Progress Report 2024
Content
To our readers
Prof. Dr. Norbert Krug, Institute Director of Fraunhofer ITEM
Being “Pioneers for sustainable health” – this is our vision! In this progress report, you can read just how successfully we are translating this vision into reality through our research.
Our research thrives on the ideas, dedication, and ingenuity of our scientists. With many exciting projects and research topics, we are launching into 2025 with great energy. At the same time, we face numerous challenges – strategic and macroeconomic ones not least among them.
In these difficult times, we greatly appreciate the support of our Advisory Board, which provides us with valuable guidance. The board consists of representatives from science, industry, politics, and regulatory authorities, covering the institute’s key stakeholder groups. They discuss our institute’s scientific and economic performance and derive recommendations for its future development.
The most recent meeting in November 2024 was the first led by our new Advisory Board Chair, Clive Page, Professor at the School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences at King’s College London. He emphasized: “It is a great pleasure for me to accompany Fraunhofer ITEM on its journey. Together with my fellow board members, we can contribute new perspectives and help shape the institute’s future development.”
The valuable input of this board provides us with direction for our future research efforts and will also play a role in the upcoming appointment process for the next leadership of Fraunhofer ITEM.
Yours sincerely,
Norbert Krug, Institute Director
Fraunhofer ITEM:
Pioneers for sustainable health
That is our vision!
Do you want to learn more?
About the institute
The focus of Fraunhofer ITEM is on toxicology and respiratory research. The research centers on two main aspects: on the one hand, protecting man from potentially harmful substances, particularly those transmitted through the air – such as gases, aerosols, particles, fibers, or nanomaterials – and on the other hand, researching and developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches at both the preclinical and clinical levels.
Our organizational structure
Headed by the institute director Prof. Norbert Krug, Fraunhofer ITEM is organized in five divisions, central services and five additional staff offices (as of 01.04.2025).
More information:
Furthermore, Fraunhofer ITEM hosts two Fraunhofer Attract groups – one dedicated to bioinformatics “IDA – Intelligent Data Analysis for better health and chemical safety” and one focusing on “IMMUNITY – designer cells: novel immune cell platforms for health research”. The grant program “Fraunhofer Attract” offers outstanding external scientists the opportunity to develop their ideas towards actual applications close to the market within an optimally equipped Fraunhofer Institute.
The Fraunhofer ITEM headquarters are in Hannover (Germany). The institute’s Division of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology has its facilities in Braunschweig on the “Science Campus Braunschweig-Süd”, the Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy is based in Regensburg’s BioPark.
The Advisory Board of Fraunhofer ITEM
The Advisory Board of the individual Fraunhofer Institutes act as purely advisory bodies to their institute’s management. The members come from academia, industry, and government agencies.
Chairman of the Advisory Board
As of march 2025.
Prof. Clive Page, OBE, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London (UK)
Members of the Advisory Board
Dr. Karin Conde-Knape
Senior Vice President Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark)
Prof. Susanne Herold
Director of the Clinic for Infectiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg
Prof. Dr. Edith M. Hessel
Chief Scientific Officer, Relation Therapeutics (UK)
Prof. Ralf Huss
Managing of BioM BioTech Cluster Development GmbH, Munich
Prof. Dr. Paul-Georg Germann
Global Head and Vice President of Chemical and Preclinical Safety (CPS), Biopharma, R&D, Discovery and Development Technologies,
Merck Healthcare KGaA
Prof. Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner, Ph.D.
President and Board Member for Research and Education, Hannover Medical School
Dr. Eckhard Schwenner
CEO Health-I Business Consulting
Anna Teschner
Head of the Division of Life Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Academic Libraries, Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture
Dr. Tewes Tralau
Head of Department Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
Our services
Focus on human health
Drug Development
From drug candidate to proof of concept
Chemical Safety and Assessment
From risk analysis towards safe products
Translational Biomedical Engineering
From idea to safe medical product
Personalized Tumor Therapy
From molecular analysis to personalized therapy
Staff and operating budget
Fraunhofer ITEM staff
Development of staff numbers.
Employment categories
In 2024, our employees worked in the following employment categories and came from a total of 19 different countries. 67 percent were women.
Total budget
The operating budget in 2024 amounted to approximately 44.2 million euros.
Fraunhofer ITEM’s investments totaled 1.9 million euros.
Total budget 2024:
46.1 million euros
Fraunhofer ITEM sponsors and external income
In 2024, 53 percent of our funding came from self-generated income.
