics, Diagnostic Systems, Enzymes, Flow Cytometrie, Peptide Synthesis
Prof. Dr. Hermann Büttner
www.fh-muenster.de/fb1/personal/professoren/buettner/[email protected]
Stegerwaldstraße 39 48565 Steinfurt
+49 2551 962-254+49 2551 962-711
developed to remove poisonous metabolites from human blood. When kidneys fail, then blood dialysis could be an appropriate choice for treatment. Therefore, we also develop procedures to circumvent occurring handi-caps in up-to-date technologies.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Texas, South Western Medical Center, Dallas, USA. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USAHaute École Valaisanne, Sion, Switzerland
National CollaborationsDivision of Nephrology, Charité BerlinBielefeld University, Department of ChemistryMembrane Absorption Technologies, Obernburg
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioanalytik Münster e.V.
Derivatives of 3-amino carboxylic acids as well as various peptides were synthesized and tested against Alzheimer´s disease. However, the effects of these compounds are not only restricted to this target as a big variety of chemicals of this kind is accessible.
Using CO2 as a reagent we found synthetic routes that are superior to conventional methods. One reason is that the number of synthesis steps is reduced rendering these syntheses economically highly interesting.
Biodegradable polymers can be synthe-sized in this way on the basis of 3-hydroxy butyric acid. Additionally, new synthetic routes for dialkyl carbonates and alkylene carbonates have been developed and pat-ented.
These topics comprise working out tech-nical production processes for chemicals needed. Similar methods can be applied and
Department Chemical Engineering
BIO.NRW
78
Fachhochschule Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Fachhochschule AachenUniversity of Applied Sciences
Today, prospective students can choose from 48 bachelors and 22 masters degree programmes in the areas of engineering science, business and design. In addition, several degree programmes are offered as dual and occupational degree programmes.
The location of Aachen and Jülich within the Euregio directly bordering Belgium and The Netherlands offers additional benefits.
This international approach to lessons and courses of study is an important characteristic of the Aachen University of Applied Sciences. We make it possible for our students to prepare themselves for the requirements of a globalised work world and to develop the skills necessary for international cooperation. For this reason, we support the mobility of our students and teachers in joint projects, as well as through international degrees within the framework of cooperation with our partner universities.
In 1971, the Aachen University of Applied Sciences (FH Aachen) was created from the consolidation of several universities of applied sciences and professional train-ing institutions. It boasts a more than 100-year-old tradition of practice-oriented education.
Theory and practice are closely con-nected throughout the entire programme of study. This focused orientation toward practical professional experience among the 220 professors and 450 academic and research employees guarantees students a professionally oriented and research-based education.
More than 10,300 students are ben-efitting from this situation. The Aachen University of Applied Sciences offers a first-class education in modern and future-oriented professions. Close cooperation with regional and international businesses as well as well-known research institutions such as the Jülich Research Center (FZJ) is reflected in the quality of programmes offered. The current requirements of busi-ness practice are viewed as an opportunity to continually improve and expand the con-tent of the programmes.
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Fachhochschule Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Kalverbenden 6 52066 Aachen
Dr. Roger Uhle
+49 241 6009-51064
www.fh-aachen.de
1971
scientific 500administrative 600
www.fh-aachen.de
BIO.NRW
79
Fachhochschule Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Research Field
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FonFax
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Head of Institute
InternetE-Mail
Address
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FonFax
Biophysic, Medical Devices
Aging, Agricultural Biotechnology, Cell Therapy, Personalized Medicine, Tissue Engineering
Prof. Dr. rer.nat. habil. Gerhard M. Artmann
www.zbp.fh-aachen.de
Heinrich-Mußmann-Str. 1 52428 Jülich
+49 241 6009-53028+49 241 6009-53864
Biotechnology, Medical Physics, Bioengineering
Agricultural Biotechnology, Biomaterials, Cardiovascular Research, Diabetes, Personalized MedicineProf. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Gerhard M. Artmann
www.kopfbio.fh-aachen.de [email protected]
Heinrich-Mußmann-Str. 1 Center of Competence in Bioengineering52428 Jülich
+49 241 6009-53028+49 241 6009-53864
mal experiments. It is developing an acous-tic navigation (ultrasound based) system for a melting probe (IceMole, project EnEx) which shall investigate subglacial lakes on earth or celestial bodies.
International CollaborationsUniversity College London, UKInstitut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France University of California, USA
National CollaborationsForschungszentrum Jülich GmbHUniversity of LeipzigRWTH Aachen
Membership in local and regional NetworksKOPF Bioengineering (Center of Competence in Bioengineering, Speaker)LifeTecAachen-Jülich e.V.
Services: Basic and applied research in life sciences and neighboring disciplines, technology development, Cell based drug screening Assays, Biotechnical Devices, Consulting, Hard-& Software developments also for crop sciences.
International CollaborationsUniversity College London, UKInstitut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France University of California, USA
National CollaborationsForschungszentrum JülichUniversität LeipzigRWTH Aachen
Membership in local and regional NetworksLifeTecAachen-Jülich e.V.
Established more than 20 years ago, the lab focuses on solving medical, biological and cell- & microbiological questions in addition to conventional approaches with engineering and natural science applica-tions in particular with biophysical meth-ods (bioengineering). It has discovered a temperature transition occurring in certain proteins which is highly correlated with spe-cie’s body temperature and is working on solving its structural molecular mechanism. The international scientists team is also working on the development of plant scan-ners for plant stress research, automated technologies for plant cultivar and gender recognition (differentiation of C3 and C4 plants), quantification of cell forces (Cell-Drum®) for personalized cardiac cell therapy based on IPS cells, for skin and cosmetics research aiming in particular avoiding ani-
In the Center of Competence in Bioen-gineering (KOPF) scientists of various disciplines established a centralized, high-profile, long-term research platform at the Universities of Applied Sciences of Aachen and Bonn-Rhine-Sieg. They combine life sciences with engineering and natural sciences. This centralization under the umbrella of only one platform contributes to the exchange of excellencies in various disciplines and at the same time to shar-ing knowledge and improving research infrastructure due to sharing technological and personal resources. Founded in 2003, KOPF has become an attractive and strong scientific partner for both industry and neighboring universities. Research efforts are not only integrated into newest techno-logical advances but also into state of the art university education.
Institute for Bioengineering (IfB)
Center of Competence in Bioengineering
BIO.NRW
80
cultures, enzyme technology and applied immunology. Seven research laboratories will focus their research activities on the pioneering spectrum of nano- and biotech-nologies, a broad contemporary research area, fostering new ideas and the design of new products which may change our daily life.
International CollaborationsTohoku University, Sendai, JapanTransnational University of Limburg, Hasselt and Maastricht
National CollaborationsForschungszentrum Jülich GmbHPhilipps-Universität MarburgFraunhofer-Institut für Molekularbiologie und Angewandte Oekologie Aachen
‘Biology meets microelectronics’ – a phrase often quoted in recent times, and one which underlines the increasing importance of multi- and trans-disciplinary research ac-tivities. Basic scientific disciplines such as physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, biology and materials science are increas-ingly seen to overlap common boundaries, so defining the interface of an exciting research environment with a high poten-tial for innovation. In this context, the INB (Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies) at the Aachen University of Applied Sciences aims to combine synergistically its existing expertise in the fields of semiconductor technologies, nano-electronics, silicon-based chemical sensors and biosensors, DNA sensing and nanostructures along with biotechnology, plant and microbiology, bioprocess technology and mammalian cell
Institute for Nano- and Biotechnologies (INB)Research Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Biotechnology, Nanotechnology
Biotechnology, Chemical Biosensors, Enzyme Technology, Fermentation, Immunology
Prof. Dr. Michael J. Schöning
www.fh-aachen.de/inb.html
[email protected]@inb.fh-aachen.de
Heinrich-Mußmann-Str. 1 52428 Jülich
+49 241 6009-53144+49 241 6009-53235
Fachhochschule Aachen University of Applied Sciences
81
BIO.NRW Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences
Marker Allee 76-7859063 Hamm
Dr. Stefan Weidner
+49 2381 8789-0
www.hshl.de
2009
scientific 40administrative 70
State Government NRW 100%
www.hshl.de
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences
ciplinary setup, teaching focuses on both the promotion of individual strengths and the conveyance of social competences such as teamwork. Right from the start, project-oriented work has a high priority. Last but not least creativity and communication are important factors required to prepare en-gineers for the future. The university turns out young, creative and highly qualified en-gineers, who have excellent career prospects thanks to their practice-based skills.
A new university in Hamm and Lippstadt: an historic opportunity, unique and magnifi-cent, with plenty of design potential for the future – modern campus life, market- and practice-oriented study courses, openness, tolerance, team spirit and high demands from the outset.
Having started in 2009, the number of students at Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences now already exceeds 1,000. And the university continues to grow: In Hamm – on the spacious and green grounds of the former army hospital – and in Lippstadt – located centrally but yet in a green environment – new builds for up to 4,000 students will be realised until 2013/14. Further degree courses will then complement the currently offered six study programmes with focus on mathematics, computer sciences, natural sciences and engineering.
Working practice-oriented and in small groups, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Ap-plied Sciences offers a study programme on a very high academic level with a clear ori-entation towards current and future market requirements. The young team of professors is practically experienced. With an interdis-
BIO.NRW
82
Research Field
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Head of Studies
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Medical Devices
Analytics, Diagnostic Systems, Flow Cytometry, Oncology, Tissue Engineering
Prof. Dr. Lara Tickenbrock
www.hshl.de/biomedical-engineering
Marker Allee 76-7859063 Hamm
+49 2381 8789-405
approach and directly relates them to the application. Practical modules, a practi-cal semester and project works prepare the students for their professional life, for example in the development, construction and programming of appliances or in health care management.
International CollaborationsUniversidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, BrazilFachhochschule Wiener Neustadt, Austria Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi, Turkey
National CollaborationsFraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Informationstechnik-FITUniversitätsklinikum MünsterWissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Krankenhaustechnik gem.e.V.
Biology, medical science, physics, chemis-try, information technology and genetics are the basis for new health technologies.For example in the advancement and development of new imaging techniques and analysis systems. Modern diagnostic devices as well as innovative genetics and bio-microsystems technologies play an im-portant role in the medical therapy and the further development of molecular purposes. All in all, these are complex systems, which apart from scientific know-how require in-terdisciplinary understanding in particular.
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences offers Biomedical Engineering at Hamm Campus with a standard study period of seven semesters and the “Bach-elor of Engineering” degree. The study programme imparts fundamentals of natural sciences with an interdisciplinary
Study Course Biomedical Engineering
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences
83
BIO.NRW Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Science
Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Science Transcending Borders
Its priorities are: Environmental Protection Analysis and Monitoring, Plastics Recy-cling, Cleaning Technology.
Students learn in small groups, which en-sures that graduates can advance quickly and smoothly into their aspired career.
Courses are taught by 243 professors and specialist teachers, plus more than 200 contract lecturers from business and industry as well as 300 and more staff working in research and teaching, in the workshops, the administration, the librar-ies and the Computer Centre. More than half the studies are completed in the form of internships and work placements, for which more than 100 laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art facilities are available at the two university campuses in Krefeld and Mönchengladbach.
The Competence Center for Mircobi-ology and Biotechnology supports the production chain from agricultural produc-tion through to the consumer. Key topics include the contamination and microbial decay of foods as well as food-related infec-tions and microbial intoxication.
The Hochschule Niederrhein primarily aims to deliver: a practice-orientated academic training, applied research and develop-ment, technology transfer and extensive international collaboration. This is exem-plified by establishing innovative degree programmes, such as: Dual engineering programmes with selected companies from the region to provide vocational and academic training and qualifications; degree programmes leading to double degrees; International Marketing (with IUP Colmar/F); Health Care Management; Social Work, Social Management, Cultural Education; Bachelor’s/Master’s degrees in Textile and Clothing Management (taught in English).
International partnerships have been formed with some 80 universities world-wide. Under the EU’s ERASMUS pro-gramme, the Hochschule Niederrhein cooperates with 65 European universities and higher education institutions.
The Hochschule Niederrhein also acts as a strong structural factor for the region with its applied research and development.
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Science
Reinarzstraße 4947805 Krefeld
Dr. Christian Sonntag
+49 2151 822-3610
www.hs-niederrhein.de
1971
scientific 465administrative 278
www.hs-niederrhein.de
84
Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Science
Hochschule Ostwestfalen-LippeUniversity of Applied SciencesOstwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution with four sites in Lemgo, Detmold, Höxter and Warburg. Here, more than 6,000 stu-dents lay their foundation for a successful career and benefit from unique study pro-grams and outstanding research.
Biotechnological research and teaching facilities at OWL University of Applied Sci-ences are located within the main campus in Lemgo. From the natural sciences such as microbiology and chemistry to engineering and typical biotechnological fields – the uni-versity in the heart of OWL covers the whole spectrum. The close vicinity on campus to the adjacent fields of Life Science Technolo-gies such as Pharmaceutical Technology, Technology of Cosmetics & Detergents and Food Technology as well as Microbiological and Process Technological laboratories of-fers additional know-how and equipment.
Each campus has its own profile. Lemgo is home to the classical engineering disci-plines, supplemented by courses such as Media Production and Economics; Food Technology and Wood Technology are unique to OWL University of Applied Sci-ences in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
Detmold, which focuses on disciplines involving construction, attracts atten-tion nationwide. Interior Design and the international degree program Industrial Engineering – Construction are unique in NRW. Höxter has made a name for itself as a campus dedicated to ecological aspects in the technical sciences. This applies not only to teaching and research in Landscape Architecture, which is as well unique in NRW, but also to Environmental Engineering. The newest campus in Warburg offers classi-cal engineering disciplines, mostly as dual study programs which offer the unparalleled chance to combine academic education and training on the job for highly motivated students.
Research and innovation are fundamental for the university’s success and sustainabili-ty and contribute to the quality management of its hallmark ‘excellent teaching’.
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences
Liebigstraße 8732657 Lemgo
PR: Julia Wunderlich
+49 5261 702-218
www.hs-owl.de
1971
scientific 385administrative 164 (+ 56 apprentice)
State Government NRW 100%
www.hs-owl.de
BIO.NRW
BIO.NRW
85
Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Science
Life Sciences: BiotechnologyResearch Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address
Postal Code/City
FonFax
Biotechnology
Biocatalysts, Biopharmaceuticals Downstream Processing, Enzymes, Fermentation
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rabenhorst Prof. Dr.-Ing. Björn Frahmwww.hs-owl.de/fb4/[email protected] [email protected]
Liebigstraße 87FB 4-Life Science Technologies32657 Lemgo
+49 5261 702-390/514+49 5261 702-502
filter press, vacuum rotary filter, membrane filtration systems and lyophilisation, allows the further processing of the products. The steps are supported by corresponding analytical equipment, e.g. UPLC, Cellavista.
Membership in local and regional NetworksBio-OWL
Biotechnology research and teaching facili-ties cover natural sciences such as microbi-ology and chemistry as well as engineering skills and typical biotechnology fields from fermentation to downstream processing.
Competencies are provided in the fields of microbial and enzymatic biotransforma-tion in white biotechnology (natural aroma chemicals, cosmetics), environmental biotechnology, cell culture technology, bioreactor design, scale up & down as well as process modelling and optimization. Currently, activities are extended to photo-biotechnology.
The biotechnology labs are equipped with fermentation capabilities from shake flask scale over small scale parallel bioreactor systems up to 30 L bioreactor scale. Down-stream processing, e.g. FPLC, high-pressure homogenizer, disc stack centrifuges, frame
BIO.NRW
86
Rhein-Waal University of Applied SciencesInternational, Interdisciplinary and Innovative
InterdisciplinaryNot only is the working environment about to change, but also the requirements demanded of entrants: one must increasingly work across disciplines. The degree programmes offered by the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences are therefore scientific, application-oriented and interdisciplinary. “Our degree programmes are the answer to a growing need for specialists - worldwide,” explains Prof. Dr. Marie-Louise Klotz, President of the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The degree programmes in Natural Sci-ences, Economics, Engineering, Social Sciences and Health Sciences are offered - altogether, students can choose between 25 undergraduate and three postgraduate degree programmes.
InnovativeEvery innovation comes through conducting re-search - through numerous co-operations with global companies, the university offers excel-lent conditions for researchers. In many cases, students can bring in their ideas and make an active contribution to the development of new products. So, for example, students planned and organised a First Aid Post in the mountain-ous region of Chocruz in Guatemala.
A sound education is the basis for profes-sional life? Seventy-five per cent of degree programmes will be offered in English? The Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences of-fers this, and much more, to its approximately 5,200 students.
Open, modern and friendly appears it, the new Kleve Campus of the Rhine-Waal Univer-sity of Applied Sciences. On the banks of the Spoy Canal, students can find lecture halls, research laboratories, a university library, a university refectory – and much more for their day-to-day life. Founded in 2009, the university will move to a new campus, the second campus, Kamp-Lintfort, in 2014.
InternationalThe working world is becoming increasingly international. With students coming from 69 different nations, the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has made internation-ality its mission. More than 75 per cent of the degree programmes will be offered in English. Various co-operative agreements, most recently with an Indian and a Philippine university, allow students and professors to conduct international research projects.
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences
Marie-Curie-Straße 147533 Kleve
+49 2821 80673-324
www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de
2009
www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences
BIO.NRW
87
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Biotechnology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Enzymes, Infectious Diseases, Hygiene, Nanotechnology
Prof. Dr. Dirk Bockmühl
www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/studium/fakultaeten/life-sciences.html
Marie-Curie-Str. 147533 Kleve
+49 2821 80673-250+49 2821 80673-160
International CollaborationsINRA, France Technion, HaifaBangladesh Agricultural University, India
National CollaborationsUniversity of GöttingenUniversity of Bonn
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioanalytik Münster e.V.
The faculty of Life Sciences at the Rhine-Waal-University of Applied Sciences covers several fields, ranging from ag-ricultural topics, ecology and environ-mental science, health and hygiene, up to biotechnological aspects in the area of green, red and white biotechnology. It is well equipped with its own microscopy centre and biotech as well as molecular biology and microbiology labs up to safety level 2. Special research interests lie in na-notechnology, bionics, domestic hygiene, cleaning, soil and crop science.
Institute for Life Sciences
BIO.NRW
88
Westfälische Hochschule University of Applied Sciences
Westfälische Hochschule University of Applied SciencesKnowledge. That‘s what counts in life.
this variety and simultaneously establish re-search focuses. Even with a clear commitment to our regional responsibility we are open to a globalised world. International university part-nerships, students from other countries, as well as study and praxis stays of our students in all continents of the world contribute to the completion of our profile. We offer a wide range of future-oriented study programmes.
Furthermore, we not only take account for the current structure of the economy in our region with courses in the fields of engineering, science, informatics, economics, journalism and law, but we also give a new impetus to newly developing branches and, as a result, we open various opportunities for prospective students. Accompanying support services help students to orientate and solve technical prob-lems, especially during the introductory phase. Research creates the future. Whether it is about new energy supply concepts, a safer in-ternet, intelligent mechatronic systems or new diagnosis and therapy systems in the health care sector, we work on tomorrow’s solutions. Application-orientation and close cooperation with the practical field shape our work.
The Westfälische Hochschule was founded in 1992 under the name of its headquarter Gelsenkirchen University of Applied Sciences. As a state-managed university we consider it our responsibility to establish the necessary conditions for practical academic training at our sites in Gelsenkirchen, Bocholt and Recklinghausen in order to secure a base for qualified young talents in our region. Our study programmes are characterized by a clear technical-economic profile, which is oriented towards the needs of the economy.
This also manifests itself through our close and expanding cooperation with companies in the field of dual study programmes. With further concepts, which received multiple nationwide awards, we have made it our task to promote young people and develop their various talents. As a partner for our region, we do not only set out to support the teaching and learning but also the research. We consider strong research as an essential element of contemporary teaching oriented towards the challenges of today and tomorrow. An important pillar of our research activity is the diversity of topics. We want to further cultivate
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Westfälische Hochschule University of Applied Sciences
Neidenburger Str. 4345897 Gelsenkirchen
Prof. Dr. Bernd Kriegesmann, President
+49 209 9596-0
www.w-hs.de
1992
scientific about 425administrative about 190
State Government NRW 100%
www.w-hs.de
BIO.NRW
89
Westfälische Hochschule University of Applied Sciences
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
InternetE-Mail
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Life Science
Analytics, Biocatalysts Biomaterials, Bioprocessing, DNA, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Biomimetics
Prof. Dr. Michael Veith
August-Schmidt-Ring 1045665 Recklinghausen
+49 2361 915-443+49 2361 915-499
for medical applications, e.g. bioactive coatings for medical implants or bioactive composite materials for reconstructive medicine. Core facilities of the Medical Biol-ogy & Biochemistry research activities are represented by the key technologies protein engineering and design, stem cell research and molecular diagnostics.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Edinburgh, UK University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
National CollaborationsMKG Dept., University Medicine, MainzBayer, EvonikTaconicArtemis GmbH
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioIndustry e.V., BioLAGO
A multidisciplinary approach is an important key to the work of our Biology department in Recklinghausen which consists of about 20 scientists (incl. PhD students) supported by Bachelor/Master Thesis students. The research groups actively collaborate with national and international laboratories as well as industrial partners.
The Bioprocess Technology group is dealing with all aspects of the technical use of biochemical reactions. The focus is on bioreactors and biocatalysis, as well as fermentation and bioprocess integration. Major topics of the Bioinformatics group are software development of algorithmic solutions, analysis of genomes and tran-scriptomes and digital image processing. The Biomaterials group utilizes biologically inspired strategies to synthesize/process materials (biomimetics) and nanoparticles
Institute for Molecular Biology
BIO.NRW
91
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
The research organization was founded in 1949, in the same year as the Federal Republic of Germany, and started out as a small office with just three employees. As it stands today, the Fraunhofer-Gesell-schaft has attained a size and influence that makes it an undisputed vital element in Germany’s industrial and scientific landscape.
Organization The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft promotes and undertakes applied research in an international context, with direct applica-tion to private and public enterprise and of wide benefit to society as a whole. By developing technological innovations and novel systems solutions for their custom-ers, the Fraunhofer Institutes help to reinforce the competitive strength of the economy in their region, throughout Ger-many and in Europe. Their research activi-ties are aimed at promoting the economic development of our industrial society, with particular regard for social welfare and environmental compatibility. As an employer, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft offers a platform that enables its staff to develop the necessary professional and personal skills that will enable them to assume positions of responsibility within their institutes, in industry and in other scientific domains.
