Research, development and knowledge transfer are lively and dynamic components at the Institute of Biotechnology.

The number of projects with national and international partners from research and industry is constantly growing. This also opens up new opportunities for our students, who are accepted onto high-quality PhD programmes through research collaborations with our institute.

Best development opportunities

To sharpen its research profile, the institute has established two key research areas with a strong interdisciplinary focus: medical biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. The research groups established in these areas provide excellent development opportunities for young scientists.

Medical biotechnology

Adenovirus research with a focus on RNA technologies

In our laboratory, we focus on using RNA technology to understand the pathogenesis of adenoviruses and develop innovative therapies. By utilising RNA sequencing and analysis techniques, we explore the interactions between the viral RNA molecules and their host cells. Our aim is to identify and develop new therapeutic approaches to better treat adenovirus infections.

Optogenetics with a focus on sepsis

Optogenetics offers unique opportunities to study the pathogenesis of sepsis and develop new therapies. Our team is using optogenetic tools to precisely modulate immune responses during sepsis and study their impact on disease progression. Through this work, we hope to find new ways to treat this life-threatening disease.

Cancer research focusing on therapy resistance

Resistance to cancer therapies is a major problem in clinical oncology. Our research focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this resistance and developing new therapeutic approaches. We use innovative technologies such as single-cell sequencing to identify the genetic and epigenetic changes that can lead to resistance. Our goal is to develop personalised treatments that are tailored to the specific characteristics of each tumour.

Regenerative medicine with a focus on proteomics and stem cell cultures to characterise bone allografts

Regenerative medicine has the potential to revolutionise the way we treat tissue damage. In our laboratory, we use proteomics and stem cell cultures to characterise the properties of bone allografts and improve their efficacy. By analysing the protein composition and cell types in the grafts, we can better understand how they behave in the body and how they can best be used to repair tissue damage.

Bioprocess engineering

Co-cultivation research in bioreactors

In our laboratory, we investigate the possibilities of co-cultivating different microorganisms in bioreactors. By working together with different organisms, we can open up complex metabolic pathways and increase the efficiency of biotechnological production. Our aim is to identify optimal conditions for co-cultivation and to develop new bioprocesses based on synergistic interactions between the organisms involved.

Recovery of rare earths with intelligent fermentation technologies

Rare earths are critical raw materials for a variety of high-technology applications, but their extraction and processing can be challenging. In our research laboratory, we develop intelligent fermentation technologies that enable rare earths to be recovered efficiently from complex ore and waste streams. By using microorganisms and specially developed biosensors, we are striving for a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for the recovery of rare earths.

Innovative bioprocesses for the production of therapeutic proteins

The production of therapeutic proteins such as antibodies and enzymes is an important area of biotechnology that requires continuous innovation. Our research team is working on the development of innovative bioprocesses that enable therapeutic proteins to be produced more efficiently and cost-effectively. By optimising cell cultivation methods, protein expression systems and downstream processes, we aim to develop bioprocesses that increase productivity and improve the purity of therapeutic proteins.

Degree programmes

The institute is responsible for Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology bachelor as well as the OMICS Technologies and Data Science in Biomedicine and Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology degree programmes.