RESEARCH EMPHASES

The main research focuses of the Faculty of Medicine are driven by scientists joining forces to advance their shared scientific topics and goals.
The strengths of these research partnerships have been reflected in the successful establishment of numerous third-party funded research networks. They have been supported by the creation of new professorships and research-related focal points in patient care at the University Hospital in Münster.

Inflammation & Infection

Coordinator: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johannes Roth

The “Inflammation and Infection” research focus explores the question of how the body regulates inflammation in different organs. The scientists involved aim to identify functional mechanisms that are decisive in determining how severe a disease becomes and use their findings to develop new medical care strategies. This research field is characterised by strong interdisciplinary and interfaculty collaboration, combining expertise in immunology, cell biology, microbiology, virology, biochemistry and biomedical imaging.

Vascular System

Coordinators: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Eric Schulze-Bahr, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Linke

In the vascular system area, research is undertaken into vascular changes such as arteriosclerosis and vasculitides, through to consequential damage to organs, including changes to the myocardium. This focus entails looking at changes to a myocardial cell, myocardial insufficiency and arrhythmias.

Neural Systems

Coordinators: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heinz Wiendl, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Udo Dannlowski

The neural systems focus comprises the basics, from the function of ion channels and signalling molecules to inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Research is also done into mechanisms of fear, anxiety
and anxiety disorders, as well as other psychiatric and psychotherapeutic aspects.

Cell Differentiation, Regeneration and Neoplasia

Coordinators: Univ.-Prof. Georg Lenz, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Frank Tüttelmann

The cell differentiation, regeneration and neoplasia focus includes stem-cell research, the biology and pathology of reproduction, and cell differentiation and the origins of tumours and possibilities for therapy.

Clinical Translational Professorships

Clinical Translational Professorships, or CTPs, act as "hinges" between basic and clinical research. As such, they are intended to ensure that new findings are swiftly incorporated into patient care and vice versa, that new questions quickly find their way into clinical research.

The Medical Faculty of the WWU has already established a number of such professorships as it considers CTPs to be a key element in clinical translational research. Particularly when established in strong research-focused areas, they contribute significantly to the profile of the location. CTPs are part of a successful translational concept and an attractive target position for potential faculty career models.