Fraunhofer has more than 80 research units, including 60 Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany. Furthermore, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is engaged in a number of international activities mainly in Europe, North and South America, Asia and the
MENA-Region (Middle East and Northern Africa). Fraunhofer operates subsidiaries in parts of Europe (Austria, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, UK) and also in North and South America (USA, Chile). Representative Of-fices and Senior Advisors in Asia and the MENA-Region form a bridge between the local Asian markets and the Fraunhofer Institutes. Their activities are focused on marketing and business expansion.
Together, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the largest organization for applied re-search in Europe with more than 22,000 staff of which the majority are qualified scientists and engineers. € 1.6 billion (84%) of the total annual research budget of € 1.9 billion is generated through con-tract research. More than 70 percent of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s contract re-search revenue is derived from contracts with industry and from publicly financed research projects. Almost 30 percent is contributed by the German federal and Länder governments in the form of base funding.
Research Fraunhofer research activities are ap-plication- and results-oriented. The or-ganization pursues the implementation of innovative research findings in industrial and social applications. Its work is based on a dynamic balance between applied basic research and innovative develop-ment projects. The research activities are decentralized. The Fraunhofer Institutes use structured processes to identify areas of technology of relevance to industry and the short-term and long-term demands of
the contract research market. Their choice of research fields is based on this information. A parallel approach on the part of the various institutes leads to a wide range of creative solu-tions. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft carries out publicly funded pre-competitive research. This forms the basis of the contract research pro-jects conducted for customers. Private-sector earnings enable the organization to finance a major proportion of its budget through its own means.
Fraunhofer Venture Group Industry and government place high value on the institutes of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in their role as a nucleus promoting the founda-tion or relocation of companies within their re-spective regions. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft supports this aspect of the institutes’ work by actively encouraging the formation of start-up companies as offshoots of the institutes and supporting cooperative ventures between spin-off companies and Fraunhofer Institutes by a variety of means. Emphasis is placed on re-viewing and optimizing business plans, obtain-ing access to equity and risk capital, providing assistance with the drawing-up of partnership agreements between the new companies and the associated institutes, and direct support by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to guarantee smooth launch of its business activities.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is in the pro-cess of setting up a private investment fund that will be able to offer professional invest-ment management of venture capital for the launch and initial growth phases of startup companies. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft of-fers the ideal conditions for making the leap to independence.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
BIO.NRW
92
Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI
www.scai.fraunhofer.de/bio
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
FonE-Mail
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI – Department of Bioinformatics
Schloss Birlinghoven53757 Sankt AugustinProf. Dr. Martin Hofmann-Apitius+49 2241 142-802martin.hofmann-apitius@scai.fraunhofer.dewww.scai.fraunhofer.de/bio
2001
140 (SCAI), 25 (Department of Bioinformatics)in 2011, Industry approximately 42% Contract Research, Federal Government, EU, and basic funding approximately 58%
Technologies developed at Fraunhofer SCAI s Department of Bioinformatics are in active use in the chemical, pharmaceu-tical, and biotech industry, as well as in the publishing industry. A perfect blend of products on one side and professional services on the other side help our partners in the pharmaceutical industry to extract valuable information from unstructured in-formation sources (e.g. scientific literature, patents, and reports). With strong links to both, the commercial and the academic research community, we thrive at maintain-ing a balance between scientific excellence as defined by academic standards and innovation as required by our partners in industry.
The Department of Bioinformatics is active in research and development in the following areas:• Information extraction and retrieval from
text and images • Disease Modelling with a focus on neuro-
degenerative diseases• Distributed Computing with a focus on
license management in Clouds and Grids
The Bioinformatics team works closely with in-dustrial partners – ranging from SMEs to global enterprises – to enhance their competitiveness through mediating knowledge and technology transfer from academic research to industrial application. Our academic affiliation with the Bonn-Aachen International Centre for Informa-tion Technology (B-IT) provides us with ample opportunity to do excellent academic research. Our products solve information management problems prevalent in the chemical, pharma-ceutical, biotechnology, and publishing industry:
ProMiner is a system for the detection of a broad spectrum of biomedical named entities in text, spanning from molecular entities such as gene names, protein names, disease names and drug names to very complex knowledge representations (e.g. disease ontologies).
Our new literature-mining environment SCAIView is a simple, web-based retrieval engine that allows biologists and clinical researchers to use rather complicated text-mining technology. The user-friendly interface efficiently shields the user from the complex-ity of the complicated computer science behind this environment.
Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI Fraunhofer – We Forge the Future
93
BIO.NRW Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology – FIT
Our researchers work in interdisciplinary teams and combine insights from computer science with questions from other fields. Thus, the institute invents and develops applications custom-tailored to support people in their jobs and to enrich their leisure time.
Our specific strength is a comprehensive sys-tem design process, from test and validation of concepts to the handover of well-implemented systems. We apply it to create complex systems that combine our technological innovations with significant benefits in their practical use, and to derive product frameworks from these systems. FIT’s current research focuses on: • Cooperation tools for effective organiza-
tional collaboration and to support social networks;
• Life science & bio informatics, such as navigation systems for minimally invasive surgery, molecular diagnostics and opti-cal systems as well as automated image analysis;
• Mobile information and E-Learning sys-tems, focusing on dynamic adaptation to changing context parameters and metadata, describing e.g. traits of the user,
interaction schemata or the situation of use;
• Business applications in the private and public sector, in particular micro-analytic simulation to assess the impact of tax legislation as well as (risk) analysis and efficiency improvement of complex busi-ness processes, e.g. with analysis and decision support tools;
• Mixed and Augmented Reality applica-tions, e.g. games and demonstrators for exhibitions, science parks or trade fairs;
• Software engineering, with special em-phasis on optimizing human-computer interaction and on usability of applica-tions and devices, web compliance and accessibility.
Researchers with backgrounds in Computer Science, the Social Sciences, Business Adminis-tration, Economics, Psychology and Engineering are organized in the four departments Coop-eration Systems, Life Science Informatics, Risk Management And Decision Support and User-Centered Computing. They cooperate closely with Prof. Matthias Jarke’s Information Systems group at RWTH Aachen University.
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology – FIT Human-Centered Computing in a Process Context
www.fit.fraunhofer.de
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology – FIT
Schloss Birlinghoven53757 Sankt Augustin
+49 2241 142-802
www.fit.fraunhofer.de
1983
scientific 160 administrative 12
Federal Government (Germany) 22% EU 26% Contract Research 26%
BIO.NRW
94
Life Science Informatics
The Life Science Informatics department develops new approaches to produce highly specific information on diseases and individual patients. We build systems incorporating these technologies and validate them in biological applications.
High Content Analysis and software-intensive instruments (HCA)
Detection of structures, states and sig-nals is a major component of automated instruments. The HCA group investigates detection methods and the information processing involved.
Biomolecular Optical Systems (Bio-MOS)
To build information-generating instru-ments you need to understand and control the interaction between assay and sensor system. The BioMOS group investigates microsystems to hold and treat biomo-
lecular assays and multi-parametric, in particular optical sensor systems.
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology – FIT
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Bioinformatics
Bioprocessing, Cell Separation, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Microarrays, Microscopy
Prof. Dr. Thomas Berlage
www.fit.fraunhofer.de/en/fb/life.html
[email protected]@fit.fraunhofer.de
Schloss Birlinghoven53754 Sankt Augustin
+49 2241 142-141+49 2241 142-080
95
BIO.NRW Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology – UMSICHT
Fraunhofer UMSICHT plays an active part in the shift in energy and materials supply. As a pioneer for technical innovations in the fields of environmental, materials science, process engineering and energy technology, Fraunhofer UMSICHT wants to encourage sustainable economic development and environmentally friendly technologies as well as innovative behavior to improve the quality of life for people and to support the innovation capacity of the national economy.
Starting from the project idea over pro-posal procedures to the development and market introduction, Fraunhofer UMSICHT offers its clients R&D expertise and thus provides them with competitive benefits and opens up international markets for them.
We are setting strategic priorities despite the broad spectrum that is characteristic of us. Those challenges that deal with the shift in energy are at the forefront for us. The storage of energy is one of the most pressing issues that need to be addressed. As coordinator of the Fraunhofer Day-after-Tomorrow project “Hybrid urban energy storage,” we are working on this. We have started operations of a large test lab for redox flow batteries.
Another important topic of the future deals with our finite resources. The efficient use of biomass or the handling of rare earths and metals are just as important areas of work at Fraunhofer UMSICHT as the manufacturing of high-quality biofuels made of old fats and oil residues or the utilization of plastic waste or rubber residues as raw materials.
Another overriding challenge is to recon-cile food production and biomass utilization and to not create a utilization competition. We need to create compatible options for the supply of energy and raw materials and pro-vide export technologies for a growing tech-nology world market. With these objectives, we were able to bring to life a Fraunhofer in-novation cluster, sponsored by businesses, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
As one of the 60 institutes of the Fraun-hofer-Gesellschaft we are part of a world-wide network and promote international cooperation.
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology – UMSICHT
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact PersonFon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology – UMSICHT
Osterfelder Str. 346047 Oberhausen
Iris Kumpmann+49 208 8598-1200
1990
396 (Oberhausen)77 (Branch Sulzbach-Rosenberg) Oct. 2012
Returns Operational Budget 2011 (In Mio. €)Basic Funding: 6,8Public Returns: 6,7 Industrial Returns: 9.8Others: 1.5
BIO.NRW
96
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Biotechnology
Bioenergy Research, Biomass, Down Stream Processing, Fermentation, Sustainability Assessment
Prof. Dr. Eckhard Weidner
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/[email protected]@umsicht.fraunhofer.de
Osterfelder Strasse 346047 Oberhausen
+49 208 8598-1107+49 208 8598-1290
Renewable Resources, Process Engineering
The Business Units „Renewable Resources“ and „Process Techology“ develop and optimize processes in the fields of white biotechnology, biogas production, and biorefinery. Our experiences range from up-stream processing, i. e. biomass pretreat-ment and extraction of carbon sources and value-added products, over the optimization of fermentation processes to down-stream processing.
Biologists, chemical engineers, chemists, mathematicians, and environmental engi-neers in our interdisciplinary team focus on economically and ecologically viable solutions for new processes.
We operate a broad range of laboratory and pilot plant installations in our facilities to test all major unit operations: commi-nution, fermentation, chemical reaction, membrane separation, distillation, extrac-
tion, filtration, crystallization, evaporation etc. Modern state-of-the-art laboratory analytics are used to monitor the processes and process modeling software is used or developed in-house to model and optimize innovative processes.
International CollaborationsBBPT, IndonesiaUDT, Chile
National CollaborationsRuhr-Universität Bochum
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB 2021
97
BIO.NRW Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME
www.ime.fraunhofer.de
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IMEThe Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biol-ogy and Applied Ecology (IME) conducts interdisciplinary life sciences research, with its experienced personnel, unique infrastructure and modern facilities provid-ing an ideal setting for complex projects. The IME has five facilities in Germany: a Molecular Biology Division in Aachen with a project group in Münster, an Applied Ecology Division in Schmallenberg, a Biore-sources Group in Gießen and a Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP) Group in Frankfurt, each with close university links (the Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Technical University in Aachen; the Plant Biotechnology Department, WWU Münster; and the Applied Entomology De-partment, JLU Gießen). The IME also has two international subsidiaries: the Center for Molecular Biology (CMB) in Newark, Delaware, and the Center for Systems Bio-technology (CSB) in Santiago, Chile. It col-laborates with other Fraunhofer institutes in Germany to form strategic alliances such as the Fraunhofer Group for Life Sciences, the Fraunhofer Food Chain Management Alliance, the Fraunhofer Photocatalysis Alli-ance and the principal project “Research for
Sustainability”. The IME also collaborates with multiple government departments and industry partners.
The Molecular Biology Division uses its diverse, interdisciplinary collaboration net-work to facilitate highly ambitious projects, including the development of novel vaccine candidates and diagnostic/therapeutic an-tibodies that can be produced in microbial fermenters or in plant-based production platforms complete with pilot scale GMP manufacturing for clinical trials. The TMP Group in Frankfurt provides experimental and clinical models for the early assessment of drug safety and efficacy. Other projects use genetic engineering or smart breed-ing to develop plants that produce natural polymers and metabolites, which can be used as drugs, plant protection products, intermediates or fine industrial chemicals.
The Applied Ecology Division carries out measurements, complex experimental tests and model calculations for assessing the risk of substances for ecosystems or the con-sumer by contamination of food, feed and consumer products. It is GLP-certified and has accreditations for sample preparation and all state-of-the-art detection systems.
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME
Fockenbeckstraße 52074 Aachen
Dr. Arno Pütz
+49 241 6085-12020
www.ime.fraunhofer.de
1959
scientific 195administrative 38
Federal Government (Germany) 30,6% Fraunhofer Society 21,9% Others 17%EU 6,3% Industry 24,2%
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
BIO.NRW
98
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME
Department of Functional and Applied Genomics
Applied Ecology Division
The Applied Ecology division of the Fraun-hofer IME is explicitly dedicated to ecological issues and thematically routed in agricultural production. The overall aim of the division is to determine, assess and finally minimize the risk of synthetic and natural substances for ecosystems, and for humans via contamina-tion of food, feed and consumer products.
Our analytical and ecotoxicological ac-tivities focus on the characterization and assessment of the environmental safety of plant protection products, biocides, veteri-nary medicinal products, industrial chemi-cals and, e.g., nanomaterials and include project work aiming to ensure food safety and quality.
We carry out a large part of our contract research projects for clients from industry and medium sized enterprises in different chemical sectors, the food manufacturing
and processing industries. With projects performed for governmental agencies, con-sultancy services and expert memberships in regulatory boards the institute also takes con-siderable influence on environmental policy.
International CollaborationsChemical industry, Plant Protection Producers, Research institutes and universities
National CollaborationsRLP AgroScience Mesocosm GmbH gaiac, ECT
Membership in local and regional NetworksFraunhofer Life Science, Fraunhofer Alli-ance Food Chain Management, Fraunhofer Alliance Photocatalysis , SETAC, GdCh
International CollaborationsNeiker, Spain Wageningen University, The Netherlands Lethbridge Research Centre , Canada
National CollaborationsContinental Reifen, HannoverWestfälische Wilhelms Universität MünsterBioPlant, Ebstorf
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB 2021
The Department of Functional and Applied Genomics (DFAG) has capitalized on the rapidly accumulating catalogue of genome sequence data to fuel a discovery engine that takes us from gene to function to target to useful products. In the context of plant-based research, the major aim of the DFAG is to develop new traits that allow the sus-tainable production of biopolymers, which are the most abundant organic compounds in the world and the major constituent of plant cells. DFAG has active research pro-jects underway into the bioloymers starch, natural rubber and a particular type of protein-based polymer (forisomes). In ad-dition, DFAG further research interests are to improve plant biomass by utilization of the tobacco forever young effect.
BiotechnologyPlant Biology/Physiology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Biomass, Genetic Engineering, Plant Breeding, Plant Produced Products
Prof. Dr. Dirk Prüfer
www.ime.fraunhofer.de/de/geschaeftsfelder/funktionelle_und_angewandte_genomik.htmldirk.pruefer@ime.fraunhofer.de
Hindenburgplatz 5548143 Münster
+49 251 832-2302
Environmental Biology/Chemistry, Monitoring, Food Safety, Ecotoxicology
E-Fate, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Trace Analysis, Substance Regulation
Dr. Christoph Schäfers
www.ime.fraunhofer.de/en/business_areas_AE.html
Auf dem Aberg 157392 Schmallenberg
+49 2972 302-270
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BIO.NRW
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Department of Industrial Biotechnology
Department of Pharmaceutical Product Development
Many microbes and plants can synthesize complex natural products that are difficult to produce chemically. In this respect, nature has provided elaborate biochemi-cal factories often involving biochemical reactions that are unparalleled by modern chemical synthesis methods. Humans use these complex molecules in many ways, e. g. as spices, flavors, fragrances and phar-maceuticals. However, the molecules are produced naturally in tiny amounts, often among many similar molecules, making them expensive and difficult to isolate.
These challenges can be addressed by metabolic engineering (using recombinant cells) and bioorganic synthesis (using isolat-ed enzymes). The Industrial Biotechnology group focuses on the production of natural products and other valuable molecules us-ing metabolically engineered microbes and
Nearly 35 years have passed since the first monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been described. Today, more than 30 mAbs have been approved and are key components of the burgeoning biotechnology industry. In the department we have solid expertise in the production of difficult recombinant fu-sion proteins using bacteria and mammalian cells. Primary focal points are the develop-ment of new antibody-based reagents as diagnostics and therapeutics. New, antigen-specific reagents are usually isolated from immunized animals using hybridoma tech-nology or from human beings by state of the art antibody technologies. These ligands are tailored for their final application by rational protein engineering. The biological efficacy of the resulting molecules is documented in different in vitro and in vivo test systems including the use of molecular imaging. Di-
isolated enzymes, helping to reduce the cost and increase the availability of useful and valuable compounds.
International CollaborationsSekisui Chemicals, Japan
National CollaborationsMax-Planck Institut Jena Max-Planck Institut DortmundFraunhofer ICT Karlsruhe
agnostically-relevant recombinant proteins thus identified are developed into optimized bioassay formats for e.g. use in protein chips for the detection of disease markers.
International CollaborationsIMEC, Leuven, Belgium University Hospital of Maastricht, NLPepscan, NL
National CollaborationsBBraun, Melsungen; Bayer Technology Services, Leverkusen; University Hospital of Aachen; University Hospital of Giessen; Fraunhofer ISC; Fraunhofer IGB
Membership in local and regional NetworksGerman/Israelian Life Science Committee, Forum Lifes Sciences AachenDGHO, German Cancer Society
Biotechnology
Bioenergy Research, Biomass, Bioprocessing, Enzymes, Genomics, Metabolomics, Microbial Genomics
Dr. Stefan Jennewein
www.ime.fraunhofer.de/en/businessareasMB/[email protected]
Forckenbeckstraße 652074 Aachen
+49 241 6085-12120
Medical Biotechnology
Protein Engineering, Protein Expression, Immunodiagnostics, Immunotherapeutics, Bioassay Development
Prof. Dr. Dr. Stefan Barth
www.ime.fraunhofer.de/de/geschaeftsfelder/pharmazeutische_produktentwicklung.htmlstefan.barth@ime.fraunhofer.deForckenbeckstr. 652074 Aachen
+49 241 6085-11060+49 241 6085-10000
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Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME
BIO.NRW
100
Department of Plant Biotechnology
vaccines and enzymes. A further focus of our research activities is the establishment of new strategies to increase the produc-tion and stability of recombinant proteins in plant cells through novel molecular biology approaches, improved cultivation conditions and high-content screening of plant lines.
In this context, an important aspect of our activities is the elucidation of mo-lecular and cellular mechanisms affecting protein production using transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Finally, the departement focuses on the establishment of novel techniques for enhancing plant growth and exploiting plant biomass.
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021
Biotechnology can be used to modify plants and improve their agronomic prop-erties, e. g. increased pathogen and stress resistance. The same techniques can be used to modulate metabolic pathways so that defined secondary metabolites are either enriched or depleted in the plant tissues. This allowes the production of specific plant metabolites in large quanti-ties, and can improve the nutritional value of foods. Plants and plant cell cultures can also be used as biofactories to produce technical enzymes or pharmaceutical proteins in large amounts.
This technique, “molecular farming”, could be developed as an alternative pro-duction system for recombinant proteins, as demonstrated by numerous reports of plant-derived pharmaceutical products, such as antibodies, blood substitutes,
Plant Biotechnology /Physiology
Agricultural Biotechnology, Biomass, Biopharmaceuticals, Crop Research, Fermentation
Prof. Dr. Stefan Schillberg
www.ime.fraunhofer.de/en/businessareasMB/[email protected]
Forckenbeckstr. 652074 Aachen
+49 241 6085-11050
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Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME
BIO.NRW
103
Helmholtz Association
Helmholtz Association
Helmholtz Association
The Helmholtz Association is Germany‘s largest scientific research organisation. A total of 36,000 staff works in its 18 scientific-technical and biological-medical research centres. The Association‘s annual budget amounts to more than €3.8 billion. The Federal and Länder authorities share around 70% of the total budget in a ratio of 90:10. The remaining 30% of the budget is secured by the Helmholtz Centres in the form of contract funding.
The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand chal-lenges of science, society and industry – by pursuing the long-term research goals of state and society, to maintain and improve the livelihoods of the population. Scientists at Helmholtz concentrate on researching the highly-complex systems which deter-mine human life and the environment. For example, ensuring that society remains mobile and has a reliable energy supply, that future generations find an intact envi-ronment is passed on to future generations or that treatments are found for previously incurable diseases. The activities of the Helmholtz Association focus on securing the foundations of human life into the fu-ture and on creating the technological basis for a competitive economy. The resources with which the Association achieves these goals is made up of the outstanding sci-entists working at the research centres, a high-performance infrastructure and modern research management.
In order to succeed in achieving the aforementioned responsibilities, the Helmholtz Association concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth
and Environment, Health, Aeronautics, Space and Transport, Key Technologies plus Structure of Matter. Scientists develop Research Programmes for each of these fields. International experts review these programmes. Their evaluation forms the basis for the programme-oriented funding given to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists co-operate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, or-ganisational and national borders. Indeed, the name Helmholtz stands for concerted research in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and ac-tion. Concerted research is efficient and flexible which Helmholtz uses to create an effective basis for shaping the future.
Research infrastructures
Scientists and researchers from the Helmholtz Association develop and oper-ate large-scale facilities of international significance, such as particle accelera-tors, synchrotron beams, neutron and ion sources, research vessels and aircraft. These facilities appeal greatly to the best researchers around the world as well as for young scientists. Each year, several thou-sand researchers from home and abroad use these large-scale facilities, some of which are the only ones of their kind.
Research programmes for greater focus
No other research organisation can com-pare to the way the Helmholtz Association has engaged in reforms in recent years
and, in so doing, has successfully put these into practice. Since the Helmholtz Associa-tion‘s foundation in Autumn 2001, all the re-search has been strategically restructured. Programme-oriented funding is the centrepiece of these reforms. They no longer invest their-resources in individual institutions, but rather fund centre-embracing Research Programmes that compete with each other for funding. In accordance with the core objectives of the Pact for Research and Innovation, activities now concentrate primarily on achieving top-flight results through cooperation and competition. The scientists and researchers working in the 18 Helmholtz Centres have developed a total of 28 Research Programmes whose scientific ex-cellence and strategic relevance are evaluated by internationally-renowned peers once every five years. This in turn serves to ensure that the results of Helmholtz research can compete with the work of leading institutes worldwide.