The share of industry revenue in the operating budget amounted to 37 percent.
Our R&D expertise: projects and highlights
R&D expertise "Lung research"
Respiratory research has been a key focus of Fraunhofer ITEM since the institute’s foundation. The research centers on protecting man from potentially harmful, particularly airborne substances – including gases, aerosols, particles, fibers, and nanomaterials – as well as on developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches at both the preclinical and clinical levels.
A new approach to treating bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis causes inflammation and tissue damage. A newly developed drug tested at Fraunhofer ITEM shows potential for targeted therapies in a Phase I study. Read more
Innovative inhalation therapy for lung tissue regeneration
The first Phase 1/1B clinical trial investigates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of CMR316. Read more
Innovative Chip Cytometry: RLS-0071 Reduces Airway Neutrophilia
Using chip cytometry, researchers analyze the effects of a novel anti-inflammatory peptide on airway neutrophilia after endotoxin exposure. Read more
Transcriptomic characterization of segmental LPS challenge in humans
The LPS challenge model allows the investigation of immune responses and drug effects in the lung. The study analyzed gene activity and revealed parallels to respiratory diseases. Read moreR&D expertise "Toxicology"
Fraunhofer ITEM conducts toxicological testing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices – with a focus on inhalation toxicology and efficient exposure systems. The work is guided by the 3Rs principle: reducing animal testing, developing new methods, and implementing alternatives. Human-based testing systems further increase the relevance for human health.
Toxicity of antimony substances
Using Fraunhofer expertise in inhalation studies, from aerosol generation to data analysis, to investigate potential health risks of antimony compound inhalation. Read more
Titanium dioxide in the scope of toxicologists
Fraunhofer researchers are analyzing various forms of TiO₂ for potential health risks following lung exposure – providing important toxicological data to support its safety assessment. Read more
REGENERAR: innovative technologies for brain regeneration
The EU project REGENERAR explores epigenetic approaches to brain regeneration. Fraunhofer ITEM researchers are evaluating the safety of nanoparticle-based therapies. Read more
PFAS: benefits, risks, and new approaches to assessment
Researchers are investigating the effects of the “forever chemicals” PFAS and developing alternatives for sustainable management. Read more
Industrial chemicals in the food chain
The EFSA project investigates new chemical risks in food - researchers are developing analytical methods and assessing the risk. Read more
CLH report template successfully implemented in IUCLID
CLH report templates were integrated into IUCLID to enhance automation and efficiency in data reuse. Read more
Monitoring oral exposure in the workplace
Occupational health and safety - review and adaptation of sampling methods for assessment of oral exposure. Read moreR&D expertise "Immunology and infection research"
Fraunhofer ITEM investigates and develops anti-infective agents, including inhalable, airborne formulations. In immunology, the institute focuses on individualized therapies for immune-related and inflammatory diseases. Advanced in vitro and ex vivo models as well as human organ models are used – with a particular focus on lung and airway diseases.
Adverse Outcome Pathway for predicting immunotoxic side effects
To identify key cells and molecules involved in IL-2-induced skin reactions and to improve test systems for predicting immunotoxic side effects, researchers have developed an AOP. Read more
Exploring new drug targets to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase from P. aeruginosa identified as a potential new drug target. Read moreR&D expertise "Immunology and infection research"
Fraunhofer ITEM investigates and develops anti-infective agents, including inhalable, airborne formulations. In immunology, the institute focuses on individualized therapies for immune-related and inflammatory diseases. Advanced in vitro and ex vivo models as well as human organ models are used – with a particular focus on lung and airway diseases.
Adverse Outcome Pathway for predicting immunotoxic side effects
To identify key cells and molecules involved in IL-2-induced skin reactions and to improve test systems for predicting immunotoxic side effects, researchers have developed an AOP. Read moreExploring new drug targets to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase from P. aeruginosa identified as a potential new drug target. Read moreR&D expertise "Medical and pharmaceutical engineering"
Fraunhofer ITEM develops scalable technologies for the production of biologics and ATMPs, for example for personalized therapies. Diagnostic methods such as single-cell analysis and liquid biopsies are continuously enhanced to help identify novel therapeutic strategies. In medical device safety assessment, the institute applies the Next Generation Risk Assessment approach – using model-based methods such as read-across, QSAR, and TTC to avoid animal testing.
