LIFE profile: further examples of research
Research on sex and gender is being given greater visibility and supported as part of the "Gender in Focus" project.
- Life
Life sciences
This page provides information on gender-sensitive research in the life sciences at the University of Jena.
A view of a 96-well plate used for a protein assay with decreasing protein concentrations at the Institute of Nutritional Sciences at Jena University
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
This page has been machine translated.
Notice
Numerous funding bodies, such as the German Research Foundation (DFGExternal link) and European funding lines such as Horizon EuropeExternal link place particular emphasis on taking gender aspects in research into account. This term encompasses both equal opportunities in research projects and the consistent consideration of gender throughout the research cycle.
In its Statutes for Safeguarding Good Research Practicepdf, 349 kb, the University of Jena has stipulated that researchers must consider "whether and to what extent gender and diversity dimensions may be significant for the research project" (Section 8, paragraph 3).
On its website, the DFG provides information on the relevance of sex/gender and diversity in researchExternal link, offers further subject-specific examples for guidance, and makes a checklistExternal link available to applicants.
The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) regularly organises informative workshops on the topic of "Gender Dimension in Research"External link.
From an international perspective, the "Gendered Innovations"External link initiative at Stanford University (USA) is particularly relevant. Here you will find not only guidance on fundamental concepts and methods, but also a wide range of examples and case studies from a variety of research areas.
Research topics covered in the podcast
Why women suffer from inflammation more often and men suffer more severely from the common cold
Prof. Oliver Werz conducts research into inflammatory processes in the human body in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Jena. As early as 2005, he was able to provide evidence to prove that there are key gender differences between men and women.
We speak to Oliver Werz about, amongst other things, why the development of medicines that would have been specifically effective in women was discontinued, what ‘men’s cold’ is really all about, and why vaccines work better in women. (in German)
How the average masks the effect. Type 2 diabetes and the contrasting effects of proteins on male and female kidneys
Ivonne Löffler is a biologist who has completed her habilitation and works at the Nephrology Research Laboratory at Jena University Hospital (JUH). In her basic research into kidney diseases, she works with mice and discovered by chance that her experiments, when conducted separately on male and female test animals, yielded surprising results. (in German)
Projects funded by the "Gender in Focus" program
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Gender-dependent regulation of MORG1 (Jonas Ihle) - 2025/26
Title
Gender-dependent regulation of MORG1 in relation to age, diabetes and castration
Affiliation
Nephrology Research Laboratory / Löffler Research Group, Department of Internal Medicine III, Jena University Hospital (JUH)
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) shows marked differences between men and women – in terms of prevalence, clinical course and access to treatment. Sex|gender and age play a particularly important role in diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common complication of type 2 diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Women have a higher prevalence of CKD but are less frequently diagnosed or treated, despite having comparable risk factors.
The project investigates the molecular influence of the protein MORG1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase organiser 1), which is involved in key signalling pathways underlying the development of inflammation and fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that reduced MORG1 expression significantly attenuates kidney damage in diabetes. Building on this, the project analyses how sex|gender, age and sex hormones influence MORG1 expression and kidney function.
The aim is to understand sex-specific differences in the disease mechanisms of DN at a molecular level and, in the long term, to derive new, personalised therapeutic approaches from these findings.
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Youth Gender Distress: Perspectives on Gender Dysphoria (Florian Zepf) - 2025/26
Title
Podcast series "Youth Gender Distress: Perspectives on gender dysphoria in children and young people"
Affiliation
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine
Abstract
The issue of gender dysphoria in childhood and adolescence has attracted increasing attention in recent years, both within professional circles and amongst the public. Given the vulnerability of affected minors, but also in view of any accompanying psychopathology, the field of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy faces particular challenges. One important question, for example, is what exactly is meant by the term "gender" in childhood and adolescence, and how this term—or its meaning—differs from other aspects of personality and may change over the course of development.
The aim of the project is to develop, produce and publish a multi-part podcast series that explores the phenomenon of gender dysphoria (or "Youth Gender Distress") in children and young people. The aim is to present academic perspectives from the fields of Ethics, Medicine, Psychology and Sociology in a way that is accessible to a broad public. The podcast is intended to contribute to raising awareness, providing nuance and promoting an objective understanding of a topic that is, in some cases, emotionally charged.
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Gender specific mechanisms of MASLD progression (Maria Witt-Wallert) - 2026/27
Title
Gender specific mechanisms of MASLD progression: interactions of steatosis, inflammation, and liver function
Affiliation
Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, manifesting predominantly in individuals with metabolic risk factors. Clinical and experimental data demonstrate gender-based differences. The disease manifests more frequently and severe in males. In contrast estrogen exerts protective effects.
The aim of the project is to systematically investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the observed gender differences.
Male and female apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, as well as isolated liver and immune cells derived from these mice, will be compared including steatosis, inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, hepatic function, and the regulation of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. A particular emphasis is placed on the investigation of the impact of gender on the progression of the disease, the hepatic metabolism, and the inflammatory protective mechanisms.
The results of this study are intended to contribute to a more profound understanding of the MASLD pathogenesis and to establish a basis for gender-sensitive prevention, nutrition, and therapeutic strategies in the long term. The systematic consideration of biological gender is imperative for the scientific validity and generalizability of the findings to human subjects.
Contact:
Dr. Maria Witt-Wallert
Tel: 03641 9 49726
https://www.bce.uni-jena.de
Ambassadors for the research area
Oliver Werz, University Professor Dr
Professorship of Pharmaceutical/Medical Chemistry
- oliver.werz@uni-jena.de
- Phone
- +49 3641 9-49801
- Fax
- +49 3641 9-49802
- Link to download vCard
- vCard
Ivonne Löffler, PD Dr
Department of Internal Medicine III / Nephrology Research Laboratory
- Phone
- +49 3641 9-324630
- Further link
- Go to InstitutionExternal linkde