BIO.NRW
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Forschungszentrum Jülich
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ForschungszentrumJülich
Wilhelm-Johnen-Strasse52425 Jülich
PR: Dr. A. Rother
Technology-Transfer: Dr. R. Raue
+49 2461 61-4661 +49 2461 [email protected]
1956
4,750
Federal Government (Germany) 90%
State Government NRW 10%
www.fz-juelich.de
We harness this potential to generate new solutions for the areas of health, energy and environment, and information.
Excellent researchers who cooperate across the borders of institutes, research centres and even countries are Jülich’s greatest strength. In order to allow them to collaborate with the best partners throughout the world, Jülich par-ticipates in strategic alliances both in Germany and abroad. The young scientists, students, and PhD candidates make an especially vital contribution to the intellectually stimulating environment and energy at the campus. Jülich offers them a working environment with state-of-the-art instruments and global contacts, as well as the opportunity to do independent research early on in their careers.
Forschungszentrum Jülich is proud of the tools it provides for its researchers to do their work: simulation with supercomputers, research with neutrons, imaging techniques for medicine and plant science, nanotechnol-ogy tools – these modern instruments allow science to break through to new horizons of knowledge. This infrastructure, valued and used by researchers throughout the globe, characterizes Jülich the home of key tech-nologies.
How will we live longer in future while remain-ing healthy as we age? How will we ensure our energy supply and protect the environment at the same time? What does our future as a knowledge society look like? In order to an-swer these pressing questions, society needs solutions from research – solutions based on completely new ways of thinking that can only be achieved with cutting-edge research tools.
Forschungszentrum Jülich is concerned with these kinds of key technologies, whose benefits are not restricted to the specific needs of isolated disciplines, but instead open new doors for research as a whole. Jül-ich, one of Europe’s largest interdisciplinary research centres works with the best partners in science and industry to develop and build these key technologies, to use them for their own research, and make them available to science.
Our potential for meeting the objective of “key technologies for tomorrow” lies in 4,750 employees who work together in an inter-disciplinary manner, over 200 cooperation partners in Germany and abroad, a unique infrastructure, and our special expertise in physics, materials science, nanotechnology, life science, and information technology.
Forschungszentrum JülichFuture is our Mission
BIO.NRW
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Forschungszentrum Jülich
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Biotechnology
Enzymes, Fermentation, Flow Cytometry, Microbial Genomics, Metabolomics, Microarrays, Metabolic Engineering, Single Cell Analysis, Synthetic Biology
Prof. Dr. Michael Bott Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wiechert
www.fz-juelich.de/ibg/ibg-1/[email protected] [email protected]
Wilhelm-Johnen-Strasse52425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-3294/5557+49 2461 61-2710/3870
Plant Biology/Physiology
Biodiversity, Biomass, Crop Research, Plant Breeding, Phenotyping, Plant Technology
Prof. Dr. Ulrich SchurrProf. Dr. Björn Usadel
www.fz-juelich.de/ibg/ibg-2/DE/Home/[email protected]
Wilhelm-Johnen-StrasseIBG-252425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-3073+49 2461 61-2492
IBG-1: Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften/Biotechnology
IBG-2: Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften/Plant Sciences
IBG-1: Biotechnology performs research in White Biotechnology, a key field in knowl-edge-based bioeconomy. A major focus is the development and characterization of microbial production strains, enzymes and technical production processes for the synthesis of chemicals and pharma-ceuticals (e.g. amino acids, organic acids, proteins) based on renewable carbon sources. A comprehensive bioanalytical platform (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, fluxomics) forms the basis of a systems biological approach for mi-crobial strain development via metabolic engineering. Bacterial single-cell analysis using biosensors, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and novel microfluidic devices has been established, offering out-standing new opportunities for the analysis and development of production strains.
Based on molecular, physiological and ecological expertise IBG-2: Plant Sciences develops integrated concepts of sustainable intensification of plant production towards a knowledge based bioeconomy. Major topics are Integrative Plant Research (biodiversity, resource use efficiency, non-invasive analyt-ics), Sustainable & Innovative Plant Produc-tion (Bioeconomy Science Center, resource-friendly & integrated production systems), Science Policy and Political Consultants. Non-invasive phenotyping methods are used to quantify the dynamics of plant traits by studying growth and transport as well as exchange processes between plants and their environment. Imaging approaches are used to quantify plant structure and func-tion from single organs (leaves or roots) to the ecosystem. Techniques are applied in green houses and outdoor facilities, thereby
All research areas described above use methods of synthetic biology, modeling and simulation.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Birmingham, UKUniversity College London, UKUniversity of Delft, The NetherlandsKarl-Franzenz Universität Graz, AustriaUniversity of British Columbia (UBC), Canada
National CollaborationsUniversities of Bielefeld and UlmRWTH AachenEvonik Degussa GmbH
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021, Bioeconomy Science Center,
using various sensor-platforms covering near-ground techniques like (non-)flexible operating platforms as well as airborne plat-forms including airships and helicopters. International Collaborations
Universities of Bologna, Gent, British Columbia, PennStateMajor plant breeders: INRA (France), CSIR (India), CSIRO (Australia), EMBRAPA (Brasilien)
National CollaborationsUniversities of Bonn, Düsseldorf & RWTH Aachen Competence centre for horticulture (KoGa)Helmholtz, Fraunhofer, Max Planck
Membership in local and regional NetworksCLIB2021, Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC); Deutsches Pflanzen Phänotypi-sierungs Netzwerk (DPPN)
BIO.NRW
106
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Biochemistry
Alzheimer’s Disease, Infectious Diseases, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Structural Biology, Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy, Protein-Ligand Interactions,Autophagy, X-Ray Crystallography
Prof. Dr. Dieter Willboldwww.fz-juelich.de/ics/[email protected]
Wilhelm-Johnen-Strasse52425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-2100+49 2461 61-2023
ICS-6: Structural Biochemistry
Research of ICS-6: Structural Biochemistry focuses on the development and applica-tion of methods to precisely investigate three-dimensional structures, dynamics, ligand interactions and molecular mecha-nisms of biologically and medically relevant macromolecules involved in basic cellular processes like autophagy. Function and malfunction of most investigated proteins play decisive roles in the development and progression of infectious diseases, e.g. AIDS and Hepatitis C, and neurodegenerative dis-eases, e.g. prion diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Thus, folding, misfold-ing and aggregation together with protein-protein and other protein-ligand interactions need to be investigated quantitatively and – if possible – in atomic detail by liquid and solid state NMR, X-ray crystallography and computational biology methods. With the
development of novel approaches for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders as well as therapeutic and preventive ap-proaches to Alzheimer’s disease applied research is carried out at ICS-6 as well.International Collaborations
Institut de Biologie Structurale, CEA, Grenoble, FranceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham, USATel-Aviv University, Israel
National CollaborationsHeinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Caesar, BonnUniversities of Erlangen-Nuernberg and Duisburg-Essen
Membership in local and regional NetworksNRW Research School BioStruct GRK1033, IHRS BioSoft, Bio-N3MR Network NRW, BMFZ, Competence Network Degenera-tive Dementias, CLIB2021-Graduate Cluster
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Biophysics/Neurotechnology
Chip Technology
Prof. Dr. Andreas Offenhäusser
www.fz-juelich.de/pgi/pgi-8/EN/Home/_node.html
Wilhelm-Johnen-StrasseCS-8 & PGI-852425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-2330+49 2461 61-8733
In our research we focus on the functional connection of biological and electronic systems where we in particular examine the molecular, cellular and electronic and electro-chemical processes at this interface. This enables the development of elec-tronic sensors for the detection of minute amounts of biochemicals in the environ-ment and in body fluids or even exchange signals with cells.
We operate onsite facilities for method developments, prototyping and testing bio-electronic systems, fabricating and measur-ing the performance of devices, and testing the interaction with biological materials. The Process Technology (PT) Group maintains micro- and nanoelectronics equipment, supports internal and external users of the cleanroom, and offer services for external clients.
International CollaborationsShanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, ChinaETRI, Daejeon, KoreaUMPC, France
National CollaborationsRWTH AachenUniversität Bonn
ICS-8/PGI-8: Institute of Complex Systems & Peter Grünberg/ Bioelectronics
BIO.NRW
107
Forschungszentrum Jülich
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Health, Cognitive Neuroscience, NeurobiologyAging, Alzheimer’s Disease, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Parkinson Disease, Spatial Cognition
Prof. Dr. Gereon R. Fink
www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-3/DE/Home/home_node.html
Wilhelm-Johnen-StrasseINM-352425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-4334+49 2461 61-1518
The Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (INM-3) uses behavioral, pharmacological and neuromodulatory methods to elucidate pathomechanisms of neurological, neuropsy-chological or psychological deficits, with the aim to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies/procedures.
Using functional imaging (PET and MRI), both systemic (neural networks) and mo-lecular (neurotransmission) approaches utilizing mathematical models (such as dynamic causal modeling) are combined, in order to arrive at a holistic understanding of the development of normal functions in the healthy brain (across the entire life span) as well as the diseased brain of neurological and psychiatric patients.
These aims are pursued in close col-laboration with the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne (stroke-induced
deficits and neurorehabilitation, memory dis-orders in normal aging and dementias), the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Cologne (disorders of social cognition in au-tism and schizophrenia) and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen (disorders of attention and empathy in ADHD).International Collaborations
SISSA, Trieste, Italien Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, London, UKDepartment of Psychology, University Cardiff, UK
National CollaborationsUniversity Hospital CologneRWTH AachenUniversityhospital Kiel
Membership in local and regional NetworksKFO 219, NeuroNRW
INM-3: Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine/Cognitive Neuroscience
The structural and functional organisation of the human brain can only be understood from an integrative systems perspective. Thus, a highly multimodal approach is taken, using in-vivo and post-mortem structural and functional imaging as well as genetic methods.
The main aim is to create a realistic 3D model of the normal human brain from a systems perspective which is informed by knowledge on the different levels of structure and function of brain areas and the connec-tions between them. The structural deline-ation of brain areas by means of cyto- and receptorarchitecture provides a thorough anatomical basis for analyses of structure-function relationships in the brain. In addition to in-vivo characterization of connections between brain areas, these connections are
analyzed with ultra-high resolution using polarized light. All these modalities are com-bined with genetic marker and genome wide association analyses to identify heritable traits and gene-environment interactions in the healthy and diseased human brain.
International CollaborationsMontreal Neurological Institute/McGill University, Montreal, CanadaNeurospin CEA, Paris, FranceUniversity of California-San Diego, UCLA, USA
National CollaborationsJARA-BRAIN, Jülich-Aachen Research AllianceHeinrich-Heine-University, DüsseldorfMax-Planck-Institute, LeipzigHelmholtz Zentrum München
INM-1: Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine/Structural and Functional Organisation of the Brain Research Field
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Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy
Aging, Genomics, Microscopy, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Systems Biology
Prof. Dr. med. Karin Amunts
www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-1/EN/Home/[email protected]
Wilhelm-Johnen-StrasseINM-452425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-4300+49 2461 61-3483
BIO.NRW
108
Forschungszentrum Jülich
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Philosophy of Neuroscience
Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bioethics
Prof. Dr. Dieter Sturma
www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-8/EN/Home/home_node.html
Wilhelm-Johnen-StrasseINM-852425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-9100+49 2461 61-2950
The department Ethics in the Neuro-sciences (INM-8) investigates philosophi-cal, psychological, ethical and social issues resulting from neuroscientific research.
It subscribes to an integrative concep-tion of ethics that includes legal and social issues. The disciplines represented in the INM-8 are ethics, philosophy of mind, phi-losophy of psychology and social sciences.
Key topics of research are Person and Personality, Representation and Psycho-physical Correlations, and Modeling in the Neurosciences.
The INM-8 applies methods of philoso-phy of science, epistemology, philosophy of mind, conceptual analysis, normative evaluation. It conducts empirical social research in the field of science commu-nication.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, USA
National CollaborationsInstitut für Wissenschaft und Ethik, Universität BonnDeutsches Referenzzentrum für Ethik in den Biowissenschaften, BonnInstitut für Technikfolgenabschätzung und Systemanalyse, Karlsruhe
Membership in local and regional NetworksJARA-BRAIN
INM-8: Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine/Ethics in the Neurosciences
The research and development activities of the Medical Imaging Physics division (INM-4) of the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine concentrate on the development, experimen-tal validation and the clinical implementa-tion of novel brain imaging methods. The focal points comprise the development of novel methods in the area of ultra-high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magne-toencephalography (MEG) and the develop-ment of hybrid imaging combining MRI with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Such combinations present unique opportunities for the simultaneous acquisition of structural changes, physiological and biochemical data and provide excellent perspectives for clinical application to neurological diseases. In coop-eration with our partner institutes, novel trac-ers for MR-PET imaging are investigated in animal experiments and validated by means
of autoradiography, immunofluorescence imaging and histological methods. With MEG, patterns of neuronal activities are detected with high temporal resolution. The analysis of such signals provides new insights which contribute to the basic understanding of physiological and pathophysiological activity in the human brain.
International CollaborationsMaastricht University, The NetherlandsNCVC, Osaka, JapanNeurospin, Paris, France
National CollaborationsSiemens HealthcareRWTH Aachen UniversityHHU DüsseldorfMPI Tübingen and Leipzig
Membership in local and regional NetworksJARA-BRAIN
INM-4: Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine/Medical Imaging PhysicsResearch Field
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Health, Medical Physics
Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, Diabetes, Diagnostic Systems, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Parkinson Disease
Prof. Dr. N. Jon Shah
www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm-4/EN/Home/home_node.html
Wilhelm-Johnen-StrasseINM-452425 Jülich
+49 2461 61-6836+49 2461 61-1919
109
BIO.NRW German Aerospace Center (DLR)
German Aerospace Center (DLR)DLR – Research for the Earth
• research aimed at protecting the envi-ronment
• development of environmentally-friendly technologies to promote mobility, com-munication and security.
DLR’s research portfolio ranges from fun-damental research to innovative develop-ment of the applications and products of tomorrow. In this way, DLR contributes the scientific and technical know-how that it has gained, thus enhancing Germany’s in-dustrial and technological reputation. DLR operates large-scale research facilities for the center’s own projects and as a service provider for clients and partners. It also promotes the next generation of scientists, provides advisory services to the German Government and is a driving force in the regions centred on its various locations.
Approximately 7000 people work for dlr; the center has 32 institutes and facilities at 16 locations in Germany: Augsburg, Berlin, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Cologne (Headquarters), Goettingen, Hamburg, Juelich, Lampoldshausen, Neustrelitz, Oberpfaffenhofen, Stade, Stuttgart, Trauen and Weilheim. DLR also has offices in Brus-sels, Paris, Singapore and Washington D.C.
DLR is germany’s national research center for aeronautics and space. Its extensive re-search and development work in aeronautics, space, transportation, energy, defence and security research is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. As Germany’s space agency, the German Federal Government has given DLR responsibility for the forward planning and implementation of the german space programme as well as international representation of Germany’s interests.
Aeronautics and space make substan-tial contributions to the way we live today. aviation guarantees our global mobility and satellites enable worldwide communication. Remote sensing generates data about our environment, while the exploration of space leads to new knowledge about the origin and development of the solar system, its planets, and, hence, about the creation of life.
Moreover, key industries, including ma-terials technology, medicine and software engineering, all profit from innovations made by DLR in the fields of aeronautics and space.DLR’s mission thus comprises:• exploration of the earth and the solar
system
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Number ofemployees
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Linder Höhe51147 Köln
Andreas Schütz
+49 2203 601-2474
www.dlr.de
1909
7,000 all together
www.dlr.de
BIO.NRW
110
Research Field
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Health, Physiology
Physiology in Aviation,Cognitive Performance,Sleep Research,Noise Effects Research,Baromedicine
Dr. Daniel Aeschbach
www.dlr.de/me/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1770
Linder Höhe51147 Köln
+49 2203 601-3667+49 2203 696-372
Cell Biology, Gravitational Biology, Complex Human Physiology Studies,
Immune Modulation, Microscopy, Signal Tranduction
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Ralf Anken
www.dlr.de/me/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1769/[email protected]
Linder Höhe51147 Köln
+49 2203 601-3420+49 2203 696-372
plications and solutions in the operative side of aviation and space travel. Furthermore, a significant part of our recent studies have examined the effects of aircraft noise on sleep and annoyance in the population.
International CollaborationsHarvard Medical School, Boston, USAKings College, London, UKFederal Aviation Administration, USA
National CollaborationsTU BerlinHochschule Bonn-Rhein-SiegFraunhofer Gesellschaft, Institut für Bauphysik
The Division of Flight Physiology investi-gates the performance, fatigue and work strain of flight personnel, as well as specific effects of air traffic on the population. To account for the multilayered aspects of the specific field, the division is made up of a multi-disciplinary team. Among the stress factors that we investigate are sleep loss, disturbances to the circadian rhythm (e.g. jetlag), atmospheric pressure changes, noise and vibrations. These factors are investigated both in comprehensive stud-ies under strictly controlled laboratory conditions and in field studies under real life conditions. The results of our exami-nations render a better understanding of the foundations and conditions of human performance. Moreover, they serve the de-velopment of models, criteria and standards and enable recommendations regarding ap-
• projects in the area of telemedicine.We maintain numerous national and in-ternational co-operations to investigate the impact of gravity as an environmental factor on signal processing and adaptabil-ity of biological systems. We also carry out research in bioregenerative live support.
International CollaborationsChinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan,China
National CollaborationsDeutsche Sporthochschule Köln (DSHS)University BonnUniversity Erlangen-Nürnberg
Membership in local and regional NetworksRegionale 2010
The institute’s Biomedical Research deals with relevant problems in biology and hu-man physiology. It supports both internal and external scientists from different fields of research in planning and conducting experiments.
Besides its research and development tasks, the division provides scientific and operational support for projects in the areas of human physiology, gravitational biology and telemedicine. Our expertise includes the planning, preparation and execution of• space experiments with the BIOLAB
facility (as part of the COLUMBUS module of the International Space Sta-tion (ISS)) or for parabolic flights,
• both ambulant and stationary studies in human physiology (e.g. centrifuge, bed rest, medication and isolation studies), and
Institute of Aerospace Medicine/Flight Physiology
Institute of Aerospace Medicine/Biomedical Research
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
BIO.NRW
111
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Research Field
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Head of Studies
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Physiology
Environmental Research. Nutrition, Systems Biology,Immobilization, Training
Prof. Dr. med. Jörn Rittweger
www.dlr.de
Linder Höhe51147 Köln
+49 2203 601-3360+49 2203 596-11
The research of space physiology focusses on the influence of weightlessness, nutri-tion, physical inactivity, unloading, and aging processes on human health. The investigations are performed in an integra-tive approach – from the cell to the whole organism – on ground and in space.
International CollaborationsManchester Metropolitan University, UKNorth-Western Polytechnical University, Xi’An, ChinaJosef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
National CollaborationsUniversity of CologneGerman Sports University, CologneCharité - University Medicine Berlin
Institute of Aerospace Medicine/Space Physiology
BIO.NRW
112
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases – DZNE
German Center for NeurodegenerativeDiseases – DZNE
translational research and brings together a critical mass of scientists to strategically coordinate their efforts to find solutions for brain diseases. DZNE also has close col-laborative partnerships with industry and patient organisations.
As a member of the Helmholtz Associa-tion, DZNE receives 90% of its funding from the BMBF and 10% from the state in which each DZNE site is located.
The mission of the German Center For Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is to study neurodegenerative diseases: Their causes and novel approaches to their pre-vention and therapy, including new health care strategies. DZNE research ranges from the study of molecular processes in simple organisms and brain cells to human clinical trials, population studies and health care research.
DZNE was founded in 2009 as a new type of research institute within the Helmholtz Association. It is the first of a total of six German Centres of Health Research (DZG) that were established by the German Fed-eral Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to combat the most significant diseases affecting the population. DZNE’s organisational structure integrates the best scientific resources across different locations in Germany into a single research institute with an interdisciplinary approach. DZNE scientists are located at nine sites in Berlin, Bonn, Dresden, Göttingen, Magdeburg, Munich, Rostock/Greifswald, Tübingen and Witten – and work closely with universities, university hospitals and other partner institutes. This fosters
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
E-MailInternet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases – DZNE
Holbeinstr. 13-15 53175 Bonn Dr. Dirk Förger Press Spokesman
+49 228 43302-260
April 2009
scientific 540administrative 90
Federal Government (Germany) 90%State Government NRW 10%
The DZNE receives 10% funding from every state in which a DZNE site Is located.
www.dzne.de
BIO.NRW
113
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases – DZNE
International CollaborationsInterDem (early detection and timelyintervention in dementia – a europeanresearch association)University of Bradford, DCM, UKBournemouth University, UKUniversity of Leiden, NLUniversity of Applied Science St. Gallen, SwitzerlandUniversity of Vienna, Austria
National CollaborationsMost German universities and some universities of Applied Sciences with nursing science and research
on the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Laboratory findings are promptly translated into clinical research and in a reciprocal manor, results from clinical re-search inspire new experimental directions to explain molecular disease mechanisms.
International CollaborationsMedical Research Council, UKCanadian Institutes of Health Research, CanadaGladstone Institute, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of BonnFederal Institute for Drugs and Medical DevicesForschungszentrum JülichForschungszentrum caesar
Health Care Research on demetia care means to develop novel strategies that help to maintain quality of life and func-tioning of people with dementia. Moreover, the aim is to minimize disability-related suffering and support caregivers. This includes psychosocial interventions, education, support and counselling and is related to different settings. These set-tings are community based care, nursing homes,day care and hospitals. Research in this area is not only required to improve individual quality of life. The goal is also to develop strategies that ensure effective, sustainable and cost-effective improve-ment. The development of health care structures and ways of knowledge circula-tion and implementation strategies is from greater social importance.
Bonn is home of the the largest DZNE-site and of the national administrative office. With the support of basic research, DZNE scientists aim to develop new therapeu-tic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. The Bonn researchers strive to understand the mechanisms of neuronal impairment. This includes investigating neural dysfunction, synaptic loss, synaptic regeneration, inflammation, and modified proteins. The role infection and modified proteins play is another important question studied in Bonn. Clinical research at DZNE Bonn seeks to improve diagnostic pro-cedures and develop effective therapies. State-of-the-art imaging technology and biochemical methods are used to facilitate early diagnosis.