InhalPlus: a new airway therapy for preterm infants – from research to spin-off
The goal of InhalPlus is to improve the treatment of preterm infants, enhance their survival chances, and shorten hospital stays. Read more
High-Performance Center successful
High-Performance Center for Medical and Pharmaceutical Engineering successfully concluded in 2024 and continues ites research in the RNApp Graduate Program. Read more
OsseoAcoustics: More precise implant assessment through acoustic emission measurement
The OsseoAcoustics project enhances the push-out test with acoustic emission measurement to detect implant loosening at an early stage. This improves patient safety. Read moreR&D expertise "RNA technologies"
Fraunhofer ITEM develops RNA-based therapeutics and formulations for innovative treatments – from target identification to preclinical development. Bioinformatic models, inhalation strategies, and patient-relevant model systems are used in the process. For diagnostics and therapy, the institute uses RNA expression profiles as biomarkers to characterize diseases and predict therapeutic response.
Cardiac fibrosis: safety assessment of a novel therapeutic approach
ITEM researchers evaluated the tolerability of a drug candidate for heart failure in safety studies and determined a NOAEL. Read more
Project iGUARD wins the SPRIN-D Challenge "Broad-Spectrum Antivirals"
Researchers in the iGUARD project are developing RNAi inhalation therapies that can be quickly adapted to different respiratory viruses. Read moreR&D expertise "RNA technologies"
Fraunhofer ITEM develops RNA-based therapeutics and formulations for innovative treatments – from target identification to preclinical development. Bioinformatic models, inhalation strategies, and patient-relevant model systems are used in the process. For diagnostics and therapy, the institute uses RNA expression profiles as biomarkers to characterize diseases and predict therapeutic response.
Cardiac fibrosis: safety assessment of a novel therapeutic approach
ITEM researchers evaluated the tolerability of a drug candidate for heart failure in safety studies and determined a NOAEL. Read moreProject iGUARD wins the SPRIN-D Challenge "Broad-Spectrum Antivirals"
Researchers in the iGUARD project are developing RNAi inhalation therapies that can be quickly adapted to different respiratory viruses. Read moreR&D expertise "Malignant disease research"
Fraunhofer ITEM conducts research into personalized therapies for cancer – with a focus on liquid biopsy, single-cell analysis, and patient-specific ex vivo models. High-throughput screenings are used to test and bioinformatically evaluate new drug candidates. For the risk assessment of non-genotoxic substances, the institute also relies on modern in vitro models and QSAR approaches.
PEDRA: innovative platform for ex-vivo drug testing in oncology
The PEDRA platform aims to test the effects of cancer drugs directly on primary tumor samples from patients in the future. Read more
Cellular liquid biopsy: A milestone for personalized medicine in rare salivary gland cancer
Liquid biopsies can be used to improve personalized medicine for patients with salivary gland cancer (SGC) and other rare tumor types. Read moreR&D expertise "Malignant disease research"
Fraunhofer ITEM conducts research into personalized therapies for cancer – with a focus on liquid biopsy, single-cell analysis, and patient-specific ex vivo models. High-throughput screenings are used to test and bioinformatically evaluate new drug candidates. For the risk assessment of non-genotoxic substances, the institute also relies on modern in vitro models and QSAR approaches.
PEDRA: innovative platform for ex-vivo drug testing in oncology
The PEDRA platform aims to test the effects of cancer drugs directly on primary tumor samples from patients in the future. Read moreCellular liquid biopsy: A milestone for personalized medicine in rare salivary gland cancer
Liquid biopsies can be used to improve personalized medicine for patients with salivary gland cancer (SGC) and other rare tumor types. Read moreR&D expertise "Bioinformatics"
Using bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, Fraunhofer ITEM analyzes complex biomedical data to support personalized therapies, diagnostics, and risk assessments. Researchers develop analysis pipelines, models for patient stratification, and imaging data analysis tools – providing a foundation for data-driven decision-making in both research and clinical practice.
Federated Machine Learning Protects Data
Fraunhofer ITEM researchers have developed a multi-task federated learning software as part of the PrivacyUmbrella project, implementing knowledge distillation. Read morePeople in research
It is people who are the centerpiece of research.
It is their skills and expertise that enable the implementation of scientific findings in practice. In the following, four ITEM employees serve as representatives of the many others who work at Fraunhofer ITEM with enthusiasm and great commitment.
