The Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO) at
Hannover Medical School (MHH) were established by Professor Axel Haverich in 1996, by means of the
Leibniz prize awarded by the DFG.
The LEBAO, being one of the central institutions of the
Cluster of Excellence "REBIRTH", is closely linked to the
Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery
of the MHH. This close connection of application-oriented basic
research and a clinical department is achieved by applying the new
concept of a dual leadership, with a clinical director, Professor Axel
Haverich, on one side, and a research director, Professor Ulrich
Martin, on the other.
Since May 2008 the LEBAO is located in the recently constructed Hans
Borst-Center for Heart and Stem Cell Research, Hannover Medical School.
Within the Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and
Artificial Organs (LEBAO) different aspects of regenerative medicine
and organ transplantation are investigated. The close linkage of basic
research and the clinic allows for focused research and development, as
well as for a fast translation of innovative therapeutic concepts into
clinical practice. Directed by
Professor Ulrich Martin , research projects in the following work areas are conducted at present:
Bioartificial lung (Head: Stefan Fischer, MD)
Molecular biotechnology and stem cell research (Head: Ulrich Martin, PhD)
Tissue engineering (Head: Andres Hilfiker, PhD)
Projects in all areas of research aim at the development of new
therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
There are interconnections and close collaborations with other projects
within the MHH and the
Cluster of Excellence "REBIRTH" , as well as with the
Competence Center for Cardiovascular Implants (Medimplant), the
University of Hannover, the
Corlife Company , the joint projects on medicine technology
CrossBIT and a multiplicity of other national and international scientific institutions and industrial enterprises.
Executive board