Networking initiative for regional health research launched How a partnership between research and clinical practice can be structured
Through a joint cooperation initiative, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hannover Medical School (MHH) and Braunschweig Municipal Hospital (skbs) are sending a strong signal for the future of regional health research. The networking event, which featured keynote speeches and scientific speed-dating on 22 April 2026, aimed to strengthen long-term scientific collaboration between the three partners and initiate new interdisciplinary collaborations.
“The major challenges facing health research can only be solved by working together. By pooling our strengths in Braunschweig and Hannover, we are laying the foundations for innovative, interdisciplinary approaches ranging from fundamental research to clinical application. At management level, we strongly support this cooperation initiative. It is now crucial that our researchers actively seize these opportunities and develop new ideas together,” says Angela Ittel, President of TU Braunschweig.
"The major challenges facing health research can only be tackled by working together," said President Angela Ittel in her opening address at the launch meeting for the cooperation initiative on 22 April 2026. Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
The launch event was chaired by Prof. Dr Reinhard Köster from the Institute of Cell and Neurobiology at TU Braunschweig: "We have used this exchange to identify synergies that will strengthen interdisciplinary projects of medical significance." Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
“With the critical mass of institutions gathered here, new findings from fundamental research, combined with modern engineering technologies, can lead to better healthcare provision for the region and beyond,” explains Prof. Dr Jan T. Kielstein of Braunschweig Municipal Hospital (skbs). Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
“Modern health research thrives on this close collaboration between medicine, the natural sciences and engineering,” says Prof. Lars Dölken of Hannover Medical School. Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
Prof. Verena Scheper (MHH) and skbs ward pharmacist Cordula Maring-Nöh (right). Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
Academic "speed dating": Prof. Lars Dölken from Hannover Medical School (left), Prof. Lothar Jänsch from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Prof. Jacek Kozuch (TU Braunschweig, right). Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
Prof. Heike Bunjes from TU Braunschweig during an exchange. Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
Prof. Dr Yvonne Mast (right), Scientific Director of the DSMZ, with Yuliá Kiyan (MHH). Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
During a series of short discussion sessions, the researchers were able to make targeted contacts and develop joint project ideas. Pictured, among others, is Prof. Thomas Naake (TU Braunschweig, left). Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
Prof. Sabina Janciauskiene-Wallmark (MHH) at the launch event for the cooperation initiative on 22 April 2026 at the BRICS in Braunschweig. Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
A collaborative initiative between Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hannover Medical School (MHH) and Braunschweig Municipal Hospital (skbs) was launched on 22 April 2026; pictured in the background are, among others, Dr Jan Henrik Finke (PVZ). Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
Group photo with participants at the launch event for the cooperation initiative on 22 April 2026 in front of the BRICS building at TU Braunschweig. Photo credit: Silja Klemenz/TU Braunschweig
The initiative is anchored in TU Braunschweig’s core research area “Engineering for Health” and brings together experts from fundamental research, technical development and clinical practice. The kick-off event on 22 April 2026 was led by Prof. Dr Reinhard Köster (Institute of Cell and Neurobiology, TU Braunschweig):
“Getting to know one another personally through a series of short, rotating discussions was a key prerequisite for a trusting, strategically focused collaboration. We used this exchange to identify synergies for strengthening interdisciplinary projects of medical significance.”
A strong region – pooled expertise
The high concentration of biomedical and clinical institutions in the region offers ideal conditions for innovative research approaches. Thanks to their complementary profiles, the three partners complement each other perfectly: from fundamental molecular and cellular research through engineering applications to clinical implementation.
“With the critical mass of institutions gathered here, new findings from fundamental research, combined with modern engineering technologies, can lead to better healthcare provision for the region and beyond,” explains Prof. Dr Jan T. Kielstein from the Braunschweig Municipal Hospital (skbs).
The kick-off event was designed specifically to activate existing potential. Whilst the heads of the institutions support the strategic collaboration, the focus was deliberately placed on actively connecting the participants.
Focus on networking: Speed dating for research
A central element of the social event was a structured “speed dating” format, in which participants were able to make targeted contacts and develop joint project ideas during several short discussions rounds. This format accelerated the emergence of new collaborations and encouraged interdisciplinary exchange.
In the long term, the initiative also opens up prospects for larger collaborative projects, for example within the framework of the Excellence Strategy. New opportunities may arise, particularly for clinicians, to orient their work more towards research.
“Modern health research thrives on such close exchange between medicine, the natural sciences and engineering. This collaboration creates precisely this space for interdisciplinary cooperation and opens up new prospects, particularly for our junior researchers,” emphasises Prof. Dr Lars Dölken from Hannover Medical School.
About the initiative
The TUBS–MHH–skbs cooperation initiative aims to intensify collaboration between university research, medical teaching and clinical practice, thereby further establishing the region as a leading centre for health research.
Text: Dr Lea Hülsen