Pilot Phase of the University Research and Treatment Centres (URTC) - Completed

Below you will find the individual pilot projects within the research focus areas that have received initial funding for two years from the Medical Faculty and the UKM, in order to support the submission of collaborative research proposals and thus the etablishment of an UFBZ. 

The pilot phase of the UFBZ was used to specifically strengthen the aspects that characterize these centers. This includes, for example, the integration of research and treatment as well as the development of creative perspectives within the established focus areas.

  • Pilot project - Inflammation

    The pilot project iii:motion – Translational Centre ‘Dynamics and Imaging of Inflammation and Infection’ (Coordinators: M. Schäfers, Department of Nuclear Medicine & EIMI, and A. Zarbock, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine), aims to achieve a better understanding of the development and heterogeneity of organ-specific immune responses. Following the already successful acquisition of the KFO 342 ‘Organ Dysfunction in the Context of Systemic Inflammatory Syndromes’ (Spokesperson: A. Zarbock), the pilot project has, since January 2021, also been complemented by the SFB 1450 ‘inSight – Multiscale Imaging of Organ-Specific Inflammation’ (Spokesperson: M. Schäfers) with regard to the important topic of multiscale imaging.

    The iii:motion pilot project is currently in the second stage of establishing the UFBZ, the consolidation phase; further information can be found here.

  • Pilot project - Neuronal Systems

    The focus of the pilot project ISIR – "Integrative Strategies for Immuno- and Regeneration Therapies" (Coordinator: L. Klotz, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology) was on understanding and developing targeted immuno- and regeneration therapies for various neuroinflammatory diseases, based on an integrated, patho-immunobiological mapping of well-defined patient cohorts. Existing treatment options were to be evaluated across different diseases regarding their mechanisms of action and side effect profiles, and new immuno- and regeneration approaches were to be identified through these comparative analyses. Particular emphasis was placed on the significance of inflammatory mechanisms for disease progression versus regeneration. The structure of ISIR, through the close integration of highly specialized patient care, the continuous development of already initiated, well-defined patient cohorts, and their systematic evaluation using standardized, multidimensional companion analyses, provides an optimal foundation for high-quality translational research.

    The pilot project ISIR is currently in the second stage of establishing the UFBZ, the consolidation phase; further information can be found here.

    The pilot project “Emotional Disorders” (Coordinator: U. Dannlowski, Department of Mental Health – Institute of Translational Psychiatry) developed research and treatment structures for anxiety disorders and affective disorders (including depression, bipolar disorders), which are among the most common and socially relevant disorders. The project builds on existing translational collaborative projects at the Münster site and aims to investigate the molecular, neuroanatomical, and functional-systemic mechanisms of emotional disorders within an integrative neuroscientific-clinical approach and to transfer these findings into clinical practice.

    The pilot project "Emotional Disorders" is currently not being continued within the UFBZ.

  • Pilot project - Cell Differentiation, Regeneration and Neoplasia

    The pilot project “Reproductive Health” (Coordinators: F. Tüttelmann, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, and T. Strünker, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology) focuses on reproductive research as well as the diagnosis and treatment of fertility disorders at the highest level. Münster is already nationally and internationally renowned for this—a true unique feature within the academic research landscape. The UFBZ aims to build upon the DFG-funded Clinical Research Unit (KFO) 326 “Male Germ Cells: from Genes to Function” as a foundation. KFO326 aims to clarify the causes of male infertility, develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and further expand the excellent research and patient care at the Münster site. This concept is now being further developed so that not only the male, but also the female germ cells, the fertilization process, embryonic development, and the function of reproductive organs in various phases of life are investigated using multidisciplinary, translational research approaches. In this way, the basis for a university research and treatment center is being established.

    The  pilot project “Reproductive Health” is currently in the second stage of establishing the UFBZ, the consolidation phase; further information can be founSie here.