Research profile Field of Focus I
Molecular Foundations of Life, Health, and Disease
The molecular life sciences in Heidelberg represent a research focus of the university that enjoys particularly high national and international visibility. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of physiological and pathological functions within cells and organisms, the researchers are closely connected with their local extra university partners.
The Field of Focus 1 network builds on the funding priority Heidelberg Molecular Life Sciences (HMLS). It ensures an open scientific exchange of information across institutional boundaries and disciplines. The university's ties to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), and the two university hospitals in Heidelberg and Mannheim have created a unique research site for life scientists that is one of its kind in Europe and recently led to the foundation of the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim.
Research conducted at the Faculty of Biosciences focuses on issues concerning the development of organs and organisms, the identification of stem cells in plants and animals, the biochemical processes and transport processes within cells as well as the production and degradation of proteins.
The analysis includes morphological, molecular, quantitative and structural biological methods at the highest technical level. At this interface lies the bridge to research at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences. Here, for example, research is being conducted into biogenic packaging technologies for mRNA vaccines, artificial cells as transport systems in the body, or new fiber-like battery technologies. The medical faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim primarily concentrate on infection research concerning diseases like AIDS, hepatitis and malaria, cardiovascular diseases, cancer research, transplantation therapy, immunotherapy, medical technology and neuroscience.
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Research Council FoF 1
The Research Council coordinates the academic development of the FoF by identifying new research questions, bringing together complementary expertise and promoting innovative projects through start-up funding. It also actively supports young researchers and advises the rectorate in all research matters.