Mehmet Ramazanoglu
Head of Inhalation Technology Group in the Division Preclinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
“One of my favorite projects at Fraunhofer ITEM was our work on the neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 (BiondVAX). It was highly motivating to contribute to a solution for a global and urgent challenge — especially at a time when the whole world was searching for answers and effective measures.”
What aspect of your work excites you?
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to learn and discover something new almost every day. Scientific curiosity drives me – especially in such a dynamic and relevant field as aerosol technology. I particularly appreciate having access to over 40 years of accumulated expertise in this field at Fraunhofer ITEM. This valuable foundation allows me to build upon existing knowledge, develop new ideas and advance current technologies.
Which project or achievement at Fraunhofer ITEM do you remember most fondly?
One of my favorite projects at Fraunhofer ITEM was our work on the neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 (BiondVAX). It was highly motivating to contribute to a solution for a global and urgent challenge – especially at a time when the whole world was searching for answers and effective measures.
I was particularly impressed by the close and successful collaboration with various national and international research institutions. This project demonstrated the power of scientific cooperation when multiple partners join forces to achieve a common goal. It was not only professionally challenging but also personally rewarding.
Which person or advice has been especially helpful to your professional career?
My career path has been strongly influenced by my family. My father was an engineer, my grandfather a doctor. Their professional backgrounds and their natural engagement with scientific topics sparked my interest early on and played a crucial role in inspiring my passion for this field.
How do you cope with difficult periods?
Take a different approach, stay persistent.
What was the most recent thing that amazed you?
How quickly AI-powered technologies are now being applied in research and everyday life.
What always makes you laugh?
I love laughing about the little mishaps of everyday life, odd coincidences, or when someone can laugh at themselves with a good sense of humor – I’m always happy to join in.
Tine Haesen
Doctoral Candidate in the Divison of Preclinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
“Collaborating with researchers across disciplines and borders expanded my scientific approach and underscored the value of teamwork in addressing complex challenges in cancer research. It taught me the importance of thinking outside the box.”
Why did you choose to work in this particular field?
I chose to focus on the immunological aspects (i.e. macrophages) of lung cancer because of both personal experience and scientific curiosity. I lost my grandfather to cancer at a relatively young age, and unfortunately, millions of people experience the devastating effects of this disease every day. And while research has made tremendous progress over the past decade, the heterogeneity of cancer remains a major challenge, highlighting the need for continued efforts to move towards a cancer-free world.
In addition, I find the dual role of the immune system in cancer extremely fascinating. While our own immune system is originally designed to help us prevent and fight various diseases and infections, it paradoxically can also contribute to the progression of cancer. Understanding how to shift the immune system from a pro-tumoral to an anti-tumoral state is, in my opinion, one of the most promising avenues for developing more effective treatments. If we could successfully reprogram the immune system to consistently fight cancer rather than support its growth, we could take a significant step toward more effective and lasting cancer therapies.
How did you come to Fraunhofer ITEM?
I am originally from Belgium, where I also completed my university studies. After completing my master’s degree, I was looking for a Ph.D. position to further expand my expertise and knowledge. That’s when I came across Fraunhofer ITEM – thanks to one of my professors in Belgium, who put me into contact with Katherina. During the interview process, I learned that I would be part of the European Magicbullet::Reloaded consortium, which immediately caught my attention. Given my strong interest in cancer research, the opportunity to contribute to this field within an international research environment felt like the perfect fit for me.
Which project or achievement at Fraunhofer ITEM do you remember most fondly?
One of the experiences I look back on most fondly at Fraunhofer ITEM is being part of a European consortium. The many international meetings we had were not only highly educational but also incredibly inspiring. As a group of 15 next-generation researchers, we all shared the same goal of fighting cancer. But at the same time, we also came from vastly different educational backgrounds. This interdisciplinary environment fostered diverse perspectives and encouraged us to think outside the box. Collaborating with researchers from various fields broadened my scientific approach and reinforced the importance of teamwork in tackling complex challenges like cancer.
Furthermore, I truly enjoyed being a part of the precision-cut lung slices team at Fraunhofer ITEM. It was incredible to see how many patients were willing to donate a part of themselves to support the research we were conducting. Working with primary human lung tissue was both a privilege and a responsibility, and I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to research that directly builds on patient generosity.
What was the most recent thing that amazed you?
