News from the Faculty of Medicine in Bochum
Here you will find the latest news and press releases from the Faculty of Medicine at Ruhr University Bochum.
For older press releases, please take a look at our archive. Do you have questions about our faculty or would you like to report on us? Here you will find our press contact.
News
Third Cardiovascular Congress
An international continuing medical education symposium on “Personalized Medicine in the Cardiometabolic Spectrum: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targets” brings together leading national and international experts in clinical and translational cardiology. The program features high-level contributions from specialists in cardiology, cardiac surgery, and related disciplines, offering a comprehensive and engaging overview of current developments in the field. The interactive symposium focuses on the latest advances in heart failure, cardiac electrophysiology, heart valve interventions, and translational cardiovascular science. In addition to diagnostic and therapeutic innovations, recent insights into molecular pathomechanisms will be highlighted. For the first time, selected sessions will also be held in German, complementing the international scope of the event.
Cardio-Update Ruhr
For the first time, the cardiology departments of the university hospitals in Bochum and Herne at Ruhr University Bochum are jointly hosting a continuing medical education event. The focus will be on current developments in cardiology and cardiac surgery, discussed together with renowned speakers. Key questions of modern cardiovascular medicine will be addressed: Which new studies will shape clinical practice? Where is cardiovascular medicine heading in the coming years? And what perspectives will artificial intelligence open up? The event will take place on June 24, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM
Inside RUB – Information Day for Prospective Students
Immerse yourself in the world of medicine at Ruhr University Bochum! Experience firsthand how exciting and diverse studying medicine can be. From informative talks about the path to becoming a doctor to interactive workshops – your questions and interests take center stage throughout the program. Join us and start your journey into medicine!
TMF-School 2026
The TMF School, taking place from 10–12 June 2026 at the Elbe Resort Alte Ölmühle in Wittenberge, offers a compact, practice-oriented training format for researchers in collaborative biomedical research. Under the title “From Study Idea to Publication: Data Competence for FAIR Health Research,” the interdisciplinary program provides essential methodological skills across all phases of a study – from initial concept to data analysis. Participants gain a structured overview of relevant tools and common challenges in everyday research practice and benefit from exchange with experienced experts and fellow researchers. The aim is to strengthen data-related competencies and to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
When websites become automatically irresistible
Why does the internet exert such a powerful pull on some people? An international study involving Prof. Dr. Martin Diers from Ruhr University Bochum shows that individuals with problematic internet use respond much more strongly to addiction-related cues—often unconsciously. The findings provide important insights into identifying at-risk groups and developing new training approaches to help people better manage digital temptations.
LWL University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine under new medical leadership
A new direction for psychosomatic medicine in Bochum: Prof. Dr. Georgios Paslakis takes over as head of the clinic at the LWL University Hospital and assumes the professorship at Ruhr University Bochum. With a strong focus on underrepresented patient groups and gender-sensitive research, he aims to closely integrate clinical excellence with innovative scientific approaches.
Sebastian Merkel researches technological innovations in healthcare
Digital innovations are rapidly transforming medicine and care: apps and AI applications promise relief, improved patient outcomes, and more efficient processes. But how do these technologies actually impact everyday practice? At Ruhr University Bochum, Prof. Dr. Sebastian Merkel explores this question—examining not only the benefits and risks, but above all the often underestimated social consequences for patients, healthcare professionals, and the healthcare system as a whole.
Faculty Council Elections 2026
The candidate lists for the Faculty Council elections 2026 have been published. For further information, please click the buttom "read more".
New Center for Psychology and Translational Neuroscience
With the new Center for Medical Psychology and Translational Neuroscience, Sigrid Elsenbruch, Adriane Icenhour, and Dirk Scheele at Ruhr-Universität Bochum are strengthening interdisciplinary research at the interface of brain, body, and behavior. Focusing on mechanisms of pain, stress, and social processes, the initiative aims to translate cutting-edge findings into improved prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.
What underlies inherited cardiac arrhythmias
An international research team, including scientists from Ruhr University Bochum, has uncovered novel pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Short QT Syndrome. The study focuses on mutations in the SLC4A3 gene, demonstrating that they elevate intracellular pH, thereby altering ion currents and shortening action potential duration. These changes promote arrhythmogenesis while also revealing potential targets for personalized therapeutic strategies using established antiarrhythmic drugs. Published in the European Heart Journal, the findings significantly advance the molecular understanding of this rare yet life-threatening condition.
CRISPR system inhibits hepatitis E virus
A team at Ruhr-Universität Bochum demonstrates how cutting-edge CRISPR technology can be used to specifically inhibit the hepatitis E virus: In cell culture, an RNA-targeting CRISPR/Cas13d system significantly reduced viral replication without harming host cells. Particularly relevant for medical research, only a small number of carefully designed crRNAs were sufficient to cover a broad range of viral variants. Published in JHEP Reports, these findings provide a promising proof of concept for CRISPR-based antiviral therapies—an approach that could ultimately open new treatment options for viral infections like hepatitis E, which currently lack effective targeted therapies.
Discredited study sheds light on burn care treatment
Despite sharp criticism, a widely discussed study from Ruhr University Bochum provides important insights into the treatment of severe burn injuries. Conducted at Bergmannsheil and completed in 2017, the research examined whether an established medical procedure could improve the healing of burn wounds—under strictly controlled and legally regulated conditions. Public criticism, however, falls short and overlooks key scientific aspects. A closer look reveals the nuanced approach to research at Ruhr University Bochum and its contribution to improving care for patients with severe burns.