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.
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.
Better understanding and treating disorders of the gut–brain axis
A recent review led by Prof. Dr. Sigrid Elsenbruch and published in Gastroenterology brings together, for the first time, evidence-based psychosocial approaches to treating disorders of gut–brain interaction in both adults and children. The work, with contributions from Ruhr-Universität Bochum, highlights the importance of a holistic understanding of these complex conditions. It provides practical guidance for modern, interdisciplinary care and is set to become a key reference in the field.
Information platform on clinical trials in NRW online with a new update
The information platform for clinical trials in North Rhine-Westphalia is now available in an updated version. It can still be accessed via the Medizin.NRW website and at www.klinische-studien.nrw.
Immunotherapy halves recurrence rate in certain forms of colorectal cancer
With significant involvement from Ruhr-Universität Bochum, the ATOMIC trial marks a breakthrough in the treatment of stage III dMMR colorectal cancer: combining standard adjuvant chemotherapy with the immunotherapy atezolizumab reduces the risk of recurrence or death by around 50% compared to chemotherapy alone. Coordinated by Prof. Anke Reinacher-Schick at St. Josef-Hospital, the study provides the first clear evidence of a clinically meaningful benefit of immunotherapy in the adjuvant setting for this molecularly defined patient group. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the findings establish a new standard of care and highlight the importance of international, biomarker-driven research collaborations.
BEAT THE BIAS: Recognize. Understand. Avoid.
Unconscious biases influence decision-making – including in medicine. The symposium “BEAT THE BIAS” at the Faculty of Medicine at Ruhr University Bochum aims to make these patterns visible and to open up new perspectives for patient care, leadership, and teaching. The program includes keynote lectures and interactive workshops that highlight key aspects of unconscious bias and provide practical insights
New cellular target prevents Hepatitis E infection
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is involved in an international study highlighting a promising approach to treat infections with the Hepatitis-E-Virus. The focus is on the compound Apilimod, which blocks viral entry into liver cells by targeting a host cell mechanism. As Apilimod has already been clinically evaluated, its further development as a therapy could be accelerated. The findings were published in eGastroenterology.
Promising drug candidate identified against hepatitis E
An international research team with significant involvement from Ruhr-Universität Bochum reports a promising advance in antiviral drug discovery: Bemnifosbuvir has been identified as the first nucleotide/nucleoside analogue to effectively inhibit replication of the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Given the approximately 70,000 HEV-related deaths each year and the lack of specific therapeutic options to date, this finding opens new perspectives for clinical treatment. The Bochum-based group in Molecular and Medical Virology played a central role in identifying the compound. Using an innovative reporter virus system, the researchers screened a library of around 500 compounds and successfully pinpointed candidates that suppress viral replication without compromising cell viability. The results were obtained in close collaboration with partners in Heidelberg and Beijing and published in the journal Gut.