We also look into the impact that vas-cular and infectionrelated processes have
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases /Witten
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases/Bonn-Cologne-Jülich
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Research Field
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Head of Institute
Internet
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FonFax
Neurodegenerative Disease
Dementia Care, Alzheimer’s Disease, Quality of Life, Challenging Behavior, Pain
Prof. Dr. Martina Roes
www.dzne.de/en/centers/witten.html
[email protected]@dzne.de
Stockumer Str. 1258453 Witten
+49 2302 926-147+49 2302 926-239
Neurodegenerative Disease
Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, Biomarker, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Parkinson Disease
Prof. Dr. Dr. Pierluigi Nicotera (Scientific Director)Prof. Dr. Thomas Klockgether (Site representative on the Strategy Board)www.dzne.de/en/centers/[email protected]
Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 253175 Bonn+49 228 43302-0+49 228 43302-279
BIO.NRW
114
www.hia.rwth-aachen.de
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
FonE-Mail
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering
Pauwelsstrasse 2052074 Aachen
Martin Zenke, PhD, Professor of Cell Biology, Managing Director
+49 241 [email protected]
1971
scientific 210administrative 23
Federal Gouvernment Germany 45%State Government NRW 15%EU 20%Industry 20%
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineer-ing is one of the multidisciplinary institutions of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hoch-schule (RWTH) Aachen.
Helmholtz Institute was founded in 1971 and has since then been acting as a bridge between the Faculties of Engineering, Sciences and Medicine of RWTH Aachen University.
At present the Helmholtz Institute is being sustained by the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineer-ing and Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Natural Sciences.
The mission of the Helmholtz Institute is a close interconnection of interdisciplinary basic research and application-oriented re-search in biomedical engineering. Research topics include modeling, design, prototyp-ing, experimental validation and preclinical testing of medical devices, molecular imag-ing, biomaterials and biointerface science, glyco biochemistry, tissue engineering and stem cell biology.
The common intention of all initiated pro-jects, activities and tasks is the invention and development of new biomedical technolo-
gies. The application of new methods should contribute to the best possible medical therapy of patients and their rehabilitation.
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering Aachen
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering Aachen
BIO.NRW
115
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering Aachen
Laboratory for Biomaterials
We have a profound expertise in the devel-opment of recombinant enzyme systems for the synthesis of (neo)glycoconjugates by combinatorial biocatalysis. The combi-natorial enzyme systems include enzymes for the synthesis of nucleotide sugars as well as Leloir-glycosyltransferases for the synthesis of complex glycan structures. Novel synthetic routes towards natural and modified glycoconjugates were created by the development and optimization of multi-enzyme reactions cycles. Current research projects include the enzymatic synthesis of native and modified glycan structures and their interaction with glycan binding pro-teins (lectins). In cooperation with partners we utilize these carbohydyrate-protein interactions for the biofunctionalization of biomaterial surfaces for tissue engi-neering, for targeting glycans on disease-
related glycoproteins, for targeting toxins and cancer cells.
International CollaborationsAcademy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Osaka University, Japan
National CollaborationsUniversity Hospital Aachen RWTH Aachen University Würzburg University
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioeconomy Science Center, LifeTec Aachen Jülich,
Cell Biology
The institute has a long standing interest in stem cells and cellular engineering. A par-ticular focus is on blood stem cells, mesen-chymal stem cells and embryonic stem cells (ES cells), and their differentiated progeny. Additionally, efforts are directed towards enlarging the developmental potential of somatic cells, for example by employing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell tech-nology, referred to as cellular engineering. Further activities are on the development of biohybrid systems, comprising of cells and engineered materials. In this context the institute investigates the impact of natural and synthetic biomaterials on cell growth, differentiation and function.
International CollaborationsLudwig Boltzmann Institute, Vienna, Austria
Tsinghua University and Peking Union Medical School (PUMC), Beijing, China
National CollaborationsMax Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, MünsterBonn UniversityWürzburg UniversityLife & Brain, BonnBayer, Leverkusen
Membership in local and regional NetworksStem Cell Network NRWDFG Priority Program “Pluripotency and Cellular Reprogramming”StemCellFactory – Automated derivation, expansion and differentiation of iPS cells
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Biotechnology, Glycobiotechnology and Biocatalysis
Biocatalysts, Biomaterials, Biopharmaceuticals, Enzymes, Carbohydrates
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Lothar Elling
Pauwelsstr. 2052074 Aachen
+49 241 80-28350+49 241 80-2287
Health, Medical Devices
Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Tissue Engineering
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Martin Zenke
www.molcell.rwth-aachen.de
Pauwelsstr. 2052074 Aachen
+49 241 80-80760+49 241 80-82008
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Keywords
Head of Institute
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Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
BIO.NRW
116
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering Aachen
Experimental Molecular Imaging
The Chair of Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI) develops and evaluates novel imaging methods and contrast agents to character-ize and treat cancer and cardiovascular disorders. In this context, novel biomaterials, including nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, liposomes and microbubbles are developed and tested. Their delivery and therapeutic efficacy is assessed by functional and mo-lecular imaging. ExMI follows a multimodal approach, based on combinations of MRI, CT, ultrasound, optical imaging and nuclear medicine techniques. Image fusion, hybrid imaging as well as multimodal contrast agents are in the research scope. Usually, the choice of imaging strategies and contrast agents follows the biological and medical problem to be investigated. Furthermore, we intend to better connect preclinical and clini-cal research, and to translate novel surrogate
markers and (molecular) diagnostics into clinical evaluation. Currently, the department consists of five research groups, working on the biological mechanisms of tumor devel-opment and angiogenesis, on the synthesis of novel imaging probes, on theranostic concepts to treat cancer and cardiovascu-lar diseases, on MR-PET hybrid imaging, and on translational studies to bring func-tional and molecular ultrasound to the clinic.
International CollaborationsUtrecht-University, The Netherlands Weizmann Institute, Tel Aviv, IsraelUniversity of California, San Diego, USA
National CollaborationsLMU, München, RUB Bochum DKFZ, Heidelberg
Membership in local and regional NetworksLifeTec Aachen Jülich e.V.
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Health, Oncology Molecular Imaging
Biomaterials, Cancer, Cardiovascular Research, Oncology, Personalized Medicine
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Fabian Kiessling, Ms. Birgit Tiemannwww.uk-aachen.de/content/folder/5630874/[email protected]@ukaachen.de
Pauwelsstr. 2052074 Aachen
+49 241 80-80116+49 241 80-3380116
BIO.NRW
119
Leibniz Association
Leibniz Association
Leibniz Association
The Leibniz Association connects 86 inde-pendent research institutions that range in focus from the natural, engineering and en-vironmental sciences via economics, spatial and social sciences to the humanities. Leibniz institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance. They conduct knowledge-driven and applied basic research, maintain scientific infrastructure and provide research-based services.
The Leibniz Association identifies focus ar-eas for knowledge transfer to policy-makers, academia, business and the public. Leibniz in-stitutions collaborate intensively with univer-sities – in the form of “WissenschaftsCampi” (thematic partnerships between university and non-university research institutes), for example – as well as with industry and other partners at home and abroad. They are sub-ject to an independent evaluation procedure that is unparalleled in its transparency. Due to the importance of the institutions for the country as a whole, they are funded jointly by the Federation and the Länder, employ-ing some 16,500 individuals, including 7,700 researchers. The entire budget of all the institutes is approximately € 1.4 billion.
In 2012, the General Assembly of the Leib-niz Association pledged itself to the guiding principle of a coordinated, de-centralised structure. At the same time, it decided to strengthen the central service functions of the Leibniz Association and to expand its Headquarters.
Scientific profile The 86 Leibniz institutions are divided up into five sections with differing focus areas. Active knowledge sharing takes place both
within and between the Sections which provide an initial overview of the Leibniz Association’s scientific profile. Section A - Humanities and Educational
ResearchSection B - Economics, Social Sciences,
Spatial ResearchSection C - Life SciencesSection D - Mathematics, Natural Sciences, EngineeringSection E - Environmental Research The latter three sections are most relevant for research disciplines from the life scienc-es: the institutions in section C concentrate on research in the life sciences with a focus on health and biodiversity. Health themes include immune diseases, infection, obesity and related complications (diabetes, heart- und vascular disease) as well as diseases of the central nervous system. The main directions in biodiversity research are spe-cies diversity, ecosystems, the role of bio-diversity and the impact of anthropogenic change, sustainable use of biodiversity and the development of methods for meaningful biodiversity management.
Section D comprises the institutions and infrastructure facilities in the Leibniz Asso-ciation which research into mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. These institutes ideally combine knowledge-driven research in mathematics, astrophysics and atmospheric physics with application-related investigations into innovative semi-conductor devices, new materials, medical diagnostics and environmental analysis. Modelling and simulating complex processes allow reliable predictions to be
made in areas that are inaccessible or in which experimentation is difficult. New approaches to technology transfer and the presentation of out-comes reach out beyond the individual sections but are actively embraced by the scientific infra-structure facilities and the international meeting centres for mathematics and computer science.
Section E focuses on environmentally-relevant issues in the natural sciences, engineering and social sciences. With the aid of laboratory and field work, the development of analytical proce-dures and mathematical modelling, ecosystems and biotic communities are studied, particularly against the backdrop of global change. The insti-tutions investigate the interdependency between the natural environment and human activity and provide the basis for decision-making on securing sustainable resources in the political, economic and social arenas.
BIO.NRW
120
German Diabetes Center – Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University
German Diabetes Center – Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University
The DDZ is an interdisciplinary research center and consists of the three institutes: The Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, the Institute for Clinical Diabetology and the Institute for Biometry and Epidemiology. The two Paul-Langerhans groups and the National Diabetes Informa-tion Center unit are also part of the DDZ. The research groups of the institutes and units run four DDZ research programs in an interdisciplinary and coordinated fashion. Each program covers different topics.
The German Diabetes Center (Deutsches Diabetes-Zentrum, DDZ), Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, is part of the Leibniz Association (Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz e. V., WGL), a network of 86 scientifically, legally and eco-nomically independent research institutes and scientific service facilities.
The mission of the DDZ is to contribute to reducing the individual and societal burden of diabetes mellitus by interdisciplinary research. To achieve this target the DDZ cross-links molecular and cell biological basic research with clinical and epide-miological research approaches. The DDZ’s scientific contributions aim at improving the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and therapy of diabetes mellitus and its sequelae while advancing epidemiologi-cal data on diabetes in Germany. The DDZ understands itself as the German reference center for diabetes. In this capacity, the DDZ provides free scientific information on diabetes mellitus to all players in the health care system and the public.
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
FonE-Mail
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
German Diabetes Center – Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University
Auf’m Hennekamp 65 40225 Düsseldorf
Prof. Dr. Michael Roden
+49 221 3382-0 [email protected]
www.ddz.uni-duesseldorf.de
1965
185
Federal Government (Germany) 50%State Government NRW50%
www.ddz.uni-duesseldorf.de
BIO.NRW
121
German Diabetes Center – Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University
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Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Institute
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Biometrics and Epidemiology
Diabetes, Epidemiology,Biometry, Health Service,Health Economics
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Guido Giani
www.ddz.uni-duesseldorf.de
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3382-258+49 211 3382-677
Genetics/Molecular Biology
Animal Models, Biomarker, Diabetes, Proteomics, Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Hadi Al-Hasani
www.ddz.uni-duesseldorf.de
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3382-240+49 211 3382-430
records cases of incident type 1 and type 2 diabetes under 35 years of age in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. International Collaborations
Queen’s University Belfast, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UK National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finnland Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, USA
National CollaborationsHelmholtz Center MunichWestphalian Wilhelms-University, Münster; University Duisburg-Essen University of Greifswald, Institute for Environmental; Medicine (IUF), Düsseldorf
Membership in local and regional NetworksGerman Delegate, OECD Expert GroupDeputy Speaker, BMBF Diabetes Competence Network
Karolinska Institut, Stockholm, SwedenNational Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USAUniversity of Bath, UKVU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
National CollaborationsGerman Institute for Human Nutrition, Potsdam-RehbrueckeMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, BerlinMax Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin
The Institute for Biometrics and Epidemiol-ogy at the German Diabetes Center is the only institution in Germany seeing its main objective in creating up-to-date population-based epidemiological data linked to diabe-tes mellitus and its complications. This task comprises the study of questions arising in Health Services Research and also health economical aspects such as considering the cost-effectiveness of prevention and intervention methods. The institute estab-lishes its own cohorts and uses those of external collaborators to take over a lead-ing role in the research on diabetes-related questions. Examples of external platforms used are the KORA cohort, Augsburg, and the SHIP-TREND in Greifswald. For the own cohorts the institute collects data about the clinical development of the type 1 diabetes with disease onset at pre-school stage and
The Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry investigates the molecu-lar basis of onset and progression of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The aim is to gain insights that may lead to im-provements in prevention, prediction and therapy of diabetes.
Therefore, several research strategies are pursued, including experimental mouse genetics to identify novel risk genes, gene/gene and gene/environment interactions, molecular and cell biology studies and mass spectroscopy-based proteome mapping to investigate regulatory networks and to iden-tify novel predictive biomarkers for diabetes mellitus and secondary complications.
International CollaborationsGhent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
Institute for Biometrics and Epidemiology
Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry
122
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Head of Institute
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FonFax
Diabetes
Biomarker, Energy Metabolism, InflammationNeuropathy, Metabolic Imaging, Clinical Studies
Prof. Dr. Michael Roden
www.ddz.uni-duesseldorf.de
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3382-0+49 211 3382-603
International CollaborationsHoward-Hughes Institute at Yale University, USASteno Diabetes Center, Gentofte, Danmark University College London; UKNational Institute for Health and welfare, Helsinki, Finland
National CollaborationsHelmholtz Zentrum MuenchenInstitute for Diabetes Research andMetabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Muenchen at the Eberhard-Karls-University of TuebingenGerman Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke
Membership in local and regional NetworksSonderforschungsbereich (SFB) 575, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Diabetes mellitus comprises heteroge-neous metabolic disorders which are characterized by hyperglycemia. Various factors contribute to the pathogenesis and development of these disorders.
Identification of these factors and inte-gration into pathophysiological concepts are key to novel therapeutic approaches to diabetes mellitus including prediabetic states and associated diseases.
Researchers of six Research Groups and the staff unit “Technical Lab” of the Institute for Clinical Diabetology study the mechanisms of the natural course of LADA, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and perform studies on the prevention, novel forms of treatment of diabetes and its late complications.
Institute for Clinical Diabetology
German Diabetes Center – Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at the Heinrich Heine University
123
BIO.NRW IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine
IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental MedicineIUF – Molecular Preventive MedicineResearch into the molecular mechanisms of environment-induced health disorders is the central task of the IUF, under aspects of preventive medicine. Solar radiation, airborne particulate matter, tobacco smoke, chemicals in the environment, in food and consumer goods may impair human health. The IUF investigates how environmental factors in-terfere with molecular processes within an organism and affect human health. The main health disorders triggered by environmental factors are allergies, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, degenerative diseases, premature aging and cancer. They may be caused by biological ef-fects of environmental noxae exerted on the human organism and the respective target organ. The IUF is dissecting the molecular mechanisms of these effects in order to develop preventive strategies based on the obtained results. These strategies consist in either (i) novel therapeutically applicable methods or (ii) in innovative methods for risk assessment by means of integrative research approaches and of modern bioinformatics/ systems biology approaches mainly avoid-
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine
Auf’m Hennekamp 65 40225 Düsseldorf
Prof. Dr. Jean Krutmann, Scientific Director Dr. Katharina Beyen, PR
+49 211 3389-216
www.iuf-duesseldorf.de
2001
scientific 70administrative 11
Federal Government (Germany) 50%State Government NRW 50%
www.iuf-duesseldorf.de
ing animal experiments but using human organ-like in vitro models. The IUF’s research focuses on environmentally induced aging and degenerative processes as well as on disorders of the immune system, in particular allergies. In order to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for triggering such health disorders, the IUF employs cutting-edge cell-biological, immunological, toxicological, molecular biological and epidemiological methods. This interdisciplinary approach to research requires the use of one or more in-terface organs as an experimental model. At the IUF, studies are mainly performed on the skin, the lung, the brain, and the cardiovascular system, to some extent also on the intestine. Currently, the research activities mainly focus on two environmental noxae: particles and non-ionizing radiation. Besides in vitro inves-tigations in cultivated cells and organ models also in vivo investigations both in animal mod-els and a special clinical investigation unit for humans (according to GTP criteria) are being performed. This approach assures the transfer of scientific information within the IUF from basic research to translational research.
BIO.NRW
124
Research Field
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FonFax
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Head of Group
Internet
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Immunology, Toxicology
Cell Separation, Genomics, Immune Modulation
Prof. Dr. Charlotte Esser
www.iuf-duesseldorf.com/esser-lab.html
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3389-253+49 211 3190-910
Developmental Biology, Neurobiology, Risk Assessment, Toxicology
Neurodegenerative Diseases, Platform Technology, Proteomics, Signal Transduction, Toxicology
Prof. Dr. Ellen Fritsche
www.iuf-duesseldorf.de
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3389-216+49 211 3190-910
metabolic signal pathways. As replacing animal experiments is not yet technically feasible, the analysis of species-specific pathway dif ferences should help to extrapolate the results of animal experi-ments to humans, thus improving risk assessment for humans.
The signal pathways currently being investigated in the work group include the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, the oestrogen receptor, the thyroid receptor and the transcription factor Nrf2. As far as pos-sible, functional, cell-biological endpoints are always correlated with the molecular endpoints, usually in three-dimensional (3D) cell models, comprising primary cells.
The group is interested in the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) for im-mune functions, in particular in the bar-rier organs skin and gut. AhR is a sensor of small chemical molecules and triggers adaptive responses by the cell, e.g. in-duction of enzymes, which degrade such chemicals. Moreover, the AhR seems have evolved to allow useful responses of cells to dietary components in the gut, and to chemicals generated by light in the skin. An import focus is the influence of AhR-signalling for the differentiation of cells, and for the function of dendritic cells in the context of allergy and tolerance.
Since 2002, the special field of this group has focussed on development neurotox-icity and dermatotoxicology. The main subject of the working group’s in vitro research are methods for replacing and complementing animal experiments on the one hand, research into molecular mechanisms of adverse effects of envi-ronmental noxae on human cells on the other. In research toward developing complementary and replacement meth-ods for animal experiments, especially the mechanism of relevant metabolic path-ways in response to a potentially harmful substance is identified and analysed. These metabolic signal pathways are known as “Adverse Outcome Pathways” (AOPs). The most important task is to determine species-specific differences (between humans and animals) in these
Group: Role of AhR in Immunotoxicology
Group: Modern Risk Assessment and Sphere Biology
IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine
BIO.NRW
125
Research Field
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Research Field
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Head of Group
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Health, Molecular Aging Research, Vascular Biology
Aging, Animal Models, Cardiovascular Research, Genomics, Proteomics
PD Dr. Judith Haendeler
www.iuf-duesseldorf.com/haendeler-lab.html
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3389-291+49 211 3389-331
Health, Medial Devices, Molecular Aging Research, Dermatology
Aging, Environmental Research, Signal Transduction, Molecular Aging Research
Prof. Dr. Jean Krutmann
www.iuf-duesseldorf.com
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3389-224+49 211 3129-76
The group is mainly engaged in the analy-sis of cardiovascular aging processes with a focus on four major topics: (1) function and regulation of Telomerase Reverse Transkriptase (TERT) in the nucleus and the mitochondria, (2) regulation of Thiore-doxin-1 and identification of new interac-tion partners of this protein, (3) function and regulation of Grainyhead-like 3 in the cardiovascular system, and (4) influence of diet and ultrafine carbon black particles in concentrations we are exposed to daily on the cardiovascular system.
The group “Environment and mitochon-drial aging” is focussing on the question how environment-induced disturbances of the mitochondrial integrity lead to signal transduction processes that then trans-duce molecular, structural and functional alterations which are typical for a specific organ and which are characteristic for pre-mature aging. The preferred model organ of the research group is the skin.
Group: Nuclear and Mitochondrial Crosstalk
Group: Environment and mitochondrial Aging
IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine
BIO.NRW
126
Research Field
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Head of Group
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Research Field
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Head of Group
Internet
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Cell Biology, Neurobiology, Nanoscience
Cellular Amyloid, Nanotoxicology, Non-Mammalian Animal Models, Neural Phenotypes, Proteomics
Prof. Dr. Anna von Mikecz
www.iuf-duesseldorf.com/von-mikecz-lab.html
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3389-358+49 211 3190-910
Health, Nanotechnology, Risk Assessment
Animal Models, DNA, Nanotoxicology, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Risk Assessment,Toxicology
Dr. Roel Schins
www.iuf-duesseldorf.com/schins-lab.html
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3389-269+49 211 3389-331
proteolytic centers. We investigate which nuclear proteins are degraded within such proteolytic centers and the consequences for gene expression. In addition to neural cell culture we use the model organism C. elegans to explore the interactions between xenobiotics and a simple neural system in vivo. The underlying mecha-nisms of neural phenotypes are investi-gated with special emphasis on activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, protein fibrillation, amyloid formation, and signal-ling pathways. To this end high-throughput methodology is established to select for xenobiotic-induced phenotypes and iden-tify the genetic background.
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and a family of poly-glutamine(Q) expansion diseases are defined by amyloid-like protein fibrillation and neurodegeneration. We investigate interactions between the fibrillogenesis of endogenous polyQ-proteins in the cell nu-cleus and gene expression. Our research is based upon the idea that comprehension of the physiological role of polyQ repeats is a prerequisite to uncover the underlying mechanisms of aberrant protein fibrilla-tion and neurodegenerative aggregation diseases. In cell culture systems xeno-biotics such as nanoparticles and heavy metals alter the protein homeostasis in the cell nucleus and induce aberrant fibrillation of proteins to amyloid-like intranuclear inclusions. These inclusions contain components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and represent active
The group focuses on the investigation of acute and chronic health effects of inhaled and ingested particles. The key aims of the group’s research are: (1) to identify poten-tial tools that may contribute to the pre-vention or treatment of particle-induced health effects, and (2) to provide data for risk assessment in the fields of particle toxicology and nanotoxicology.
Group: Influence of Xenobiotics on the Cell Nucleus
Group: Particles, Inflammation and Genome Integrity
IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine
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Research Field
Keywords
Head of Group
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Health, Nanotechnology, Nanotoxicology
Aging, Animal Models, Nanotoxicology, Risk Assessment, Toxicology
PD Dr. Klaus Unfried
www.iuf-duesseldorf.com/unfried-lab.html
Auf’m Hennekamp 6540225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 3389-362+49 211 3389-331
the group concentrates on the elucidation of early molecular reactions employed in triggering signal transduction on the level of membrane structures. These investi-gations are performed with two kinds of motivation: (i) The identification of critical cell reactions will help to develop testing strategies for risk identification and risk assessment of particulate materials. This research branch aims to contribute to the toxicological evaluation of engineered nanomaterials; (ii) The knowledge of initial events leading to pathogenic outcomes allows to develop strategies of molecular prevention in situations when exposure cannot be avoided. Therefore, the re-search of the group also concentrates on the preventive effect of compatible sol-utes on nanoparticle-induced cell stress events.