The most recent thing that truly amazed me was the breathtaking beauty of Tenerife. Even though I’ve been here multiple times before, visiting the island always leaves me in awe and reminds me of how incredible nature can be. From its dramatic volcanic landscapes to its lush forests and stunning coastlines, the island feels like a place of endless wonder.
What always makes you laugh?
Spending time with friends and family, feeling the freedom when driving my motorcycle, traveling to and visiting new places, the sunshine on my face.
Stefanie Katzensteiner
Member of the Quality Assurance team and contact for data protection
“Only through collaboration and mutual understanding can we achieve our quality goals together.”
Why did you choose to work in this particular field?
During my studies in Medical Information Management and Clinical Trial Management, I discovered my passion for medical research. My first professional experiences in this field had a significant impact on me: 15 years ago, I started as a student research assistant in the Clinical Airway Research department at Fraunhofer ITEM and later took on the role of system administrator for the electronic study documentation system ClinBase™. The fascinating subject matter and the supportive team atmosphere quickly sparked my desire to become a long-term part of Fraunhofer ITEM.
The opportunity to make a crucial contribution to our clinical research projects through my work in quality assurance and data protection motivates me every day. I help to ensure that clinical studies deliver high-quality results while maintaining patient safety and protecting sensitive data. This responsibility makes my work particularly meaningful.
What aspect of your work excites you?
I am both a creative person and someone who appreciates working in a structured environment, where clear priorities are set and teamwork plays a major role. One core aspect of quality assurance – “no stagnation” – is a constant guiding principle for me. Continuously improving processes and striving to be a little better each day are essential aspects of my work. The exchange with my colleagues is especially important to me because only through collaboration and mutual understanding can we achieve our quality goals together.
What advice has been particularly helpful for your career?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me is: “Sometimes, you have to step out of your comfort zone a little.” Growth often happens when you take on new challenges. This mindset has helped me develop both personally and professionally.
What have you discovered lately?
Together with my colleagues from the Clinical Airway Research department, I took on an exciting challenge at “Schlag dein Team” (Beat Your Team). This thrilling game show event pits small teams against each other in tests of knowledge and skill – it was a fantastic team experience!
How do you cope with difficult periods?
I try to consciously use quieter phases to pause and recharge for upcoming challenges. Sometimes, organizing things, whether mentally or physically, helps me clear my mind and move forward with renewed energy.
What makes a great day for you?
A perfect day for me starts with a good coffee and includes inspiring conversations with colleagues and friends. Good food, a workout and, most importantly, spending time with my child make my day truly fulfilling.
Contact persons at Fraunhofer ITEM
Here you will find the contact persons at Fraunhofer ITEM according to the organizational structure of the institute.
Names, dates and facts
Being a research institution, our ambition is to find answers to questions and solutions for problems that are relevant to society and also to companies with regard to human health. In our research, we collaborate with national and international scientific organizations and actively participate in a broad range of panels. Unless precluded by the terms of the contract, we publish our results in renowned scientific journals and present them at congresses and meetings.
Here you will find details of our active participation in committees and a comprehensive list of contact persons for the different research topics. In addition, our website provides up-to date information throughout the year.
Prof. Dr. Christian Bär
- M.D./Ph.D. commission “Molecular Medicine” of the Hannover Biomedical Research School (HBRS) of the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Ph.D. examination board for “Anatomy and Cell Biology” at the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Nucleus member of the working group on »Myocardial Function« (WG 4) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
- Nucleus member of the working group “Cardiovascular Regenerative and Reparative Medicine” of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
- Nucleus member of the working groups on cardiovascular regeneration “AG 31 Kardiovaskuläre Regeneration” of the German Cardiac Society (DGK)
- Program Committee “Medical Scientist Programme” of the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Member of the editorial board of the international journal “Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids“
- Reviewer for numerous national and international organizations and foundations, incl. German Research Foundation (DFG), German Cardiac Society (DGK), Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF), Irish Research Council (IRC) and AFM-Telethon, Horizon 2020 (HADEA)
- Reviewer for international journals in cardiovascular diseases and therapies (incl. “Nature”, “Nature Medicine”, “Nature Communications”, “Nature Reviews Cardiology“, “European Heart Journal“, “Circulation Research“, “Cardiovascular Research“, “npj Regenerative Medicine“, “Advanced Science“, “ESC Heart Failure“, “Basic Research in Cardiology“, “Molecular Therapy“, and “Circulation”)
Dr. Annette Bitsch
- Board member of the German Toxicology Society (GT)
Katharina Blümlein Ph.D.
