Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU)

Research

The CAU is Schleswig-Holstein’s only fully-fledged university with a major focus on research. Over time, four dynamic priority research areas have systematically developed which are based on strong disciplines interacting together - Marine Science, Life Science, Societal and Cultural Change, and Nano Surface & Interface Science.

Cluster of Excellence: "Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation"

More and more people in industrial nations are suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, diabetes and rheumatism. In the Cluster of Excellence “Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation” (PMI), scientists from various medical disciplines and fundamental research are working together on an interdisciplinary basis to significantly improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases. Their vision is to achieve complete control over the diseases – at every stage and as early as possible.

The members of the Cluster of Excellence want to establish precision medicine in chronic inflammation, which takes the individuality of a person and his/her environment into account. Clinical studies and translation are at the core of this work - fundamental research results should be transferred as quickly as possible from bench to bedside.

Priority research are: "Kiel Life Science (KLS)"

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Applied Life Sciences KLS at Kiel University links up research from the fields of agricultural and nutritional sciences, the natural sciences and medicine at Kiel University. It forms one of four priority research areas at Kiel University, and is aimed at achieving a better understanding of the cellular and molecular processes with which organisms respond to environmental influences.

This covers a very broad spectrum: how agricultural crop plants adapt to specific growth conditions, or how, in the interaction of genes, individual lifestyle and environmental factors, disease can arise. Within this framework, health is always viewed holistically in the evolutionary context.

Priority research are: "Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science (KiNSIS)"

KiNSIS is the centre for nano, surface and interface research at Kiel University. More than 130 scientists from the natural sciences, engineering and life sciences are connected in the interdisciplinary network. Together they are researching processes at the level of atoms and electrons that give materials and molecules unusual properties – with potential applications for current challenges in energy and health.
KiNSIS members study structures and processes at the nanoscale in order to understand, control, and apply them. This is how innovative materials, tailor-made molecules or technical developments for industry, medicine and the environment are created. Scientists from four Kiel University faculties and external partners in northern Germany are involved.

Studying

Kiel University is dedicated to research-based teaching and learning. Therefore, the development of new teaching approaches is evolving constantly at the interfaces between research from the different scientific disciplines. Students can choose from more than 200 different degree programmes. They extend from more general to specialized ones, from single to interdisciplinary degrees and from basic to applied fields of study. Many degree programmes are even offered in English. Some Master's and doctoral programmes are also specialized for international students. 

Subjects of study in the field of Life Sciences:

• Biochemistry und Molecular biology
• Medical Life Sciences
• Biology
• Drug Research and Technology
• Molecular Biology and Evolution
• Pharmacy
• Medical studies

Research Infrastructure

Excellent research infrastructures are an important basis for Kiel University and for Schleswig-Holstein as a science location. They include all facilities, equipment, resources and services scientists need for their research.

As the transdisciplinary transfer of knowledge is so important, these research infrastructures are not only available for use by other universities, but also by companies from the industry. Exchanging findings between university and non-university investigations leads to synergy effects which benefit both fundamental and preventive research.

Institutes like the Centre for Molecular Biosciences (ZMB) or the Molecular Imaging North Competence Center (Moin CC) not only enjoy outstanding reputations nationwide, but also offer excellent working conditions to international researchers.