The interaction of particulate xenobiot-ics with the human body is considered to cause a multitude of adverse reactions that give rise to diseases and degenerative processes. These reactions are deter-mined on one hand side by the chemical and physical properties of the particles and on the other hand side by the molecu-lar reactions of individual cells. The identi-fication and characterization of molecular reactions specifically induced by particles (and in particular by nanoparticles) is therefore the main focus of the group. Own earlier results revealed that membrane-coupled signalling events, mostly depend-ent on the generation of reactive oxygen species, are key events in the induction of particle-specific cell stress which lead to endpoints like cytotoxicity, apoptosis, proliferation, or inflammation. Therefore,
Group: Particle Cell Interactions
IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine
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Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors – IfADo
Leibniz Research Centre for WorkingEnvironment and Human Factors – IfADoResearch with benfit for working human beings
tification and compensation of age-related variations of working capacities.
In the field of life sciences the institute has a strong background in immunology and toxicology. Major topics are natural killer cells, hepatotoxicity and liver regeneration as well as carcinogenesis. Routinely applied techniques include hepatocyte, natural killer cell and neu-ronal in vitro systems, FACS, confocal and two-photon microscopy, time lapse microscopy and calcium imaging. The IfADo is associated with the TU Dortmund University and there-fore actively involved in teaching and training of young scientists. Moreover the institute is a WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health. The research findings are not only communicated to the scientific community, but in addition they form the basis for contri-butions to regulatory bodies such as the Sci-entific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) of the EU or standardization bodies such as the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Besides political con-sulting the findings are also communicated to practitioners in the field of occupational health and ergonomics and to the general public.
Our mission: The IfADo investigates poten-tials and risks of modern work on the basis of behavioral and life sciences. The results lead to principles of beneficial and healthy design of the working environment.
Our core topics: Working humans in technical environments – Challenge of work and aging - External and internal factors for wellbeing and performance at work – Safe handling of chemicals in modern working environments.
The IfADo is a cross-disciplinary institute for integrated applied and basic research related to occupational health and human performance. Its research groups combine different academic subjects such as ergo-nomics, psychology, toxicology, immunol-ogy and occupational medicine/biology. The broad spectrum of scientific competences is an unique feature of this Leibniz institution.
Among the problems addressed are the occupational origins and prevention of mus-culo-sceletal diseases, the optimal design of human-machine interfaces, the causes and prevention of burnout, the identification and elimination of chemical risks, and the iden-
Name
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FonFax
Internet
Founded (year)Number ofemployees
Funding
Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo - Leibniz-Institut für Arbeitsforschung an der TU Dortmund)
Ardeystr. 6744139 Dortmund
Prof. Dr. med. Jan G. Hengstler
+49 231 1084-348+49 231 1084-403 www.ifado.de
1969scientific 87 administrative 91
Federal GovernmentGermany 50%State Government NRW 50% member of the Leibniz association therefore funded per se
www.ifado.de
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Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors
Research Field
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Head of Department
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Toxicology
Aging, Animal Facility, Breast Cancer, Cell Lines/ Banks, Drug Discovery/Delivery
Prof. Dr. med. Jan G. Hengstler
www.ifado.de/en/profile/staff/Hengstler/index.php
[email protected]@ifado.de
Ardeystr. 6744139 Dortmund
+49 231 1084-348+49 231 1084-403
Technische Universität Dortmund,Fakultät StatistikGerman Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg
Membership in local and regional NetworksVirtual Liver Network
The IfADo investigates risks and potentials of modern work based on behavioral and life sciences. In the field of life sciences we have a strong background in immunology and toxicology. Major topics are natural killer cells, hepatotoxicity and liver regen-eration as well as carcinogenesis. Routinely applied techniques include hepatocyte, natural killer cell and neuronal in vitro systems, FACS, confocal and two-photon microscopy, time lapse microscopy and calcium imaging.
International CollaborationsImperial College, London, UKJefferson University of Philadelphia, USAUniversity of Warwick, UK
National CollaborationsUniversitätsmedizin Mainz
Departments of Toxicology and Immunology
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Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e.V.
www.isas.de
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e.V.
Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 1144139 Dortmund
Tinka Wolf, PR
+49 231 1392-234
www.isas.de
1952
scientific 69 administrative 72
Federal Government Germany50%
State Government NRW 50%
ISAS provides innovative solutions for ana-lytical challenges in modern material and life sciences. Our research focuses on two main topics: Material science and optical tech-nologies as well as biomedical research and technologies.
New knowledge on composition, structure and dynamics of new materials and biological systems can only be gained by developing innovative measuring principles. This knowl-edge is also a basic condition for a better understanding of model systems.
Research at ISAS ranges from fundamen-tal research to the development of new or improved analytical methods or devices to prototype assembly and validation of results. Therefore, we are able to transfer methodical developments directly into new applications in biomedical research and material sciences.
To understand and explain complex sys-tems and processes is of great importance in life sciences as well as in material sciences, when it comes to answering current prob-lems of social relevance.
The general approach in both areas of re-search is very similar, because for investigat-ing complex systems and processes in real samples they both require
• adequate methods• adequate model systems• adequate modeling and simulation procedures• continuous extrapolation, development
and application on actual problems.
As a consequence, interdisciplinary coop-eration between physicists, (bio-) chemists and biologists is an essential requirement for research at ISAS. Together they work on analytical problems that cannot be solved with only one method at present.
Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e.V.
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Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e.V.
Material Sciences /Biophysics
Analytics, Optical Spectrometry, X-Ray Spectroscopy, NMR
Prof. Dr. Norbert Esser
www.isas.de
Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 1144139 Dortmund
+49 231 1392-103+49 231 1392-300
Research Field
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Research Field
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Head of Institute
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Bioanalytics
Analytics, Chip Technology, Metabolomics, Microarrays, Peptide Synthesis, ProteomicsSystems Biology
Prof. Dr. Albert Sickmann
www.isas.de
Otto-Hahn-Str. 6b44227 Dortmund
+49 231 1392-100+49 231 1392-200
Bioanalytics
Material and Interface Analytics
Bioanalytics deals with different molecules and biological systems of varying complex-ity. To understand and describe those sys-tems, it is necessary to measure as many of their components as possible. Therefore, the Bioanalytics department at ISAS con-centrates on quantitative and qualitative descriptions of biologic systems. Also, bioanalytics often means trace analysis, because many biomolecules are transient, posttranslationally modified or simply low-abundant. In addition, the Bioanalytics department deals with the miniaturization of measuring systems to make analysis smaller, faster and cheaper.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Ghent, BelgiumUniversity of Aberdeen, UKLa Trobe University Melbourne, Australia
The Material and Interface Analytics depart-ment at ISAS develops spectroscopic meth-ods to analyse interfaces, nanostructures and minimal amounts of materials. They are the building blocks of “new” materials with “new” physical and chemical properties. In addition to anorganic nanostructures, organic molecules become increasingly im-portant as defined units of functional layers used in optoelectronics, photovoltaics and sensor technology. Spectroscopic methods covering the spectral range from X-ray to far infrared provide information on composi-tion, structure and electronic properties of a material, no matter if it is anorganic or organic, in a solid, liquid or gaseous state. Those methods – combined with electron spectroscopy and NMR methods – can be used in life sciences as much as in material sciences.
National CollaborationsAlbert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg,Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg,TU Berlin
Membership in local and regional Networksbio.dortmund, windo e.V., Wissenschaftsforum Ruhr bioindustry e.V.
International CollaborationsClemson University, SC, USAClarkson University, NY, USA
National CollaborationsLeibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung, DresdenRuhr Universität BochumTU Dortmund
Membership in local and regional NetworksOptik Cluster Berlin-Brandenburgwindo e.V. Wissenschaftsforum Ruhr
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Leibniz-Institut für Arterioskleroseforschung
Leibniz-Institut für Arterioskleroseforschung an der Universität MünsterIn compliance with the statutes of the legally registered Muenster Scociety for Atheroclerosis Research at the University Muenster (lifa) is to carry out research into the cause, the prevention and the therapy of atherosclerosis and to promote measures that help to avoid and treat this disease. The institute combines clinical investiga-tion with modern interdisciplinary basic research. In the future, certain aspects of epidemiological research and preventive medicine will be developed burther.
Name
Address
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Fon
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Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Leibniz-Instutut für Arteriosklerose-forschung an der Universität Münster
Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude D3Domagkstr. 348149 Münster
Univ-Prof. Dr. Monika Stoll
+49 251 83-56171
www.lifa-muenster.de
1970
scientific 17administrative 5
Federal GovernmentGermany 50%State Government NRW 50%
Leibniz-Institut für Arterioskleroseforschung
www.lifa-muenster.de
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Leibniz-Institut für Arterioskleroseforschung
Research Field
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Internet
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Postal Code/City
FonFax
Genetics/Molecular Biology
Biomarker, DNA, Genomics, Personalized Medicine, Systems Biology
Univ. Prof. Dr. Monika Stoll
www.lifa-muenster.de
Domagkstr. 3Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Gebäude D348149 Münster
+49 251 83-57206+49 251 83-56205
Our research integrates gene identification and characterization in model systems with genetic epidemiological studies in human study populations and thus clinical relevance.International Collaborations
The Broad Institute and MassachusettsGeneral Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USAChildren’s Hospital and Medical Collegeof Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USACARDIOGRAM Consortium
National CollaborationsNationales Genomforschungsnetz: Genetics of Heart failure - from popula-tions to disease mechanisms,Klinische Pharmakologie, Charite Universitätsmedizin, Berlin (Pharmakogenetik),Institut für Klinische Chemie, Abteilung Hämostasiologie, UK-SH, Kiel
The department Genetic epidemiology of vascular disorders investigates the complex interaction between classical risk factors, genetic variance and genomic architecture on the development and progression of chronic inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Within these complex diseases, the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases ranges from thromboembolic events in children, through classical arteriosclerotic diseases, such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and stroke, to diseases such as hypertensive end organ damage and cardiac contractile dysfunction. In particular, we are interested in the investigation of genetic fac-tors in the context of systems biology, and aim to integrate genetic, epigenetic, genomic and phenotypic components in order to allow for a deeper insight into the complex interac-tion of multiple factors on different levels.
Genetical Epidomology of Vascular Diseases
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Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig
(including the limnetic fauna) and evolu-tionary biology.
As general data bases, the collections of biological research museums are the basis of scientific research in these institutions. The biological species is the key entity of material documentation and the level of primary approach to study biodiversity. Research questions of biological museums are primarily taxon-specific. Accordingly their research profile differs from that of universities and other types of scientific institutes. Species-focused research is regaining considerable importance again after a longer phase of main emphasis on other research fields. It has become increasingly clear that on most continents and for many taxonomic groups our knowl-edge of the biological inventory of the earth is very insufficient.
Temperate eurasia (palaearctic region), tropical and subtropical africa (afrotropi-cal region) and central and south america (neotropical region) are the regional fo-cuses. many research projects also include specific aspects of the ecology of verte-brates and insects, with special reference to proximate and ultimate factors.
The Zoological Research Museum Alex-ander Koenig (ZFMK) is one of the largest natural-history-research museums in Ger-many. The museum has earned its reputa-tion as a leader in the documentation, re-search, and interpretation of biodiversity.
The important scientific collections, which focus on terrestrial vertebrates and insects, constitute the “heart of the mu-seum”. These collections form the basis for the diversity of research performed in the museum.
The permanent exhibition presents only parts of these rich resources.
The ZFMK is an independent research institute of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The official authority to which it reports is the Ministry for Innovation, Science and Research of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf. As a member of the Leibniz-Gemeinschaft (wgl) the ZFMK is jointly funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the other states of Germany and the Federal Government.
Research fields exercised at a world-wide scale are biodiversity in terrestrial habitats, taxonomy and systematics of terrestrial vertebrates and arthropods
Name
Address
Postal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig
Adenauerallee 160Museumsmeile Bonn53113 Bonn
Sabine Heine, PR
+49 228 9122-0
www.zfmk.de
1912
scientific 42administrative 19
Federal Government Germany 50% State Government NRW 50%
www.zfmk.de
Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig
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Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig
Research Field
Keywords
Head of Department
Internet
Address
Postal Code/City
FonFax
Zoology
Biodiversity Research, DNA, Environmental Research, Genomics, Microscopy, Molecular LibraryDr. Dirk Ahrens
www.museumkoenig.de/web/Forschung/Abteilungen/Entomologie/[email protected]
Adenauerallee 160Museumsmeile Bonn 53113 Bonn
+49 228 9122-0 +49 228 9122-212
International CollaborationsNatural History Museum London, UKChinese Academy of Sciences, China
National CollaborationsUniversity Bonn
Membership in local and regional NetworksE.g. DFG Priority program “Deep Metazoan Phylogeny”BMBF projects“BIOTA”, “GBOL”
ZFMK, Centre of Taxonomy and Evolution-ary Research: Based on large collections of biological specimens (Arthropods) the centre uses morphological, genetic, and computer-based methods for biodiversity research, which includes the systematics and classification of organisms, the explo-ration of their evolution and of patterns of biodiversity.
Major topics are DNA-barcoding and integrative taxonomy using various lines of evidence (morphology, morphomet-rics, bioacustics, DNA sequences) for species delineation. With the curation of the specimen collections the centre has an important role in networking as a sciencitific service institution that makes accessable their archives of biodiversity in time and space to national and interna-tional scientific users.
Department of Arthropoda
tained and supported by bioinformatic specialists of the zmb to give answers to specific questions and hypotheses arising from genomics research and to perform modelling like eg. for area dislocations or territory shifts.
International CollaborationsArizona State University, USAUniversity of Memphis, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of MünsterUniversity of JenaUniversity of Leipzig
Scientists of the Centre of Molecular Bio-diversity Research (zmb) of the Museum König (ZFMK) work on various aspects of molecular biodiversity research driven by bioinformatics and covering biodiversity genomics, molecular taxonomy and bar coding as well as bio banking.
In the area of biodiversity genomics the zmb as a partner in large international projects is trying to map the biodiversity developed over the course of evolution.
Furthermore, the centre holds an impor-tant national and international position in the fields of bar coding and bio banking as it coordinates the German national biodi-versity research in a centralized approach especially by exploring data generated by the use of molecular markers.
The ZFMK is also investing into in a mainframe computing system, main-
Centre of Molecular Biodiversity Research (zmb)Research Field
Keywords
Head of CentreInternet
Address
Postal Code/City
FonFax
Genetics/Molecular Biology
DNA, Environmental Research, Genomics, Molecular Library, Systems Biology
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Misofwww.museumkoenig.de/web/Forschung/Abteilungen/AG_Wgele/[email protected]@[email protected] 160Museumsmeile Bonn 53113 Bonn
+49 228 9122-289+49 228 9122-212
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Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig
International CollaborationsField Museum, Chicago, USAMuséum National d’Histoire Naturelles, Paris, FranceNatural History Museum, London, UK
National CollaborationsUniversities Bonn, Trier, TU MünchenNatural History Museums of Leibniz SocietyDeutsches Archäologisches Institut
Membership in local and regional NetworksGBIF Germany; GBOL; FREDIE
Research in the Department of Vertebrates concentrates on specimen-based analyses of the biodiversity of mammals, birds, rep-tiles, amphibians, and fishes of the World. This includes aspects of taxonomy, mor-phology, ecology, phylogeny and evolution of vertebrates. Our work is conducted in collaboration with national and international specialists in other zoological museums, universities, and conservation societies. Research results range from basic studies and new species descriptions to more ap-plied work such as handbooks, identification keys, Rapid Assessment Surveys, or IUCN species profiles. Teaching zoology and bio-diversity research to university students is part of our work.
Department of VertebratesResearch Field
Keywords
Head of Department
Internet
Address
Postal Code/City
FonFax
Zoology
Biodiversity Research, Systematic Zoology, Systems Biology
Dr. Rainer Hutterer
www.museumkoenig.de/web/Forschung/Abteilungen/Wirbeltiere/[email protected]
Adenauerallee 160Museumsmeile Bonn 53113 Bonn
+49 228 9122-261+49 228 9122-212
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Max Planck Society
Max Planck Society„Insight must precede application.“ (Max Planck)
to ensure that the Max Planck Society functions efficiently as a large research organization.
As of January 1, 2013, there are 82 institutes and research facilities, 5 in-stitutes and one research facility are situated abroad. The Max Planck Society employes a total of 16,918 staff, of whom 5,470 (32%) are scientists. In the course of 2012, a total of 13,149 Bachelor stu-dents, fellows of the International Max Planck Research Schools, PhD students, postdoctoral students, research fellows, and visiting scientists worked at the Max Planck Society.
The financing of the Max Planck Society is made up of 80% basic financing from the public sector: Including the MPI for Plasma Physics the MPG is financed to approximately € 1,53 billion in 2013. In ad-dition, third-party funding contributed to basic financing. The funding is used by the 82 institutes to conduct basic research in the service of the general public in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sci-ences, and the humanities.
Max Planck Institutes focus on research fields that are particularly innovative, or that are especially demanding in terms of funding or time requirements. And their research spectrum is continually evolv-ing: new institutes are established to find answers to seminal, forward-looking sci-entific questions, while others are closed when, for example, their research field has been widely established at universi-ties. This continuous renewal preserves the scope the Max Planck Society needs to react quickly to pioneering scientific developments.
The Max Planck Society for the Advance-ment of Science is an independent, non-profit research organization. It was founded on February 26, 1948, and is the successor organization to the Kaiser Wilhelm Society, which was established in 1911. Today, the Max Planck Society is Germany’s most successful research organization. Since its establishment in 1948, no fewer than 17 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its sci-entists, putting it on a par with the best and most prestigious research institu-tions worldwide. The more than 15,000 publications each year in internationally renowned scientific journals are proof of the outstanding research work conducted at Max Planck Institutes – and many of those articles are among the most-cited publications in the relevant field.
Organization
The primary goal of the Max Planck So-ciety is to promote research at its own institutes. It is not a government institu-tion although it is funded to a large extent by the federal and state governments. Instead, it is a registered association and has its registered seat in Berlin. The Administrative Headquarters and office of the President are located in Munich.
Members of the Max Planck Society include the Supporting Members, the Honorary Members, and the ex-officio Members. Other members include the appointed Scientific Members to the Society, who are usually institute direc-tors. Individual governing bodies within the Society make the decisions required
Fostering Creative Potential
As a result of demographic change, Europe will soon have a shortage of young talent: as early as 2030 there will be an estimated 50,000 fewer university graduates than in 2005. Par-ticularly the natural and engineering sciences are already experiencing a shortage of junior researchers, making it all the more important to encourage young people’s interest in stud-ies in these areas early on. Instructors play an important role in this process. That is why the Max Planck Society supports them with informative periodicals, which present topical research issues in such a way that they can easily be used in natural sciences courses for secondary level students. But despite this, the number of talented junior scientists from Germany will never fully meet the demand in science and research. That is why, in 1998, the Max Planck Society, in collaboration with the universities, developed a program to motivate talented young Ph.D. students from all over the world to come to Germany for postdoctoral studies: the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS). These schools offer junior scientists excellent research opportunities, providing them with extensive support and special offers to foster their development. The doctoral students who work at the IMPRS come from a total of 85 countries.
Max Planck Society
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Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging
www.age.mpg.de
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
FonFax
Internet
Founded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging
Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b50931 CologneSabine Dzuck, Press and Public Relations Executive+49 221 37970-0 +49 221 [email protected]
28.06.2007 (Foundation)01.01.2008 (Work commenced)scientific 96 techn.administrative 47
Federal Gouvernment Germany 45 %,State Government NRW 45 %Other 10%(ERC, DFG, Europ. Structural Funds, misc. third-party funds)
The Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ag-ing is one of more than 80 independent and non-profit research institutions under the umbrella of the Max Planck Society. Under-standing the natural aging process as well as the nature of longevity and age-related dis-eases is at the center of the basic research carried out at the Institute. Its aim is to make fundamental discoveries into the underlying molecular, physiological and evolutionary mechanisms by using mice, flies and worms as model organisms. The long-term goal is to pave the way towards increasing health during aging in humans. Thus, a key line of research is to investigate interventions that can ameliorate the aging process. A ground-breaking discovery of recent years is that mutations in single genes in the simple, single-celled yeast, in multi-cellular animals such as worms and flies as well as in mice, can extend lifespan and produce a broad-spectrum improvement in health during aging. The mechanisms involved seem to be similar in these very different organisms, and the same kinds of genes are turning out to be associated with human lifespan.
Hence, there is an unprecedented op-portunity to use simpler organisms to make discoveries of relevance to the amelioration
of human aging – and thereby to meet the challenges of global changes associated with aging and longer lifespan.
In particular, the Institute’s research focuses on the roles of• insulin/IGF and steroidal hormones, • cellular components involved in growth
control and nutrient sensing,• factors regulating metabolism and func-
tion of mitochondria and• various molecular signaling pathways
in aging, neurodegeneration and other age-related diseases.
Founded in 2008 the MPI for Biology of Ag-ing is one of Europe’s first scientific facilities of this kind and as such is at the forefront of basic biomedical science.
It is part of a developing life science cluster focusing on aging research that will have glob-al impact (partner organisations being e.g. other Max Planck Institutes, the University of Cologne, the caesar research center, the CECAD and the DZNE). Ultimately, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging will grow to a size of 350 employees, four departments and several Max Planck Research Groups.
Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging
© HammesKrause Architekten
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Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging
Genetics/Molecular Biology
Aging, Animal Models, DNA, Genomics, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Parkinson Disease
Prof. Nils-Göran Larsson
www.age.mpg.de
Robert-Koch-Str. 2150931 Cologne
+49 221 478-89771+49 221 478-97409
Research Field
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Head of Department
Internet
Address Postal Code/City
FonFax
Research Field
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Head of Department
Internet
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Genetics/Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology
Aging, Animal Models, Metabolomics, Systems Biology
Prof. Adam Antebi
www.age.mpg.de
Robert-Koch-Str. 2150931 Cologne
+49 221 478-89680+49 221 478-97402
Department Antebi: Molecular Genetics of Aging
Department Larsson: Mitochondrial Biology
Dr. Antebi’s laboratory has focused on a nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) signalling pathway that couples environmental cues such as nutrient availability to development, growth and aging. C. elegans DAF-12 is an NHR transcription factor receptor most related to vertebrate vitamin-D and liver-X receptors, which regulates metabolism, dauer diapause, developmental progres-sion, and life span. Our studies reveal that DAF-12 works as part of a hormone regulated switch: The liganded receptor promotes reproductive growth and rapid aging, while the unliganded receptor speci-fies a long-lived, developmentally arrested larval stage called dauer diapause, as well as longevity in adults. The endogenous ligands of DAF-12 have been identified as bile acid-like steroids, providing critical evidence that such molecules regulate animal longevity.