- Working group on analyses in biological materials “Analysen in biologischem Material” of the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Prof. Dr. Armin Braun
- MD/Ph.D. commission “Molecular Medicine” of the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
- External assessor for international foundations
- Reviewer for international journals in respiratory medicine and immunology (incl. “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology”)
Dr. Gustav Bruer
- Working group “Respiratory Toxicology” of the German Toxicology Society
- Reviewer for international journals in pharmacology and toxicology (“Nature Research – Scientific Reports”)
Dr. Otto Creutzenberg
- Reviewer for international journals in particle and fiber toxicology (“Particle and Fibre Toxicology”, “Inhalation Toxicology”)
Dr. Sylvia Escher
- OECD Expert Group on Systemic Toxicity
- DGPT Working Group “Computational Toxicology”
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Jan Fiedler
- Program committee for the Ph.D. program “Regenerative Sciences” at the Hannover Biomedical Research School (HBRS)
- Reviewer for international journals in preclinical cardiopulmonary research
- Member of the EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver)
Dr. Ulrich Froriep
- German Society for Implant Research and Development (DGIFE)
- Member of the Focus Group Medical Technology of the IVAM Microtechnology Network
- German Neuroscience Society
- MDR Competence
Dr. Jens Gerdelmann
- Working Groups “GLP: Quality Assurance/Monitoring,” “GCP Quality Management,” and “Analytics” of the German Quality Management Association (GQMA)
Dr. Stefan Hahn
- Chair of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) Division of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology
- Member of the German Chemical Society (GDCh), division of Water Chemistry Society “Wasserchemische Gesellschaft”
- Working committee on chemical risk assessment of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) division of environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology “Umweltchemie und Ökotoxikologie”
- Member of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES); Working group “Exposure models” of ISES Europe
- Member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
- Reviewer for international journals in environmental and exposure sciences (incl. “Environmental Science Europe”, “Annals of Work Exposures and Health”, and “Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology”)
Martina Heina
- IT division of the International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology (APV)
- Working groups on archiving “Archivierung” and information technology “IT” of the German Quality Management Association (GQMA)
Dr. Christina Hesse
- Member of the research network “Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover” (BREATH) within the German Center for Lung Research e. V. (DZL)
Dr. Martin Hoffmann
- Working group on bioinformatics at Comprehensive Cancer Center Ostbayern (CCCO)
Prof. Dr. Jens Hohlfeld
- External assessor for the German Research Foundation (DFG)
- Steering committee of the research network “Biomedical Research in Endstage And ObsTructive Lung Disease Hannover” (BREATH) within the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
- Board member of the interdisciplinary allergy center of the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Reviewer for international journals (incl. “American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine”, “European Respiratory Journal”, and “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology”)
Stefanie Katzensteiner
- Working group on GCP quality management of the “German Quality Management Association” (GQMA)
Dr. Rupert Kellner
- Councilor for electronic communication and member of the Executive Board of the European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP)
- Global Editorial and Steering Committee (GESC) for the initiative “International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria” (INHAND)
Prof. Dr. Christoph Klein
- External assessor for numerous national and international organizations and foundations: German Research Foundation, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Wilhelm Sander Foundation for Cancer Research, ERC, Deutsche Krebshilfe, Christian Doppler Research Association, Dutch Cancer Society, Association for International Cancer Research, EU-FP7, MRC, Cancer Research UK, Kegg-Foundation
- Deputy chairman of the scientific committee of Comprehensive Cancer Center Ostbayern (CCCO)
- Deputy spokesperson of the “Lighthouse Group – Omics, Genomics and Liquid Biopsy” of the Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BKFZ)
- Member of the advisory board of Bioᴹ Biotech Cluster Development GmbH
