The members of the Cluster are researching the causes for disease at barrier organs caused by chronic inflammations. For example in the lung (asthma), skin (neurodermatitis) or colon (Crohn‘s disease, ulcerative colitis). Numerous factors play a decisive role in inflammation reactions: genetic information, environmental influences as well as lifestyle and dietary habits all have an effect on this highly complex system.
Two out-patient centers (Kiel and Lübeck) offer a system-oriented care of persons affected by doctors in a wide range of disciplines. In particular the quick and direct transfer of research results to healthcare provision is a key area of the Cluster.
About 300 members conduct research at four locations in six institutes within a great range of disciplines including, for example, bioinformatics, biology, nutrition sciences, genetics and medicine. They want to investigate inflammation from the bottom up. Preventive strategies are to help prevent the outbreak of inflammatory diseases. The solid training of young scientists in research and teaching is a priority objective of the Cluster.
Header photo: Archivbild / Exzellenzcluster Entzündungsforschung
Photo top: Dieter Hermann / UKSH; Tino Pollex / UKSH
Photos bottom (from left to right): Tebke Böschen / Inflammation at Interfaces; Tebke Böschen / Inflammation at Interfaces; Tebke Böschen / Inflammation at Interfaces; Simone Lipinski / Inflammation at Interfaces