The group of Nils-Göran Larsson focuses on mitochondrial genetics and the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on disease and aging.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is heav-ily implicated in the aging process. Aging humans have increased levels of somatic mutations in the mitochondrial genome that tend to undergo clonal expansion to cause mosaic deficiencies in the respira-tory chain. The oxidative phosphorylation system produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal source of energy in all tissues. Respiratory chain dysfunction, and thus insufficient supply of ATP, can cause a variety of phenotypes associated with aging, age-related and mitochondrial diseases.
In the department of Nils-Göran Larsson, we use the house mouse (Mus musculus)
We are now exploring the molecular mecha-nisms by which ligand, receptor complexes, and target genes determine organismal physiology.
International CollaborationsBaylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USAUT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of Cologne & Cologne Clusterof Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD)Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenera-tive Erkrankungen (DZNE), BonnMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne
and flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as model organisms to investigate the regu-lation of the mitochondrial genome and the accumulation of somatic mutations in mtDNA.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Gothenburg, SwedenUniversity of Newcastle, UK
National CollaborationsMPI für Biophysikalische Chemie, GöttingenUniversität Frankfurt
Membership in local and regional NetworksCologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD)University of Cologne – SFB 829
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BIO.NRWMax Planck Institute for Biology of Aging
Our research aims to discover genes and mechanisms that determine the rate of aging. We collaborate with other labora-tories to determine if these processes show evolutionary conservation. Most of our work is conducted with the fruit fly Drosophila and through comparison with C. elegans and with the mouse to explore the underlying genes and processes that affect the timing and rate of aging in all organisms. Our work focuses particularly on the insulin/IGF-like signalling path-way, dietary restriction and resistance to stress. We are interested also in the physi-ological mechanisms that force organisms to make trade-offs, such as that between high nutrient intake and high reproductive rate, on the one hand, and slow aging on the other.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Michigan, MI, USAImperial College London, London, UKUniversity of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
National CollaborationsSFB829, Cologne Systems Biology of Aging, CologneToxic Protein Conformation, Max PlanckSociety, coordination via Dortmund
Membership in local and regional NetworksCluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne
Department Partridge: Biological Mechanisms of AgingGenetics/Molecular Biology
Aging, Animal Models, Neurodegenerative Disease, Nutrition,Signal Transduction
Prof. Linda Partridge
www.age.mpg.de
Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b50931 Cologne
+49 221 37970-602 +49 221 37970-906
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143
BIO.NRW Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine
The Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Molecular Biomedicine is devoted to basic science involv-ing cell biology of the endothelium, develop-mental biology and cell-renewal, development of the vascular system, and structural biology. How can a complete human being develop from a single fertilized egg cell? How do the cells of an embryo “know” when and where they should form arteries, nerves or muscles? And: What tricks do immune cells use to mi-grate from the blood into the infected tissue – although the arteries are impermeable? In our various research teams, we are seeking answers to these and other questions about important life processes. Using gene technol-ogy, molecular biology, and electron and laser microscopy, the researchers are investigat-ing how cells exchange information, which molecules regulate their behavior and which crosstalk errors between cells lead to diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis.
The internationally staffed teams are subdivided into three departments and several research and project groups. As in all 80 institutes of the Max Planck Society, the MPI for Molecular Biomedicine is fully com-mitted to educating and promoting the next generation of scientists. Together with the
Westphalian Wilhelms University in Münster the institute runs the joint NRW Research School CEDAD and International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Biomedicine, allowing 16 talented German and foreign junior scientists each year to complete a well-structured doctoral studies program under excellent conditions. Promising junior scientists with a doctoral degree obtain an excellent opportunity to qualify for a further career at a high level as Max Planck Research Group leaders.
Life science is a core theme of research in Münster, with a strong emphasis on molecular medicine and optical imaging, and distinctly benefits from the vicinity and cooperations between the MPI for Molecular Biomedicine, the Technology Park Münster GmbH, the University Hospital and of course the Univer-sity of Münster. Especially to the latter, the institute tightly connects at several scientific and organizational levels. All these conditions make a unique scientific framework for the internationally oriented MPI for Molecular Biomedicine, which enables the institute to pioneer in the modern, medically relevant research of organ system development, like that of the vascular system.
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine
© Christian Richters, Münster
www.mpi-muenster.mpg.de
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Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine
Röntgenstraße 2048149 Münster
Dr. Jeanine Müller-Keuker
+49 251 70365-325
www.mpi-muenster.mpg.de/en/
2001
scientific 175 administrative 26
Max Planck Society 82%Other 18%Third-party funding
BIO.NRW
144
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Developmental Biology
Drug Discovery/Delivery, ESC, iPS, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research
Prof. Dr. Hans Robert Schöler
www.mpi-muenster.mpg.de/en/research/teams/schoeler/[email protected]
Röntgenstraße 2048149 Münster
+49 251 70365-300+49 251 70365-399
Genetics/Molecular Biology
Angiogenesis, Cardiovascular Research, Microscopy, Signal Transduction, Tissue Morphogenesis
Prof. Dr. Ralf Heinrich Adamswww.mpi-muenster.mpg.de/en/research/teams/adams/[email protected]
Röntgenstraße 2048149 Münster+49 251 70365-400 +49 251 70365-499
Department Cell and Developmental Biology
Department Tissue Morphogenesis
Pluripotency – the ability of a cell to become any type of body cell – is a key feature of embryonic stem cells. We aim to identify the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the establishment and maintenance of pluri-potency in development. The conversion of somatic cells to pluripotent cells, also called reprogramming, is of great therapeutic inter-est in regenerative medicine. Unravelling the transcriptional network that is involved in the conversion process is therefore another focus of our department.
Induced pluripotent stem cells from pa-tients with a genetically based degenerative disorder allow for a novel type of disease modeling and drug discovery: specialized cells with the genetic error can be used for in-vitro modeling of many types of disease afflicting humans. The ultimate goals of this research are to support detailed studies
Tissue morphogenesis involves complex and interdependent processes such as the coordinated generation of different cell types and their assembly into functional structures. “How cells make tissues” is the central research interest in our department.
We mainly focus on the vertebrate vascular system, in which blood vessels need to inte-grate precisely into different organ environ-ments and retain plasticity allowing them to adapt to changing local requirements and cues. Angiogenesis in the adult organism is critical for tissue repair and regeneration, but also plays important roles in pathological processes. Angiogenesis in cancer promotes tumor growth and metastasis. By under-standing the cellular mechanisms and the molecular regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenesis, we can identify potential targets for future therapies.
into the underlying mechanisms of human pathophysiologies and the development of new drugs that target specific phenotypes and novel pathways and that are more likely to be effective in the clinic.International Collaborations
Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), KoreaUniversity Medical Center Utrecht (UMC), The Netherlands
National CollaborationsHannover Medical School (MHH)Dresden University of Technology (TU), University Hospital Tübingen
Membership in local and regional NetworksStem Cell Network North Rhine Westphalia, StemCellFactory, REBIRTH and Cells in Motion Cluster of Excellence
We are combining genetic approaches in the mouse with high resolution imaging by confocal and multiphoton microscopy, time-lapse microscopy, cell biology, biochemistry and expression profiling.
International CollaborationsNagoya University, Nagoya, JapanKarolinska Institute, Stockholm, SwedenSchool of Sciences, University Milan, Italy
National CollaborationsInstitute for Molecular Biology, Hannover Medical SchoolInterfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen
Membership in local and regional NetworksCells in Motion Cluster of Excellence
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine
BIO.NRW
145
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine
Cell Biology
Animal Models, Antibody, Anti-Infective Research, Cardiovascular Research,Signal Transduction
Prof. Dr. Dietmar Vestweber
www.mpi-muenster.mpg.de/en/research/teams/vestweber/[email protected]
Röntgenstraße 2048149 Münster
+49 251 70365-200 +49 251 70365-299
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Research in our department is focused on various aspects of vascular cell biology. We concentrate mainly on the molecular mecha-nism of leukocyte extravasation as the basis for inflammatory reactions. In addition, we work on novel molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of the cardiovascular system.
A major goal of our studies is to reveal the mechanisms by which endothelial cell layers control leukocyte extravasation. After analyz-ing for many years the molecular components that control and mediate the docking of leu-kocytes to the endothelium, we focus now on the question how leukocytes actually move through the barrier of the blood vessel wall. Leukocyte-triggered opening of endothelial junctions is a key event during this process.
The regulation of endothelial junctions is also studied in our department in the context of other processes. Various pathological stim-
uli induce vascular permeability by destabiliz-ing endothelial junctions and this is a major cause of death in sepsis patients. In addition, the formation and plasticity of endothelial junctions is an important aspect in blood vessel development. Adhesion and signaling mechanisms that modulate junctional integ-rity of endothelial cells in the context of these processes is a major focus of the lab.International Collaborations
Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, SwedenYale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA University of California, San Diego, USA
National CollaborationsLudwig Maximilians University München Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Membership in local and regional NetworksDFG SFB 1009, DFG SFB 629, DFG SFB/ TR 128, Cells in Motion Cluster of Excellence
Department Vascular Cell Biology
BIO.NRW
146
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de
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Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
Otto-Hahn-Str. 111 44227 Dortmund
Dr. Peter Herter
+49 231 133-2500
www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de
1913
In line with its scientific mission, “from mol-ecule to man”, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund conducts basic biomedical research. At the interface between structural biology, molecular cell biology and chemical biology, the Insti-tute’s scientists pursue an interdisciplinary research approach leading to a unique liaison between chemistry and biology. The scientific concept aims to achieve a holistic understanding of the dynamics of cellular reaction networks. By identifying and syn-thesising near-natural active substances, the scientists can accurately modulate intracellular processes. State of the art im-aging methods are used to depict molecular reactions in cells. An important aspect of the scientists’ systems-biological research work is the act of clarifying the molecular causes of diseases which, as in the case of cancer, are based on faulty intracellular signal transmission.
Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyFrom Molecule to man
BIO.NRW
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Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
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Chemical Biology
Cancer, Drug Discovery/Delivery, Lead Discovery, Molecular Library, Oncology
Prof. Dr. Herbert Waldmann
www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de/english/forschungProjekte/Abteilungen/waldmann/[email protected]
Otto-Hahn-Straße 1144227 Dortmund+49 231 133-2400+49 231 133-2499
Biochemistry
Cancer, Small Molecules, Structural Biology, Systems Biology, Synthetic Biology
Prof. Dr. Andrea Musacchio
www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de/english/forschungProjekte/Abteilungen/Musacchio/[email protected]
Otto-Hahn-Straße 1144227 Dortmund
+49 231 133-2100+49 231 133-2199
Department of Chemical Biology
Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology
Research in the Department of Chemical Biology is focused on the interface be-tween organic chemistry and biology. We develop new synthesis methods and strat-egies and employ them for the synthesis of compounds which then are used as probes for the study of biological phenomena.
The synthesis and chemistry of proteins, in particular with a view to biological signal-ling and vesicular trafficking are one major area of activity of the Department.
The Department has intense activities in small molecule development for chemical biology research in particular based on natural products and compound collec-tions derived therefrom. These activities include the establishment of screening capacity employing both isolated proteins and cell-based screens and the identifi-cation of cellular target proteins and the
The mechanisms subtending to the repli-cation of chromosomes in the mother cell and their subsequent segregation to the daughter cells remain poorly understood. We are interested in the feedback control mechanisms that allow a mother cell to distribute its chromosomes seamlessly to its two daughters. Such feedback mecha-nisms operate on complex molecular structures named kinetochores, large assemblies containing over 100 different proteins, each in multiple copies.
The kinetochore’s main role is to form stable contacts with microtubules, cellular cables that are used to align and transport the chromosomes to the daughter cells. The kinetochore is also able to monitor the quality of the contacts, halting cells in mitosis until proper contacts are estab-lished. Deviations from the typical number
development of new phenotype-based screening methods.
Membership in local and regional NetworksBio.NRW2 consortium “NRW Drug Discovery Engine (DDE) based on natural products screening data”
of chromosome is one of the main features of human tumors. Our investigations, which are based on a combination of structural, chemical and cell biology, aim to unveil the mechanisms that insure genetic stability and their perturbations in tumors.
International CollaborationsUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,USA University of California at Berkeley, USAUniversity of Manchester UK
National CollaborationsUniversity of KonstanzMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden
BIO.NRW
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Cell Biology/Physiology
Microscopy, Oncology, Signal Transduction, Systems Biology
Prof. Dr. Philippe Bastiaens
www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de/english/forschungProjekte/Abteilungen/bastiaens/[email protected]
Otto-Hahn-Straße 1144227 Dortmund
+49 231 133-2200+49 231 133-2299
Department of Systemic Cell Biology
Our main objective is to elucidate how intracellular signaling networks process extracellular information thereby deter-mining cellular phenotype.
We develop quantitative experimental and theoretical approaches to derive and conceptualize physical principles that un-derlie the signaling dynamics and cellular organization and use functional microscopic imaging approaches to study the localiza-tion of protein reactions/interactions.
We investigate the spatial distribution of activities that transmit signals from cell surface receptors and ask how spatial parti-tioning of intracellular signaling activities is achieved, and how this partitioning affects signal strength and duration. We also inves-tigate if specific logical topologies within reaction networks occur and how these give rise to specific responses to input signals.
This also entails a strong recursion between modeling of network dynamics and experi-ments that reveal dynamics properties of networks in living cells.
International CollaborationsUniversity College Dublin, IrelandSamuel Lunen Research Institute, Toronto, CanadaMRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
National CollaborationsFraunhofer-Institut für Biomedizinische Technik, St. IngbertUniversitätsklinikum Düsseldorf Ruhruniversität Bochum
Membership in local and regional NetworksBioband Dortmund
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
149
BIO.NRW Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research
The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breed-ing Research conducts basic molecular biological research on plants with the goal of developing more efficient breeding techniques and environmentally sound plant protection strategies for industrial crops. We wish to determine whether and how a detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms defined in model plant spe-cies can be used to rationally manipulate selected traits in crop plants.
The primary scientific goal of the Depart-ment of Plant Developmental Biology is to study molecular mechanisms that regulate the responsiveness of plant development to environmental cues. In particular, a strong emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanisms controlling the transition to flowering in response to environmental sig-nals and in explaining the diversity in flower-ing responses observed between species.
The objective of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics is to extend our knowledge of processes that determine crucial aspects of plant growth and devel-opment, including plant architecture, plant metabolism and seed dormancy, using genetic and genomic tools. In addition to
the breadth of interspecies diversity found in plants, substantial genetic variation is present within species in nature or has been generated (selected for) by breeders.
Research in the Department of Plant Microbe Interactions concentrates on fun-damental molecular processes underlying interactions between plants and pathogens. The innate immune system of plants and mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis have a central role in the discovery pro-gramme. Researchers are pursuing an inte-grated approach that connects traditionally separate research territories like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
The Department of Comparative Devel-opment and Genetics seeks to address two fundamental questions in biology: how do biological forms develop and what is the basis for their diversity? We approach these problems using genetics, while also employing biological imaging, genomics and computational modelling. We believe that working at the interface of these areas will allow us to attain a predictive under-standing of how biological forms develop and diversify.
Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research
www.mpipz.mpg.de
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Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research
Carl-von-Linné-Weg 1050829 Köln
Dr. Wolfgang Schuchert
+49 221 5062-671/101
www.mpipz.mpg.de
1928
scientific 230 administrative 150
Federal Government Germany 40%
State Government NRW 40%
others (DFG, EU) 20%
BIO.NRW
150
Caesar – Center of Advanced European Studies and Research
caesar – center of advanced european studies and research
and converted into a cellular response is of particular interest. The department aims to reveal the molecular mechanisms underly-ing sensory transduction in photoreceptors, olfactory neurons, and sperm.
In addition, a number of research groups are being established. The first Max Planck Research Group “Neuroimmunology” has been jointly appointed by a committee con-sisting of representatives from Boehringer Ingelheim, the Max Planck Society, and caesar. The scientific focus of the group is to understand how microglia cells react to aggregated substances such as β-amyloid found in senile plaques in brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
The cooperation with the University of Bonn is an essential part of caesar’s concept. It is achieved in joint projects (“Sonder-forschungsbereiche”), the excellence clus-ter “ImmunoSensation“, doctoral training programs, and teaching. In addition, a close cooperation with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) has been established. Jointly with the DZNE, two research groups have been founded, “Cryo Electron Microscopy“ and “Neuronal Cytoskeleton and Alzheimer’s Disease”.
The center of advanced european studies and research (caesar) is a research center for neurosciences. The focus is put on research regarding sensory processes, novel imaging techniques, and the use of microscopic and spectroscopic methods in neuroscience, cell biology, and physiology.
The research is run by a non-profit founda-tion under private law founded in 1995. The foundation owns a building with an excellent infrastructure, for example an electron mi-croscopy facility and a clean room. Caesar is an Institute of the Max Planck Society (MPG).The directors are appointed in accordance with MPG regulations and are Scientific Members of the MPG. Research activities are evaluated by a Scientific Advisory Board that assures academic excellence.
The research concept of caesar is based on three departments. Prof. U. Benjamin Kaupp is director of the first department “Molecular Sensory Systems”. His main research inter-ests are the mechanisms and molecules underlying cellular signaling pathways. The in-depth understanding of the complex pro-cesses requires the use of biological, chemi-cal, and physical techniques. The question of how sensory stimuli are detected by cells
Name
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caesar – center of advanced european studies and research
Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 253175 Bonn
Prof. Dr. U. Benjamin Kaupp
+49 228 9656-100
www.caesar.de
1995
scientific 139administrative 16
Federal Government (Germany) 92%
State Government NRW 8%
www.caesar.de
BIO.NRW
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Caesar – Center of Advanced European Studies and Research
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Molecular Sensory SystemsBiophysics
Cellular Signaling, Development of Chemical Tools, Membrane Receptors and Ion Channels, Sperm Motility
Prof. Dr. U. Benjamin Kaupp
www.caesar.de/molekulare-neurosensorik101.html?&L=2
Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn
+49 228 9656-100+49 228 9656-111
physical techniques, including various im-aging techniques, patch-clamp techniques, electron microscopy and tomography, and ultra-fast hyper-quenching techniques for timeresolved double-electron-electron resonance (DEER) – to name a few. An-other emphasis is on the development of various chemical tools, including fluores-cent ligands, caged compounds, and novel photo-affinity labels.
International CollaborationsJules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, USAUniversity Utrecht, The NetherlandsHarvard Medical School
National CollaborationsUniversity of Bonn; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn MPI for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen
The Department of Molecular Sensory Systems studies the mechanisms of cel-lular signaling. The Department wants to understand how a stimulus is detected by a cell and converted to a cellular response. A long-term goal is to unravel in quantitative terms, selected signaling pathways in pho-toreceptors, olfactory neurons, and sperm.
A unique feature of the Department is the ability to study signaling mechanisms at all levels – from single molecules to the behavioral response. For example, the Department studies the structure of membrane receptors and ion channels that furnish cAMP- and cGMP-regulated path-ways – at the molecular or even atomic level. At the same time, a ma- jor research area has become sperm motility.
To support these various projects, the Department acquired a panoply of bio-
Department 1: Molecular Sensory Systems
To study these mechanisms, the scientists use cell culture systems, acute brain slices and transgenic mouse models auf Alzhei-mer‘s disease.
The identification of mechanisms re-sponsible for the interaction between Aβ plaques and microglia may lead to new options in the treatment of Alzheimer‘s disease.
International CollaborationsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA
National CollaborationsUniversity of Bonn Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Max-Delbrück-Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin
The Max Planck Research Group Neuroim- munology has been jointly appointed by a committee of Boehringer Ingelheim, the Max Planck Society, and caesar.
Microglia are the resident immune cells in the brain and mediate the primary in-flammatory response to potentially harm-ful microbiological and foreign agents. The scientific focus of the group is to understand how microglial cells react to aggregated substances such as β-amyloid (Aβ). Aβ, a cleaved peptide especially prone to form fibrillar aggregates, is found in senile plaques in brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The Research Group is interested in the question whether and how the microglia-mediated immune reaction to Aβ contrib-utes to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Neuroimmunology
Alzheimer’s Disease, Immune Modulation
Dr. Annett Halle
www.caesar.de/neuroimmunologie0.html?&L=2
Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn
+49 228 9656-215+49 228 9656-9215
BIO.NRW
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Electron Microscopy and Analytics
Analytics, Microscopy,Tomography
Dr. Stephan Irsen
www.caesar.de/ema.html?&L=2
Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn
+49 228 9656-264+49 228 9656-9264
analysis of biological material at high resolution.
EMA makes its equipment available to external users from research and Industry. EMA assists the users in solving their ana-lytical problems.
National CollaborationsUniversity of BonnUniversity of KoblenzUniversity of Heidelberg
Membership in local and regional NetworksDeutsche Gesellschaft für ElektronenmikroskopieArbeiskreis EELS & EFTEM
The Group Electron Microscopy and Analytics (EMA) runs caesar‘s electron microscopy facility. The scientists work on high-resolution and analytical electron microscopy in the areas of biomolecular structure, spectroscopy, and nanostruc-turing.
In biology, analysis of 3-dimensional structure of cell organelles and macro molecules is of particular interest. To closely meet in vivo conditions, biological specimen are frozen by a special process and sliced into ultrathin sections. In order to avoid artifacts, EMA is developing a new method to prepare such samples without distortions.
Biological samples are virtually transpa- rent in a transmission electron micro-scope. EMA is developing a special optical component, a so-called phase contrast
Project Group: Electron Microscopy and Analytics
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Micro Systems Technology, μ-Biomimetics, Medical DevicesChip Technology, Microarrays
Dr. Siegfried Steltenkamp (Scientist Leader), Manfred Lacher (Technological Leader)www.caesar.de/882.html?&[email protected]@caesar.de
Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn
+49 228 9656-371/170+49 228 9656-9371/9170
Together with the Department of Epilep-tology, University of Bonn, MST is devel-oping a microsystem for optogenetics to stimulate with light and record from mouse brain with a telemetric system.
International CollaborationsMausgehirnstecker (EU, 01EW1005)
National CollaborationsUniversity of Bonn MPI for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen MPI of Biophysics, Frankfurt
Membership in local and regional NetworksBionik-Zentrum Bonn, University of Bonn
The Group Micro Systems Technology (MST) develops microtechnological sensor and actor systems. Its research focuses on areas of neuroscience, μ-biomimetics, and micro-fluidics.
In the area of micro-fluidics, a mixer is being developed that can produce stable gradients for the investigation of cell migration in well-defined concentration patterns. This micro-fluidic system will help to examine navigation of sperm in a gradient. Furthermore, MST is develop-ing a nano-balance for single molecules in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen.
In cooperation with the Zoological In-stitute of the University of Bonn, MST is developing two μ-biomimetic sensors: an IR and a flow sensor.