- Speaker of the Collaborative Research Center/Transregio 305 “From the Analysis of Metastatic Colony Formation to New Systemic Cancer Therapies”
- Reviewer for international journals in oncology (incl. “Nature”, “Nature Biotechnology”, “Nature Cell Biology”, “Nature Medicine”, “Cancer Cell”, “Science”, “PNAS”, “American Journal of Pathology”, “Cancer Research”, “Clinical Cancer Research”, “International Journal of Cancer”, “Nucleic Acid Research”, “European Journal of Immunology”, “Lancet Oncology”, “European Journal of Cancer”, “PLOS ONE”, and “Oncotarget”)
Dr. Imke Korf
- Reviewer for international journals on bacteriophages
Prof. Dr. Norbert Krug
- Chair of the Clinical Trial Board of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
- Steering committee of the research network “Biomedical Research in Endstage And ObsTructive Lung Disease Hannover” (BREATH) within the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
- External assessor for the German Research Foundation (DFG)
- Steering committee of the Fraunhofer Research Cluster “Immune-Mediated Diseases” (Fraunhofer CIMD)
- Scientific advisory committee of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI)
- DEAL project group of the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany
- Working group “Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Deutsche Hochschulmedizin”
- Reviewer for international journals in allergology, immunology, and respiratory diseases
- Selection Committee for NIHR Research Professorships, UK
- International Evaluation Panel for the Programme of Centres of Excellence (Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence) of the Spanish State Research Agency
Prof. Dr. Nico Lachmann
- Member of the Mentoring Program „German Stem Cell Network“ (GSCN)
- Member of the Mentoring Program „via:mento international“, Kiel University (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel)
- Jury Member, Joachim Herz Fellowship Program, Joachim Herz Foundation, Hamburg
- Board Member, PhD Program „Regenerative Sciences“, Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Organizer of the International UniStem Day (Hannover), Hannover Medical School
- Extended Board of the German Stem Cell Network (GSCN)
- EU Deputy Representative of the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Senate Section II of the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Spokesperson and coordinator of the Medical Scientist Kolleg “Regenerate Organ Function; nextGENERATION” at the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Steering Committee REBIRTH – Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine at the Hannover Medical School (previously REBIRTH cluster of excellence “From REgenerative BIology to Recontructive THerapy”)
- External assessor for numerous national and international organizations incl. the European Research Council (ERC) and the German Research Foundation (DFG)
- Reviewer for numerous international journals (incl. “Nature”, “Nature Immunology”, “Nature Reviews Immunology”, “Nature Reviews Disease Primer”, “Nature Communications”, “Nature Communications Medicine”, “Nature Biomedical Engineering”, “Cell Stem Cell”, “iScience”, “Stem Cell Reports”, “eBioMedicine”, and “AJRCCM”)
Dr. Oliver Licht
- Working committee on regulatory toxicology “Regulatorische Toxikologie” of the German Toxicology Society (GT)
- Public relations delegate of the German Toxicology Society (GT)
Fabian Müller
- MDR Competence
Dr. Meike Müller
- Network of ombudspersons in Lower Saxony
Dr. Gerhard Pohlmann
- MDR Competence
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Bernhard Polzer
- Chairman of the working committee on malignant tumors of the CNS “ZNS Malignome” of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology
- Board member and deputy speaker of CCC Alliance WERA
- Steering board of the working panel on CNS/leptomeningeal spread “ZNS/Meningeosis” of the working group on internal oncology “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie (AIO)” of the German Cancer Society (DKG)
- Steering board of the Collaborative Reserach Center/Transregio (SFB/TRR) 305: Striking a moving target: From mechanisms of metastatic colonization to novel systemic therapies
- Steering board of the Molecular Tumor Board of the University of Regensburg
- Steering board of the Brain Tumor Center (ZHT) of the University of Regensburg
- Executive Board of the Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BKFZ)
- Head of the Center for Translational Oncology (CTO)
- Clinical Director and Spokesperson of the Center for Personalized Medicine Oncology Regensburg (ZPM-OR)
Prof. Dr. Antje Prasse
- External assessor for the German Research Foundation (DFG)
- Board member of the Scientific Working Group for the Therapy of Lung Diseases (WATL)
- Board member of Deutsche Atemwegsliga e. V.
