DFG promotes collaborative research center in regenerative medicine


Abstract from the MHH Press Release (June 27, 2007):
(stz) The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) has approved a new collaborative research center for medical technology. Participants in this collaborative research center: Transregio 37 "Micro-and Nanosystems in Medicine - Reconstruction of Biological Functions" include the MHH, Leibniz University in Hannover, Hannover University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover Laser Center, Nordrhein-Westfalen Technical School in Aachen and the Rostock University.  The spokesperson for this collaboration is Professor Dr. Axel Haverich, Director of the Department of Cardio-Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery at the MHH.

SFB/Transregio 37: Technology Meets Biology in Hannover, Aachen und Rostock

"It is about exploration of methods and applications in the field of micro-, nano- and laser technology for advanced bio-implants - a very young sector in the field of medical technology," says Professor Dr. Axel Haverich.  Within this collaboration, scientists of human and veterinary medicine interact with scientists of material and natural sciences. The sub-projects are divided into three sections pursuing different methods and objectives, while promoting and complementing each other at the same time.  Section A includes projects involving optical technologies that deal with the manipulation of cells and cell aggregates. For example, laser technology in micro- and nanosystems is thought to have an outstanding potential. Section B focuses on methods involving biointerfaces and the connection between technology and cells. The objective is to optimize the efficiency of this interaction with the biological tissue accomplished through the preparation, analysis and metrological characterization of bioactive surfaces and particles.  In Section C, central questions surrounding the highly functional and intelligent components and systems and their specific applications are discussed. Cross-section "Q" is available to the three areas as a "bracket" and focuses on the development of new, innovative research methods in the fields of microscopy and biocompatibility evaluation. The 14 sub-projects of the new DFG/Transregio 37 are supported by a 4 year, 10.6 million EUR DFG awarded grant with the option to be extended twice, each for an additional four years. Establishment of this collaboration has created a total of  62 new positions in which 28 will be located at the MHH.

Additional information regarding SFB/Transregio 37 may be obtained from: http://www.sfb-transregio-37.de/