Project Group: Micro Systems Technology
Caesar – Center of Advanced European Studies and Research
BIO.NRW
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Other Research Organisations and Excellence Clusters
organisation “Deutsche Krebshilfe e. V.” as an “Oncology Center of Excellence”, comparable to the American Comprehensive Cancer Centers. One and a half years later WTZ became part of the “German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research”. Today more than 370 doctors and medical scientists coming from 20 clinics and 16 institutions are working at the WTZ. The integrated research center consists of 11 core facilities and 12 separate research programs. One of the fund-ing bodies is the registered association “West German Cancer Center e. V.” which provides financial and conceptual support.
In 1952 the German Wool Textile Industry decided to set up the “German Wool Re-search Institute” (DWI – Deutsches Wol-lforschungsinstitut). Apart from research in the conventional areas of wool and textiles this newly founded scientific facility also fo-cused right from the start on macromolecular chemistry, biomaterials and protein research. In the past few years the center of interest and the vision of the DWI switched to “In-teractive Materials Research”. The idea is, to develop new materials which react to environ-mental conditions like natural models. High-performance bio-hybrid and water-based materials are from a scientific and commer-cial point of view of great importance. The DWI also offers analysis and characterization of polymer, surface, particles, textile and hair as well as consultancy service for industry to optimise product performance.”DWI an der RWTH Aachen e.V.”, which was renamed in 2008, is closely connected to the RWTH in Aachen and in addition is a registered society. Research activities are financed by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia but particularly by third-party funding like the
European Union, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and others.
Clusters of Excellence are part of the Excel-lence Initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Research Foundation. The Excellence Initiative provides funding for graduate schools, clusters of excellence and institutional strategies. In June 2012 the Grants Committee decided for the sec-ond five-year phase from 2012-2017 to support 45 graduate schools, 43 clusters of excellence, and 11 institutional strategies. In total, 39 uni-versities will receive € 2.4 billion. Each cluster of excellence will receive between € 3.6 and 9.6 million per year.
Clusters of Excellence aim to promote cutting-edge research and to create outstanding condi-tions like excellent training and career conditions for young scientists at universities. They intend to deepen cooperation between disciplines, institutions and the business sector, to enhance the international appeal of excellent German universities. 10 out of 43 cluster projects all over Germany are located in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Four of these are first-timers just announced in mid-2012. Half of NRW cluster projects are clearly associated with Biotechnology and Life Sciences: • Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associ-
ated Diseases (CECAD), Köln• Cells in Motion - CiM: Imaging to Under-
stand Cellular Behaviour in Organisms, Münster
• ImmunoSensation: The Immune Sensory System, Bonn
• Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences – from complex traits towards synthetic modules, Düsseldorf
• Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass, Aachen. Other Research Institutions
In addition to the universities, the universities of applied science and the scientific asso-ciations mentioned before there are some other research organisations and excellence clusters active in the field of life science. As a body this network of institutions represents the outstanding NRW academic environment.
The Bioeconomic Science Center (BioSC) was founded in 2010 by the RWTH Aachen University, the universities of Bonn and Düs-seldorf and the Forschungszentrum Jülich. It is based on a joint strategy involving numerous pre-existing scientific networks and collabora-tions for a sustainable supply of biomass and bio-based products and processes. There are two kinds of membership within the BioSC. The Core Groups are institutes/departments belonging to the partner institutions and the Associate Groups are institutes or facilities from external, non-member institutions. Both contributing to the four key research areas – sustainable plant production and re-source stewardship, Microbial and molecular transformation, Chemical engineering and processing of renewable resources and Eco-nomic and social implications of the BioSC. Other important elements of the Bioeconomy Science Center are projects for scientific cooperation for its extension of the scientific and technological competencies and coop-eration projects with industrial partners for accelerating the transfer of knowledge and technologies into future markets.
The West German Cancer Center (WTZ), founded in 1977 as a registered association, was originally started in 1967 as the “Essen Tumour Hospital”. It was the first cooperative institution exclusively dealing with diagnos-tics and therapy of tumour patients. In 2009 the WTZ was awarded by the non-profit-
Other Research Organisations and Excellence Clusters
BIO.NRW
156
Bioeconomy Science Center – BioSC
for food/feed and as renewable feedstock, its molecular and microbial transformation to bio-based products (i.e. fine chemicals, biopolymers, pharmaceuticals, enzymes, proteins, biofuels, bioengery) in innovative processes (i.e. biorefinery concepts, cascade use) under consideration of the economic impact and social implication for and of the bioeconomy. BioSC encompasses more than 1,500 staff members working at 51 member institutes of the BioSC. A multi- and interdis-ciplinary education within different topics and disciplines of a sustainable bioeconomy is another aim of the BioSC.
The BioSC is also designed as a regional hub for national and international scientific cooperation with e.g. European technology platforms and network projects with industry. It is intended to expand the bioeconomy net-work of the BioSC by further national as well as international cooperation with academia and industry.
The generation and integration of knowledge about biological systems for the sustainable production of biomass and bio-based raw materials and its use for food, feed, bio-based materials and energy is an essential and emerging field of research and development within the development of the bioeconomy. Based on broad and excellent competencies in bioeconomy related research fields, the RWTH Aachen University, the University of Bonn, the Heinrich Heine University Dues-seldorf and the Forschungszentrum Juelich have established the so-called Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC).
The aim of the BioSC as a competence center for research for a sustainable bio-economy is to synergistically align existing scientific expertise and infrastructures of the partners in the fields of biotechnology, bio- and chemical science, plant and agro science, engineering science, and socio-economics along a common strategy in order to develop innovative concepts in the research fields as well in their interaction. The scientific and technological expertise in BioSC ranges from the sustainable production of plants
Bioeconomy Science Center – BioSCCompetence, Knowledge and Technology for a Sustainable Bioeconomy
Name
Address
Postal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Founded (year)
Number of employees
Bioeconomy Science Center – BioSC
BioSC Officec/o Forschungszentrum Jülich/IBG-252425 Jülich
Dr. Heike Slusarczyk
+49 2461 61-3003
www.biosc.de
2010
1,500
www.biosc.de
157
BIO.NRW West German Cancer Center – WTZ
West German Cancer Center – WTZMedical Excellence and Humanity
education in cancer. Early detection, precise diagnosis, individually tailored treatment, participation in clinical studies and concern for the patient’s needs are the hallmarks of care provided at the WTZ. The Center’s mission – the progressive understanding, control and cure of cancer – as well as its continued efforts to develop innovative cancer therapies place it at the forefront of scientific research.
Integrated cancer care requires an inte-grated infrastructure, for which the WTZ receives major support from the UK Essen and Medical Faculty. The interdisciplinary WTZ Outpatient Facility is the central entry port for all cancer patients since its opening in 2008, concentrating clinical core activities in one building. A new WTZ Inpatient Building and a renovated central WTZ Research Building harboring research laboratories and animal facilities opened in 1/2012. As a flagship for innovative radiation technologies, the Proton Therapy Center was built at the WTZ, and begins accepting patients in winter 2012. All new WTZ build-ings are located on the UK Essen campus and are closely connected with established WTZ facilities.
The WTZ is Germany’s first and largest comprehensive cancer center based on the visionary concepts of C.G.Schmidt and E. Scherer, who strove to integrate Medical and Radiation Oncology, creating inter-disciplinary facilities in the “Essen Tumor Hospital” as early as 1967. This was further developed into a “comprehensive” cancer center by establishing the Dept. of Cell Biol-ogy (Cancer Research) led by M. F. Rajewsky in 1975. A dedicated bone marrow transplan-tation (BMT) program was established by U. Schäfer in 1975, which quickly evolved into the top European BMT center and one of the largest BMT centers worldwide. The WTZ was formally founded in 1977, and had strong impact as a model for other cancer centers in Germany. In 1995, the Medical School Essen focused its research on 3 areas of specializa-tion: Oncology, Heart and Transplantation. Since then, the University Hospital Essen (UK Essen) has been re-allocating lower priority resources into these main areas. In 2006, the WTZ received the formal status as CCC of the UK Essen.
The WTZ is devoted to the multidiscipli-nary care of >24,000 cancer patients/year and closely connected with research and
Name
AddressPostal Code/City
Contact Person
FonE-Mail
InternetFounded (year)
Number ofemployees
Funding
West German Cancer Center – WTZ – Essen University Hospital
Hufelandstraße 5545147 EssenUniv. Prof. Dr. med. Angelika Eggert+49 201 72337-55 [email protected] (Essen Tumor Hospital)Essen University Hospital: 640 (Physicians, approx. value)4,700 (Other professions approx. value)State Government NRW 50%Federal Government (Germany) 20%Other 30% Deutsche Krebshilfe(Program “Oncology Centers of Excellence”), NRW, other Peer reviewed funding org.
www.wtz-essen.de
BIO.NRW
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Cellular Stress Responses in Aging associated Diseases (CECAD)
researchers and reveal cross-over points from basic research into clinical applications. The end product of such a process may be a new medication or a new method of treatment or surgical procedure. Translational medicine pro-vides the connection between basic research (bench) and clinical applications (bedside) and accelerates the transfer of knowledge. De-mographic changes will continue and indeed speed up. Because of that research into the aging process and aging-associated diseases is of very high relevance. The goal of the CECAD can be expressed as follows: “not only add more years to our lives, but also more life to our years”. This implies to ensure a greater quality of life during those last years.
Thus, the research of the Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases embraces both natural scientific and societal aspects.
Participating institutions:• Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenera-
tive Erkrankungen (DZNE) • Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging• Max Planck Institute for neurological
Research, www.nf.mpg.de
CECAD, at the University of Cologne is jointly supported by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine and the Max-Planck Institute for the Biology of Ag-ing. The aim of this excellence cluster is to un-derstand the molecular processes that underlie the aging process. Being able to define those processes contributing to the pathogenesis of aging-associated diseases such as cancer, dia-betes and neurodegenerative disorders makes new therapeutic approaches for the whole spectrum of age-related diseases possible. In an extremely dynamic and interdisciplinary environment more than 300 scientists from the fields of genetics, microbiology, physiology, neurology, botany, zoology, biochemistry and medicine work closely together. Their investi-gations concentrate on following main topic areas: cellular stress response and dysfunc-tion during aging; aging membranes and age-related impairment of the immune system’s defense against pathogens and inflammations; and disturbance of metabolic pathways in aging-associated diseases.
The interdisciplinary will also facilitate in-teractive communication processes between
Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD)Healthy Aging
Name
Applicant
Postal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Funding Period
Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD)
Universität zu Köln Albertus-Magnus-Platz 50923 Köln
Scientific CoordinatorProf. Dr. Jens Claus BrüningUniversität zu Köln Fachgruppe Biologie Institut für Genetik Zülpicher Straße 47a 50674 Köln
+49 221 470-2467
www.cecad.uni-koeln.de
I. 11.2007 – 10.2012II. 11.2012 – 10.2017
www.cecad.uni-koeln.de
© medfacilities & gmp
159
BIO.NRW Cells in Motion (CiM) – Cluster of Excellence – EXC 1003
exogenous staining or genetic manipulation for the identification of cells or molecular processes. On the other hand molecular whole-body technologies permit high sensitivity dynamic imaging but have low spatial resolution. No single imaging modal-ity can effectively combine the features of sensitivity, specificity, temporal and spatial resolution and ultimately quantification. Fu-ture biomedical and translational research requires a combination of microscopic and whole-body techniques that has not been systematically attempted before. CiM will set up a new interfaculty educational structure (‘Careers in Motion’ Centre) that promotes diversity and includes a novel Master in ‘Experimental Medicine’ allowing medical students to enter into a structured PhD programme. This will endorse the translation of basic science into the clinic.
Participating institutions:• Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität• Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine
The Cells in Motion (CiM) Cluster of Excel-lence is a joint undertaking of the West-fälische Wilhelms-Universität and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine. This ambitious project is driven by a large interdisciplinary consortium of 80 sci-entists with broad expertise in medicine, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, mathematics and computer sciences.
Optical live imaging strategies have revolutionized the perception of cellular behaviour and have emphasized their dy-namic nature. CiM’s aim is to understand the dynamic behaviour of a defined set of cells or cellular processes that are relevant for the development, homeostasis and pathologies of the vascular and nervous systems using imaging as the common and bridging strategy.
Current analyses of cellular behaviour are often one-dimensional, and imaging-based approaches are limited to a single temporo-spatial event. High resolution optical imaging offers nanometre resolu-tion but has intrinsic limitations in whole organs, mice and patients, and requires
Cells in Motion – CiMInvestigating cellular behaviour in intact complex organisms
Name
Applicant
Postal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
E-MailInternet
Funding Period
Cells in Motion (CiM)Cluster of Excellence - EXC 1003
Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Schlossplatz 2 48149 Münster
Scientific CoordinatorProfessor Dr. Lydia SorokinWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Institut für Physiologische Chemie und Pathobiochemie Waldeyerstraße 15 48149 Münster
+49 251 83-49316
I. 11.2012 – 10.2017
www.cells-in-motion.de
BIO.NRW
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ImmunoSensation – Cluster of Excellence - EXC 1023
boundaries of classical immunology. This has led the ImmunoSensation Cluster of Excel-lence to the concept of the immune sensory system, linking the research fields of innate immunity, sensory systems, neurobiology and mathematics. The recruitment of ad-ditional scientists and the establishment of cross-institutional technological platforms will catalyze the efforts to better understand immune sensing receptors and their ligands, their regulation by the local and systemic environments, and the integration of sensory input and its consequences for inflamma-tion in vivo. Immune sensing is involved in many of the lifestyle-associated diseases like atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, neurodegeneration and cancer. The ImmunoSensation Cluster of Excellence is uniquely situated to address the challenges and the great potential of this emerging field.
Participating institutions:• Life and Medical Sciences Institute
(LIMES)• German Center for Neurodegenerative
Diseases (DZNE)• center of advanced european studies
and research (caesar)
The ImmunoSensation Cluster of Excellence is a joint collaborative project of the Medical Faculty and the Faculty of Mathematics and Life Sciences (Life & Medical Sciences Insti-tute and Institute of Applied Mathematics) of the University of Bonn, the Max-Planck-associated Institute caesar (center of ad-vanced european studies and research) and the DZNE (German Center for Neurodegen-erative Diseases) of the Helmholtz-Society.
The immune system is essential for main-taining health and plays a pivotal role in most diseases. The discipline of innate immunity is one of the most dynamic fields in life sci-ences. At the core of innate immunity lie pat-tern recognition receptors (immune sensing receptors). These receptors detect foreign microbial molecules or altered self-molecules from tissue damage. The activation of im-mune sensing receptors initiates defense and repair mechanisms that normally protect the host. Dysregulation of these responses can cause a range of inflammatory diseases. With the recent discoveries that particular im-mune sensing receptors are present in most somatic cells and that the metabolic state and neuronal inputs are tightly integrated, innate immunity has developed beyond the
ImmunoSensation The Immune Sensory System
Name
Applicant
Postal Code/City
Contact Person
FonE-Mail
InternetFunding Period
ImmunoSensation Cluster of Excellence - EXC 1023
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Regina-Pacis-Weg 353175 Bonn
Speaker:Prof. Dr. Gunther Hartmann
Administrative Director:Prof. Dr. Annegret Kuhn, MBACentral Coordination OfficeImmunoSensationCluster of ExcellenceSigmund-Freud-Str. 25 53127 Bonn +49 228-28713670 [email protected]. 11.2012 – 10.2017
www.immunosensation.de
161
BIO.NRW Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) - EXC 1028
of crop plants harbouring these complex traits, we seek to increase crop yield but not at the expense of an increased use of water, nutrients and soil resources or of disease resistance.
CEPLAS focuses on cutting edge science as well as on the promotion of young scien-tists by novel study modules and individual training programmes.
Participating institutions: • Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research • Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (IBG-2)
Plants are the basis of all human life; they provide food and feed, medicine and drugs, and raw materials for clothing, housing and energy production. Due to global change, the role of crop plants as the foundation of human civilisation becomes threatened. CEPLAS – Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences – is pursuing innovative strategies for a sustainable plant production. Our goal is to improve crop productivity while mini-mising resource requirements. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of how plant species adapt to environmental conditions and constraints is needed.
With our research programme we aim to understand the mechanistic basis of the following complex plant traits using an evo-lutionary approach combined with modern genomic technologies:• Annual and perennial life histories • C4 photosynthesis • Plant-microbe interaction • Metabolic interactionThis knowledge will be used to facilitate engineering of these traits in heterologous species. By engineering new generations
Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLASFrom complex traits towards synthetic modules – a second green revolution
Name
Applicant
Postal Code/City
Contact Person
FonE-Mail
Internet
Funding Period
Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) - EXC 1028
Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf Universitätsstrasse 1Universität zu KölnAlbert-Magnus-Platz 1
40225 Düsseldorf 50923 Köln
Cluster SpeakerProfessor Dr. Andreas P. M. WeberInstitute of Plant BiochemistryHeinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfUniversitätsstraße 140225 Düsseldorf
+49 211 81-12347 [email protected]
www.ceplas.eu
I. 11.2012 – 10.2017
www.ceplas.eu
BIO.NRW
162
Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass (TMFB)
Name
Applicant
Postal Code/City
Contact Person
Fon
Internet
Funding Period
Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass (TMFB)
RWTH Aachen University Templergraben 55 52062 Aachen
Scientific CoordinatorProf. Dr.-Ing. Stefan PischingerRWTH Aachen Fakultät für Maschinenwesen Schinkelstraße 8 52062 Aachen
+49 241 80-96200
www.fuelcenter.rwth-aachen.de
I. 11.2007 – 10.2012II. 11.2012 – 10.2017
www.fuelcenter.rwth-aachen.de
orenewable feedstock in fuel production. IRF-3, Fuel injection and Combustion, is focused on the development of new engine combus-tion concepts by using fuel as one design parameter. Supplementary Cluster Activities (SCA) reflects the networking activities of all participants of TMFB. SCA ongoing measures are implementation and analysis of fields like strategy, controlling, education, lifelong learning or working atmosphere.
Scientist from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Information Technology and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the RWTH Aachen together with collaborators from the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology and the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research work close together in the jointly founded “Fuel Design Center”.
Participating institutions:• Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology – IME • Max Planck Institute of Coal Research www.mpi-muelheim.mpg.de• Öko-Institut e.V. – Institute for Applied Ecology, www.oeko.de/aktuelles/
dok/544.php
Achieving social independence from fossil en-ergy resources is one of the major challenges for society in the future. The Cluster of Excel-lence Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass aims to develop fuels on the basic of renewable raw materials in which all of the plant can be converted into tailor-made fuel components. Furthermore these new fuels will not compete with the food production process. Aside from the research topic on new synthetic fuels and fuel components the TMFB cluster is focused on efficient low-temperature combustion en-gines and low pollutant emission. The overall aim is pawing the way to the 3. generation of biomass fuels.
