BMBF supports research on diseases of the musculoskeletal system
In a statement published yesterday, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) announced the institutions that will in future be funded in the Germany-wide research network on musculoskeletal diseases. The aim of the network is to bring together the best experts in this field. In Germany, 30 million people are affected by diseases such as arthrosis, rheumatism, osteoporosis or back pain. An international panel of experts has selected eight out of a total of 65 applications for funding, four of which are based at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Under the direction of Prof. Gerd Burmester, Director of the Medical Clinic with focus on Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, new biomarkers for rheumatic diseases are being researched to improve treatment options for the affected people.
Prof. Stefan Mundlos, Director of Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, coordinates a project for the early detection of osteoporosis. The aim of the project is to develop early diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies in order to improve the quality of life of patients and reduce treatment costs. The researchers are concentrating on particularly severe and early forms of osteoporosis. They are investigating their genetic causes and treatment options, including special training concepts.
Prof. Wolfgang Ertel, head of the Clinic for Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery at Campus Benjamin Franklin, is investigating which training methods can prevent arthrosis or slow it down during the course of the disease. Prof. Georg Duda, Director of the Julius Wolff Institute, investigates the basics of the development of arthrosis. "The outstanding funding by the BMBF for the Berlin projects shows the high level of research in the musculoskeletal field in Berlin and at the Charité. We are extremely pleased that with these projects we can contribute to the further sharpening of this focus at the Charité", emphasizes Prof. Duda.
A project on health care research is coordinated by Prof. Angela Zink am Deutschen Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin (DRFZ), an important cooperation partner of the Charité. In this research network, the care situation of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases or arthrosis as well as the burden caused by illness and costs are to be systematically investigated.
All project proposals were reviewed by national and international experts and recommended for funding. The projects are carried out in cooperation with leading scientific institutions in Germany. Thus, the Charité again demonstrates its outstanding importance as a nationally and internationally recognized research center.
Contact
Julius Wolff Institute
Phone: +49 30 450 559 048
E-Mail: jwi(at)charite.de
Augustenburger Platz
113353 Berlin
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