At the One Health Ruhr - From Molecules to Systems research centre, we are dedicated to unravelling the fundamental mechanisms that underpin health and disease, from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. Guided by the One Health approach, we explore the complex relationships between human, animal and environmental health. The premise is simple but profound: human health cannot be sustained without a healthy environment.
In a world facing unprecedented global change, the health of ecosystems, animals and humans is increasingly intertwined. Our research explores how environmental change affects health systems, using cutting-edge scientific tools and interdisciplinary collaboration. From molecular biology to aquatic science, oncology to cognitive neuroscience, our team of scientists works across disciplines to address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
At the heart of our work is the understanding that health is influenced by a multitude of factors operating at different biological levels. Our research starts at the molecular level, where we study the biochemical processes that maintain both physical and mental health. These molecular mechanisms are fundamental to understanding how disease develops when systems are disrupted.
But our research doesn't stop there. We are also investigating how larger systems - such as tissues, organs and even whole ecosystems - contribute to health. The aim is to integrate this knowledge to provide a comprehensive view of health that includes environmental factors. One Health Ruhr seeks not only to advance the theoretical understanding of health mechanisms, but also to apply this knowledge to the development of new technologies, treatments and prevention strategies.
Our research covers a broad spectrum, including
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UKE
Prof. Dirk Schadendorf, Director One Health Ruhr
One of the defining characteristics of One Health Ruhr is its high level of interdisciplinary collaboration. In today's complex world, health challenges can no longer be tackled by individual disciplines. Our research centre brings together experts from different fields, including
This interdisciplinary approach allows us to approach health issues from multiple angles, ensuring that no aspect of health is overlooked. By crossing traditional boundaries, our scientists are better equipped to explore the complex interactions that determine health outcomes, whether they relate to water quality, cancer development or brain function.
At One Health Ruhr, we are committed to tackling the most pressing global health challenges through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration. As our environment undergoes rapid change, it is increasingly important to understand how these changes affect health systems at all levels.
Our research focuses on understanding perturbations in biological systems that lead to disease, whether related to water quality, cancer development or brain function. By studying these perturbations, we aim to develop strategies to restore balance and maintain health. Our holistic approach addresses not only the symptoms of disease, but also prevention and long-term health sustainability.
With this perspective, One Health Ruhr integrates expertise across disciplines to push the boundaries of science and deliver real-world solutions that improve human and environmental health.
Our research is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure designed to foster innovation and collaboration. The One Health Ruhr Research Centre has specialised laboratories and research buildings, including
These state-of-the-art facilities provide our researchers with the tools they need to conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as water science, cancer and cognitive neuroscience. Our labs are equipped with the latest technologies to ensure our scientists can push the boundaries of knowledge and develop new solutions to pressing health challenges.
Our research success is not achieved in isolation. One Health Ruhr is part of several national and international research consortia that bring together leading scientists from different disciplines. Our collaborative projects include
These collaborations allow us to pool resources and expertise, ensuring that our research has a real impact on the global scientific community. By working closely with other research organisations, we can accelerate the pace of discovery and translate our findings into practical solutions that improve health outcomes.
In addition to our collaborative research efforts, One Health Ruhr maintains close partnerships with non-university institutions and knowledge transfer platforms. We work closely with the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology in Dortmund and technology transfer platforms such as the Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund and the BioMedizinZentrum Dortmund. These partnerships facilitate the translation of our research into the development of new technologies, treatments and healthcare interventions.
Through these collaborations, we ensure that the knowledge generated at One Health Ruhr is not confined to academic papers, but is transferred to the wider scientific community and applied in ways that benefit society.
Our research is guided by three key areas that are critical to understanding the complex interactions between the environment and human health:
Our world is changing more rapidly than ever before. Climate change, pollution and other environmental stressors are altering the ecosystems that support life. At One Health Ruhr, we recognise the urgency of these challenges and are committed to developing solutions that promote human and environmental health. By combining expertise from different disciplines and using cutting-edge technologies, we are working to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.