- Board member of the World Association of Sarcoidosis and other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG)
- Coordinator of the ILD group in the European Reference Network on Respiratory Diseases ERN-LUNG
- Spokesperson for the disease area “DPLD” in the research network “Biomedical Research in Endstage And ObsTructive Lung Disease Hannover” (BREATH) within the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
- Deputy member of the Ph.D. admissions committee of the Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Reviewer for international journals (incl. “American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine”, “European Respiratory Journal”, “Journal of Clinical Investigation”, “JCI Insights”, “Nature Communications”, “American Journal of Respiratory and Cell Biology”, and “Thorax”)
- Associate editor of “PLOS ONE”
Prof. Dr. Tobias Pukrop
- Chairman of the working committee on malignant tumors of the CNS “ZNS Malignome” of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology
- Board member/deputy speaker of CCC Alliance WERA
- Steering board of the working panel on CNS/leptomeningeal spread “ZNS/Meningeosis” of the working group on internal oncology “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie (AIO)” of the German Cancer Society (DKG)
- Steering board of the Collaborative Reserach Center/Transregio (SFB/TRR) 305: Striking a moving target: From mechanisms of metastatic colonization to novel systemic therapies
- Steering board of the Molecular Tumor Board of the University of Regensburg
- Steering board of the Brain Tumor Center (ZHT) of the University of Regensburg
- Executive Board of the Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BKFZ)
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Susanne Rittinghausen
- Permanent Senate Commission of the German Research Foundation (DFG) for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area (MAK Commission)
- “Guess What” committee of the European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP)
- Global Editorial and Steering Committee (GESC) for the initiative “International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria” (INHAND)
- INHAND (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria) organ working groups “Respiratory System”, “Endocrine System”, “Special Senses” and “Soft Tissue”
- Wissenschaftliches Mitglied der ständigen Senatskommission zur Prüfung gesundheitsschädlicher Arbeitsstoffe (MAK-Kommission) der DFG
Dirk Schaudien Ph.D.
- INHAND (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria) working groups “Non-rodents: Minipig”, “Respiratory System”, and “Skeletal Tissues (Bones, Joints and Teeth)”
- “Pathology 2.0” committee of the European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP)
- “Guess What” committee of the European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP)
- Examination board of the European College of Veterinary Pathology
Dr. Stefanie Scheffler
- Working group on e-cigarettes and liquids for e-cigarettes of the DIN Standards Committee “Food and Agricultural Products”
Dr. Sven Schuchardt
- Treasurer of the German Society for Metabolome Research
- Working group on air analyses “Luftanalysen” of the German Research Foundation (DFG)
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e. V. (Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences)
- Aerospace Standards Committee (NL)
- SAE AC-9M Cabin Air Measurement Committee
Dr. Florian Schulz
- DFG Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area (MAK Commission): working group on the definition of threshold limit values for dusts
- Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS) under the German Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs: Subcommittee III for the evaluation of hazardous substances “Gefahrstoffbewertung”, working groups on metals and fibers/dust
- Advisory Board of the European Certification Board for Mineral Wool Products (EUCEB)
- External expert in the quality control committee of the mineral wool quality assurance association “RAL-Güteqemeinschaft Mineralwolle” (GGM)
Dr. Katherina Sewald
- Steering group of the workshop “Respiratory Toxicity”
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL): Young Scientists committee
- Member of the official ATS Workshop „Guidelines for Precision-cut lung slices“
- Co-chair of the expert group Human Tissue of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), Europe
- Executive committee on basic research in the research network “Biomedical Research in Endstage And ObsTructive Lung Disease Hannover” (BREATH) within the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
- Mentor in the Fraunhofer career program for female scientists TALENTA
- External assessor for international research grants
- Reviewer for the international journals “Toxicology Letters”, “Toxicology in Vitro”, “Nanotoxicology”, “ATOX”, and “PLOS ONE”
Charlotte Sielaff
- Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
Dr.-Ing. Ute Urban
- MDR Competence
Dr. Jens Warfsmann
- Working group on bioinformatics at Comprehensive Cancer Center Ostbayern (CCCO)
Prof. Dr. Lena Wiese
- Special interest group “Digital Health” and working group on “Data Science and Data Engineering” of the German Informatics Society
Dr. Dorothee Winterberg
- Working group on respiratory toxicology “Respirationstoxikologie” of the German Toxicology Society (GT)
- Association of Inhalation Toxicologists (AIT)
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
- Member of the Drug Commission (AKZ) of the German Dental Association
Dr. Christina Ziemann
- Chair of the working group on statistics of the German Society for Environmental Mutation Research (GUM)
- Working group on “Genotoxicity” of the DIN Standards Committee “Water Practice”
- Working groups on genotoxicity and carcinogenesis “Gentoxizität und Kanzerogenese” and on respiratory toxicology “Respirationstoxikologie” of the German Toxicology Society (GT)
- Member of the program committee for the annual Germa Pharm-Tox Summit (GPTS) of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) for contributions from the German Society for Toxicology (GT)
- OECD pool of experts of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
- Reviewer for international journals in genetic toxicology, nanomaterials, and quartz
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Coordination and editorial work: Dr. Cathrin Nastevska