To cover and connect all the fields of re-search and interactions an interdisciplinary science structure was set up. The two “Core Interaction Fields” (ICF-1: Fuel Design; ICF-2: Physical and Chemical Property Modelling) are linked to three major “Integrated Re-search Fields” (IRF ). IRF-1 deals with Molecu-lar Transformation and targets the conversion of biogenous subtrates derived from renew-able feedstocks. IRF-2 covers Reaction and Process Engineering for Biorenewables and addresses the key issues in transition of bi-
Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass (TMFB)
Biofuel for the future
BIO.NRW
164
NRW Graduate Schools University/Institute Est. # Partic. Aim Homepage
International NRW Graduate School in Bioinformatics and Genome Research University Bielefeld 2001 20 Algorithmic data analysis and data management in genome research – such as
DNA sequencing, expression arrays, proteomicswww.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de/cebitec/graduate-school/graduatecenter.html
International Graduate School Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) University of Bonn 2003 Up to 40 Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry; Development, genetics & molecular Physiology; Molecular immune & cell biology; Membrane biology & biochemistry www.limes-studies.uni-bonn.de/index.html
NRW International Graduate Research School Biotech-Pharma University of Bonn 2009 30 Innovative drugs and therapies; Identification of new drug targets; New biotechnological therapies www.biotech-pharma.uni-bonn.de
NRW Research School Biostruct University of Düsseldorf 2008 20 Structural biology; Molecular medicine and biotechnology www.biostruct.de
The International Graduate School "From Embryo to Old Age: The Cell Biology and Genetics of Health and Disease" (IGS DHD) University of Cologne 2009 20 per
yearMicrobial, plant and animal model systems to investigate cell biological and genetic mechanisms www.igsdhd.uni-koeln.de
Forschungsschule "Forschung mit Synchrotronstrahlung in den Nano- und Biowissenschaften" University Dortmund 2008 30 Fundamental and applied research in physics, chemistry, biochemistry and
medicine using the DELTA particle accelerator
www.tu-dortmund.de/uni/Forschung/Nachwuchsf__rderung/NRW-Forschungsschulen/index.html
Graduate program Cell Dynamics And Disease (CEDAD) University of Münster 70 Biomedical research with a strong emphasis on imaging; Molecular mechanisms of basic cellular processes to the analysis of the molecular basis of inflammatory and vascular diseases
www.imprs-mbm-cedad.mpg.de
NRW Research School Molecules and Materials – A Common Design Principle University of Münster 2009 20 per
year A broad and interdisciplinary research program in all fields of chemistry www.uni-muenster.de/GSC-MS/RS
International Max Planck Reserch Schools (IMPRS)
International Max Planck Research School in Chemical Biology (IMPRS-CB)
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund; TU Dortmund; Ruhr-University Bochum
1999 10 per year
Studies of the fundamental chemical principles that govern biological systems; Bioinorganic and bioorganic chemistry, biophysics and biochemistry, nanobiotechnology, structural biology, molecular- and cell biology, molecular physiology, and molecular informatics
www.imprs-cb.mpg.de
International Max Planck Research School – Molecular Biomedicine (IMPRS-MBM)
University of Münster, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster
70 www.imprs-mbm-cedad.mpg.de
IMPRS on The Molecular Basis of Plant Development and Environmental Interactions
Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne; University of Cologne
2001 10 per year
Molecular plant biology; Reverse genetics, gene isolation, advanced microscopy, 3-D-structural analysis of proteins, bioinformatics, and novel mass spectrometry-based protein biochemistry
www.mpipz.mpg.de/english/studentInformation/IMPRScologne/index.html
DFG Research Training Groups and Graduate Schools
Molecular Targets of the Aging Process and Strategies for the Prevention of Aging University of Düsseldorf 2004 21 Investigation of molecular mechanisms in aging and the identification of novel
strategies for aging prevention www.grk1033.uni-duesseldorf.de
Modulation of Host Cell Functions to Treat Viral and Bacterial Infections
University Duisburg-Essen; University of Düsseldorf 2004 13 fellows;
7 guests Infectious immunology; Signal transduction, immune response www.gk-immunmodulation.de
Brain-behavior Relationship of Emotion and Social Cognition in Schizophrenia and Autism
Aachen University, Research Center Jülich, University of Pennsylvania 2006 29 Various aspects of the complex clinical disorders of schizophrenia and autism www.irtg1328.rwth-aachen.de
International Graduate School of Molecular Interactions of Pathogens with Biotic and Abiotic Surfaces University of Münster 2006 38
Gene regulation and mechanisms of primary interactions with biotic and abiotic surfaces; Molecular interactions and signal induction in target cells; Extra- and intracellular transport processes of microbial virulence factors
http://zmbe.uni-muenster.de/GRK1409/
Graduate Programs in North Rhine-Westphalia (Life Sciences)
Graduate Programs in NRW (Life Sciences)
BIO.NRW
165
NRW Graduate Schools University/Institute Est. # Partic. Aim Homepage
International NRW Graduate School in Bioinformatics and Genome Research University Bielefeld 2001 20 Algorithmic data analysis and data management in genome research – such as
DNA sequencing, expression arrays, proteomicswww.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de/cebitec/graduate-school/graduatecenter.html
International Graduate School Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) University of Bonn 2003 Up to 40 Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry; Development, genetics & molecular Physiology; Molecular immune & cell biology; Membrane biology & biochemistry www.limes-studies.uni-bonn.de/index.html
NRW International Graduate Research School Biotech-Pharma University of Bonn 2009 30 Innovative drugs and therapies; Identification of new drug targets; New biotechnological therapies www.biotech-pharma.uni-bonn.de
NRW Research School Biostruct University of Düsseldorf 2008 20 Structural biology; Molecular medicine and biotechnology www.biostruct.de
The International Graduate School "From Embryo to Old Age: The Cell Biology and Genetics of Health and Disease" (IGS DHD) University of Cologne 2009 20 per
yearMicrobial, plant and animal model systems to investigate cell biological and genetic mechanisms www.igsdhd.uni-koeln.de
Forschungsschule "Forschung mit Synchrotronstrahlung in den Nano- und Biowissenschaften" University Dortmund 2008 30 Fundamental and applied research in physics, chemistry, biochemistry and
medicine using the DELTA particle accelerator
www.tu-dortmund.de/uni/Forschung/Nachwuchsf__rderung/NRW-Forschungsschulen/index.html
Graduate program Cell Dynamics And Disease (CEDAD) University of Münster 70 Biomedical research with a strong emphasis on imaging; Molecular mechanisms of basic cellular processes to the analysis of the molecular basis of inflammatory and vascular diseases
www.imprs-mbm-cedad.mpg.de
NRW Research School Molecules and Materials – A Common Design Principle University of Münster 2009 20 per
year A broad and interdisciplinary research program in all fields of chemistry www.uni-muenster.de/GSC-MS/RS
International Max Planck Reserch Schools (IMPRS)
International Max Planck Research School in Chemical Biology (IMPRS-CB)
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund; TU Dortmund; Ruhr-University Bochum
1999 10 per year
Studies of the fundamental chemical principles that govern biological systems; Bioinorganic and bioorganic chemistry, biophysics and biochemistry, nanobiotechnology, structural biology, molecular- and cell biology, molecular physiology, and molecular informatics
www.imprs-cb.mpg.de
International Max Planck Research School – Molecular Biomedicine (IMPRS-MBM)
University of Münster, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster
70 www.imprs-mbm-cedad.mpg.de
IMPRS on The Molecular Basis of Plant Development and Environmental Interactions
Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne; University of Cologne
2001 10 per year
Molecular plant biology; Reverse genetics, gene isolation, advanced microscopy, 3-D-structural analysis of proteins, bioinformatics, and novel mass spectrometry-based protein biochemistry
www.mpipz.mpg.de/english/studentInformation/IMPRScologne/index.html
DFG Research Training Groups and Graduate Schools
Molecular Targets of the Aging Process and Strategies for the Prevention of Aging University of Düsseldorf 2004 21 Investigation of molecular mechanisms in aging and the identification of novel
strategies for aging prevention www.grk1033.uni-duesseldorf.de
Modulation of Host Cell Functions to Treat Viral and Bacterial Infections
University Duisburg-Essen; University of Düsseldorf 2004 13 fellows;
7 guests Infectious immunology; Signal transduction, immune response www.gk-immunmodulation.de
Brain-behavior Relationship of Emotion and Social Cognition in Schizophrenia and Autism
Aachen University, Research Center Jülich, University of Pennsylvania 2006 29 Various aspects of the complex clinical disorders of schizophrenia and autism www.irtg1328.rwth-aachen.de
International Graduate School of Molecular Interactions of Pathogens with Biotic and Abiotic Surfaces University of Münster 2006 38
Gene regulation and mechanisms of primary interactions with biotic and abiotic surfaces; Molecular interactions and signal induction in target cells; Extra- and intracellular transport processes of microbial virulence factors
http://zmbe.uni-muenster.de/GRK1409/
Graduate Programs in NRW (Life Sciences)
BIO.NRW
166
DFG Research Training Groups and Graduate Schools University/Institute Est. # Partic. Aim Homepage
Transcription, Chromatin Structure and DNA Repair in Development and Differentiation University Duisburg-Essen 2006 14 + 5
assoc.
Understanding how cells read the genetic information and how they make it available for the development of a whole organism with different tissues and cell types
www.uni-due.de/zmb/studycourses/gk/gk_home.shtml
Arterial Remodeling Processes University of Aachen, University Maastricht 2008 10 underlying macrovascular pathobiology and pathophysiology of arterial
remodeling www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/zhb/
The Dynamic Response of Plants to a Changing EnvironmentUniversity of Düsseldorf, Research Centre Jülich, Michigan State University
2009 22 Molecular plant sciences, genetics, quantitative biology, bioinformatics www.igrad-plant.uni-duesseldorf.de
Molecular and Cellular Glyco-Sciences (MCGS) University Münster, Hyderabad 2009 40 Basic understanding of structure/function-relationships at a molecular level www.uni-muenster.de/MCGS/
Biointerface University of Aachen 2004 10 fellows13 guests Detection and control of interface-induced biomolecular and cellular functions www.grk-biointerface.de
SeleCa – Selectivity in Chemo- and Biocatalysis University of Aachen, Osaka, Tokyo 201021 in Aachen11 Osaka
Enzyme supramolecular and metal/organo catalysis www.seleca.rwth-aachen.de
Biocatalysis Using Non-conventional Media (BioNoCo) University of Aachen, University of Düsseldorf 2005 24 Ionic liquids, organic solvents, supercritical fluids and gases as reaction media
for bio-catalyzed syntheses www.bionoco.rwth-aachen.de
Graduiertenkolleg Bionics – Interactions across Boundaries to the Environment
University Bonn, Aachen, Research Center Jülich 2009 10 Innovative technical systems will generation based on biological models
(biomimetics) for structure- and sensor-based functions www.bionikgraduate.uni-bonn.de/index.php
International Helmholtz Research School
International Helmholtz Research School of Biophysics and Soft Matter (IHRS BioSoft)
Research Center Jülich, Universities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn 2006 30 Cell biophysics, structural biology, cellular signaling pathways www.ihrs-biosoft.de
Helmholtz Space Life Sciences Research School Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) 2009 21 Health issues in human spaceflight and in related disease patterns on Earth www.dlr.de/me/desktopdefault.aspx/
tabid-4960/
Other GraduatePrograms
Graduate College on Analysis of cell function by combinatorial chemistry and biochemistry University Bonn
Application of chemical biology and chemoinformatics methods to produce and optimize molecular tools, including small molecules and aptamers, for the elucidation and analysis of signal transduction processes at the plasma membrane
www.grk804.uni-bonn.de
Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bochum 2003 200 Molecular chemistry, biological chemistry, life sciences www.chemie.rub.de/gscb/profil.html.en
Bochum Research School for Medical Neuroscience (BoNeuroMed) University of Bochum 2009 10-15/yr.Medical neurosciences, working together with neuroscientists from biology, chemistry/biochemistry, basic and clinical Medicine, Engineering Sciences, neuroinformatics and psychology to achieve the highest level of multidisciplinarity
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/igsn/boneuromed/index.shtml
CLIB-Graduate Cluster Industrial Biotechnology Universities Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Bielefeld 2009 100 Polyomics, expression, biocatalysis and downstream processing www.clib-graduatecluster.de
Graduate School for Biological Sciences University of Cologne 2006 200
Broadly based graduate school in the biological sciences, centered on the molecular analysis of biological processes, the scientific base of the program is broad, providing students with opportunities for training in fields ranging from ecology and evolution to medicine, and including all of the major microbial, plant and animal model organisms
www.gs-biosciences.uni-koeln.de/ gsfbs_start.html
School of Life Sciences University of Münster 360 Graduate school for all doctoral candidates ob the Biological department www.uni-muenster.de/Lifesciences/
Manchot Graduate School “Molecules of Infection” University of Düsseldorf 2009 13 New strategies for the elimination/clearance of pathogens from infected hostwww.math-nat-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de/Graduiertenkollegs/graduiertenschule/Englisch
International Graduate Program Bioinformatics of Signaling Networks University of Bielefeld 2010 6 Mechanisms, regulation and functions of cellular signaling networks
www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de/graduatecenter/bosn/bioinformaticsofsignalingnetworks.html
Graduate Programs in NRW (Life Sciences)
BIO.NRW
167
DFG Research Training Groups and Graduate Schools University/Institute Est. # Partic. Aim Homepage
Transcription, Chromatin Structure and DNA Repair in Development and Differentiation University Duisburg-Essen 2006 14 + 5
assoc.
Understanding how cells read the genetic information and how they make it available for the development of a whole organism with different tissues and cell types
www.uni-due.de/zmb/studycourses/gk/gk_home.shtml
Arterial Remodeling Processes University of Aachen, University Maastricht 2008 10 underlying macrovascular pathobiology and pathophysiology of arterial
remodeling www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/zhb/
The Dynamic Response of Plants to a Changing EnvironmentUniversity of Düsseldorf, Research Centre Jülich, Michigan State University
2009 22 Molecular plant sciences, genetics, quantitative biology, bioinformatics www.igrad-plant.uni-duesseldorf.de
Molecular and Cellular Glyco-Sciences (MCGS) University Münster, Hyderabad 2009 40 Basic understanding of structure/function-relationships at a molecular level www.uni-muenster.de/MCGS/
Biointerface University of Aachen 2004 10 fellows13 guests Detection and control of interface-induced biomolecular and cellular functions www.grk-biointerface.de
SeleCa – Selectivity in Chemo- and Biocatalysis University of Aachen, Osaka, Tokyo 201021 in Aachen11 Osaka
Enzyme supramolecular and metal/organo catalysis www.seleca.rwth-aachen.de
Biocatalysis Using Non-conventional Media (BioNoCo) University of Aachen, University of Düsseldorf 2005 24 Ionic liquids, organic solvents, supercritical fluids and gases as reaction media
for bio-catalyzed syntheses www.bionoco.rwth-aachen.de
Graduiertenkolleg Bionics – Interactions across Boundaries to the Environment
University Bonn, Aachen, Research Center Jülich 2009 10 Innovative technical systems will generation based on biological models
(biomimetics) for structure- and sensor-based functions www.bionikgraduate.uni-bonn.de/index.php
International Helmholtz Research School
International Helmholtz Research School of Biophysics and Soft Matter (IHRS BioSoft)
Research Center Jülich, Universities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn 2006 30 Cell biophysics, structural biology, cellular signaling pathways www.ihrs-biosoft.de
Helmholtz Space Life Sciences Research School Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) 2009 21 Health issues in human spaceflight and in related disease patterns on Earth www.dlr.de/me/desktopdefault.aspx/
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Other GraduatePrograms
Graduate College on Analysis of cell function by combinatorial chemistry and biochemistry University Bonn
Application of chemical biology and chemoinformatics methods to produce and optimize molecular tools, including small molecules and aptamers, for the elucidation and analysis of signal transduction processes at the plasma membrane
www.grk804.uni-bonn.de
Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bochum 2003 200 Molecular chemistry, biological chemistry, life sciences www.chemie.rub.de/gscb/profil.html.en
Bochum Research School for Medical Neuroscience (BoNeuroMed) University of Bochum 2009 10-15/yr.Medical neurosciences, working together with neuroscientists from biology, chemistry/biochemistry, basic and clinical Medicine, Engineering Sciences, neuroinformatics and psychology to achieve the highest level of multidisciplinarity
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/igsn/boneuromed/index.shtml
CLIB-Graduate Cluster Industrial Biotechnology Universities Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Bielefeld 2009 100 Polyomics, expression, biocatalysis and downstream processing www.clib-graduatecluster.de
Graduate School for Biological Sciences University of Cologne 2006 200
Broadly based graduate school in the biological sciences, centered on the molecular analysis of biological processes, the scientific base of the program is broad, providing students with opportunities for training in fields ranging from ecology and evolution to medicine, and including all of the major microbial, plant and animal model organisms
www.gs-biosciences.uni-koeln.de/ gsfbs_start.html
School of Life Sciences University of Münster 360 Graduate school for all doctoral candidates ob the Biological department www.uni-muenster.de/Lifesciences/
Manchot Graduate School “Molecules of Infection” University of Düsseldorf 2009 13 New strategies for the elimination/clearance of pathogens from infected hostwww.math-nat-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de/Graduiertenkollegs/graduiertenschule/Englisch
International Graduate Program Bioinformatics of Signaling Networks University of Bielefeld 2010 6 Mechanisms, regulation and functions of cellular signaling networks
www.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de/graduatecenter/bosn/bioinformaticsofsignalingnetworks.html
Graduate Programs in NRW (Life Sciences)
BIO.NRW
168
Research Fields
Angiogenesis 30, 144Bioactive Natural Products 33Bioanalytics 131Biochemistry 26, 27, 34, 35, 44, 47, 53, 60, 61, 66, 73, 77, 89, 106, 147, Biocatalysis 26, 75, 115Biodiversity 42Bioengineering 79Bioinformatics 20, 22, 25, 27, 28, 54, 94Biometrics and Epidemiology 121Biotechnology 19, 20, 22, 23, 30, 31, 33, 44, 59, 67, 75, 79, 80, 85, 87, 96, 98, 99, 105, 115Biophysics 25, 66, 106, 131, 151Cell Biology 29, 41, 42, 43, 55, 56, 75, 110, 126, 145, 148Chemical Biology 147Chemical Engineering 47, 49Climatology 53Developmental Biology 124, 141, 144Diabetes 30, 122Ecology 42, 63Electron Microscopy 152Environmental Biology/Chemistry 42, 48, 63, 75, 98Ethics 108Evolution 42Food Safety 98Genetics/Molecular Biology 28, 31, 37, 43, 121, 133, 135, 141, 142, 144Gravitational Biology 110Health 107, 108, 110, 115, 116, 125, 126, 127Human Biology 30Immunology 73, 124Inorganic Chemistry 29Insulin 30Life and Medical Sciences 39Mass Spectrometry 44Medical Biotechnology 53, 99Medical Devices 79, 82, 115, 152Medical Physics 108Medicinal Chemistry 34
Metabolic Engineering 48, 105Metagenomics 25Microbiology 31, 32, 38, 39, 44, 48, 55, 67Molecular Biology 42, 66Molecular Evolution 32Molecular Imaging 116Molecular Neuroscience 41Nanotechnology 29, 63, 66, 67, 80, 126, 127Neurobiology 41, 42, 60, 107, 124, 126Oncology 56, 116Optogenetics 41Organic Chemistry 19, 28, 33, 56, 64, 77Pharmacology 75Physiology 110, 111Plant Biology/Physiology 27, 28, 35, 37, 68, 98, 105Polymer Chemistry 33Protein Engineering 26Renewable Energy and Resources 73, 75 Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy of Biopolymers 25Stem Cell Biology 42Structural Biology 26, 57Toxicology 124, 129Various Biological Fields of Research 19Viral Evolution 25Zoology 135, 136
BIO.NRW
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Keywords
Aging 60, 79, 107, 108, 113, 125, 127, 129, 141, 142Agricultural Biotechnology 27, 37, 43, 47, 59, 68, 79,87,98, 100Alzheimer’s Disease 55, 56, 106, 107, 108, 113, 151Analytics 20, 25, 33, 44, 75, 77, 82, 89, 131, 152Animal Facility 73, 129Animal Models 30, 37, 41, 54, 66, 121, 125, 126, 127, 141, 142, 145Antibiotic 31, 33, 38, 39, 55Antibody 31, 42, 51, 73, 145Anti-Infective Research 32, 33, 54, 145Assay Development 75Autophagy 34, 106Bacterial Cell Biology 39Baromedicine 110Behavioural Biology 19Bioassay 99Biocatalysts 26, 28, 30, 33, 44, 47, 48, 49, 85, 89, 115, Biochemistry 53Biodiversity 42, 105, 135, 136Bioenergy Research 22, 32, 47, 68, 75, 96, 99, Biologicals 47, 54, 57Bioinformatics 20, 22, 32, 34, 89Biomarker 34, 43, 113, 121, 122, 133Biomass 22, 29, 35, 47, 48, 49, 59, 73, 75, 96, 98, 99, 100, 105Biomaterials 25, 47, 63, 67, 73, 79, 89, 115, 116Biometry 121Bioorganic Chemistry 63, 64Biopharmaceuticals 20, 31, 49, 51, 85, 100, 115Biopolymers 67Bioprocessing 47, 49, 89, 94, 99,Biosensors 80Biotransformation 38Body Fat Regulation 39Cancer 33, 34, 55, 56, 60, 67, 116, 129, 147Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules 29Cardiovascular Research 59, 60, 79, 116, 125, 144, 145, Cell Lines/Banks 20, 34, 129Cell Separation 73, 94, 124Cell Therapy 79Chip Technology 106, 131, 152
Clinical Studies 122Cognitive Performance 110Colon Cancer 33Comparative Genomics 32Computational Biology 25Computational Chemistry 34Crop Research 28, 29, 43, 100, 105Developmental Genetics 53Diabetes 30, 60, 79, 108, 121, Diagnostic Systems 77, 82, 108DNA 30, 31, 63, 64, 89, 126, 133, 135, 141Downstream Processing 85Drug Discovery/Delivery 29, 30, 34, 43, 56, 63, 67, 68, 89, 94, 129, 144, 147 Ecology 19, 42, 63Energy Metabolism 122Environmental Research 37, 38, 48, 54, 64, 68, 75, 111, 125, 135Enzymes 19, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 38, 47, 54, 55, 67, 77, 85, 87, 99, 105,Epidemiology 121ESC 144Evolutionary Biology 19Fermentation 20, 22, 48, 49, 67, 80, 85, 96, 100, 105Flow Cytometry 73, 82, 105Food Science 38Fresh Water 42Fungal Biotechnology 32Gasotransmitters 29Gene Therapy 67Genetic Engineering 20, 28, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, 41, 67, 68, 98,Genomics 19, 22, 23, 27, 28, 35, 37, 38, 39, 42, 66, 99, 105, 107, 124, 125, 133, 135, 141 GMO 37Health Service 121Health Economics 121Immune Modulation 37, 39, 66, 73, 110, 124, 151Immunodiagnostics 99Immunology 53, 80Immunotherapeutics 99
BIO.NRW
170
Infectious Diseases 49, 53, 54, 59, 68, 87, 106Inflammation Neuropathy 122Influenza Viruses 25iPS 144Lead Discovery 30, 33, 147Lipid Metabolism 39Marine Biology 42Membrane Receptors 151Metabolic Imaging 122Metabolomics 19, 23, 35, 44, 99, 105, 131, 141Microalgae 59Microarrays 23, 54, 64, 94, 105, 131, 152Microbial Genomics 23, 27, 32, 67, 99, 105Microbial Physiology 38Microscopy 29, 30, 37, 42, 56, 60, 63, 66, 94, 107, 110, 135, 144, 148, 152Molecular Bioinformatics 34Molecular Library 135, 147Molecular Neurobiology 41MSC 54Nanotoxicology 126, 127Neurobiology 19Neurodegenerative Diseases 34, 37, 41, 44, 55, 59, 60, 106, 107, 108, 113, 124, 126, 141Neuroscience 41Neurotransmitter Receptors 41Next Generation Sequencing 25NMR Spectroscopy 34, 57, 106, 131Nutrition 39, 111, 142Oncology 43, 59, 67, 82, 116, 147, 148Parkinson Disease 25, 107, 108, 113, 141Pathology 31Peptide Synthesis 19, 56, 66, 77, 131Personalized Medicine 54, 79, 116, 133Physiology in Aviation 110Plant Breeding 37, 38, 39, 43, 98, 105Plant Produced Products 33, 59, 68, 98Platform Technology 22, 26, 124Polyomics 22Population Genetics 42Protein Engineering 99Protein Expression 99Protein Ligand Interactions 34Proteomics 19, 23, 38, 43, 44, 60, 66, 68, 121, 124, 125, 126, 131,Recombinant Proteins 19, 20, 26, 27, 30, 32, 49, 61, 66
Regenerative Medicine 42, 54, 73, 115, 144Renewable Energy and Resources 48RNA/RNAi/antisense RNA 31, 39Signal Transduction 27, 29, 38, 41, 43, 44, 54, 6668, 121, 124, 125, 142, 144, 145, 148Single Cell Analysis 105Skin Biology 61Small Molecules 19, 28, 29, 31, 33, 56, 63, 75, 147Spectrometry 131Staphylococci 39Stem Cell Research 19, 42, 44, 115, 144Structural Biology 25, 26, 34, 57, 66, 106, 147Sustainability Assessment 96Synthetic Biology 26, 28, 35, 48, 105, 147Systems Biology 22, 27, 35, 48, 107, 111, 131, 133, 135, 136, 141, 147, 148Therapeutics 56Tissue Engineering 42, 73, 79, 82, 115
Spot on Biotechnology Science
BIO.NRWMerowingerplatz 1 40225 Duesseldorf, GermanyFon +49 211 385469-9200Fax +49 211 [email protected]
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia 40221 Duesseldorf www.innovation.nrw.de
www.exzellenz.nrw.de With the “Excellence NRW” cluster strategy, North Rhine-Westphalia has set new standards for both business and innovation. The state government has made the systematic improvement of NRW’s strengths and talents an absolute priority – both in established industries and up-and-coming fields like biotechnology. It is our goal to create a favorable climate for innovation, as that is the best way to sustain the competitive edge and stimulate growth and employment in the companies that call the state home. To find out more about North Rhine-Westphalia’s cluster strategy and the 16 clusters currently in NRW’s roster, just visit www.exzellenz.nrw.de. w
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