Interdisciplinary research on ageing and health – from molecular mechanisms to prevention, care, and healthy longevity
Imaging of ageing
Image: Laurence Mouton
This research focal area integrates interdisciplinary approaches to ageing and
health across the human lifespan, combining expertise from the university, Jena
University Hospital, and non-university institutes, supported by national and international
collaborations. It bridges research on molecular biological mechanisms,
neuroscientific, and biopsychosocial approaches and clinical and health system
care. Its aim is to extend health span, detect risks early, and develop innovative
prevention and therapy strategies.
“Our research helps people build happy, harmonious, and lasting lives together.”
RTG 3136 Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Infectious Diseases - NEURINFECTExternal link investigates how infectious diseases affect the brain and contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders, uncovering mechanisms behind long-term cognitive and mental health effects.
RTG 2155 ProMoAge: Protein modifications - key mechanisms of agingExternal link examines how protein modifications drive ageing and shape cellular decline, revealing mechanisms behind age-related organ dysfunction.
RTG 1715: Molecular Signatures of Adpative Stress Responses explores how cells and organisms adapt to stress, identifying molecular signalling pathways that influence resilience, damage, and regeneration.
RU 5547 Deciphering the role of primary ciliary dynamics in tissue organization and functionExternal link investigates how primary cilia coordinate cellular signalling and tissue organisation, uncovering mechanisms that shape development, function, and disease.
RU 5151 Quantifying Liver Perfusion-Funtction Relationship in Complex Resection – A Systems Medicine Approach (QuaLiPerF)External link explores how blood flow and metabolic function interact in the liver to improve prediction, recovery, and surgical outcomes after complex resections.
RU 3004 SYNABS – Synaptic pathology in autoimmunie encephalitiesExternal link studies how autoimmune reactions disrupt synaptic function in the brain to better understand disease mechanisms and develop targeted therapies.
OrganAgeExternal link investigates ageing-related organ dysfunction across organ systems to develop translational strategies for diagnosis, therapy, and healthy ageing in clinical practice.
WeCaRe de evelops sensor-based telemedicine solutions to improve accessible, integrated healthcare and strengthen medical services in structurally weak rural regions.
German Center for Mental Health (DZPG)External link advances research on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders to improve mental health, resilience, and patient care across the lifespan.
MenoBrain - Brain Health in Menopausal WomenExternal link investigates how hormonal changes during menopause affect brain health, cognition, and ageing to improve early detection, therapies, and personalised care for women.
TOUCHNET - Touch-induced brain network signatures for social processing and stress reductionExternal link studies how interpersonal touch shapes social communication, brain function, and stress regulation to better understand human connection in an increasingly digital world.
IMPULS: Identification and Manipulation of Physiological and Psychological Clocks Across the Lifespan de investigates how physiological and psychological timing mechanisms shape ageing and development, uncovering pathways to support health, cognition, and wellbeing across the lifespan.
Sensorized Surgerz: Optically guided precision surgery using real-time AI-interpreted multimodal imaging with continuous sensory feedbackExternal link to better understand and optimise surgical precision through data-driven intraoperative guidance.
Comprehensive Cancer Center Central GermanyExternal link brings together translational cancer research and multidisciplinary care to advance prevention, diagnosis, precision therapies, and long-term patient outcomes.
