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
FAQs on the New Doctoral Regulations Are Now Available Online
What changes? Who do the new regulations apply to, and when do they come into force? Answers to these and other frequently asked questions about the new Doctoral Regulations of the Faculty of Medicine are now available in our FAQs.
Results of the 2026 Faculty Council and Senate Elections
The Medical Faculty has voted! The results of the 2026 committee elections are now available. You can find an overview of the elected members on the pages for the committees and commissions.
Another Five Stars for the Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Bad Oeynhausen
The Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen has once again been awarded five stars in the transparency ranking of the Federal Association of Clinical Diabetes Facilities (BVKD)—a top distinction achieved by only 19 out of 91 clinics. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Susanne Reger-Tan, the Clinic for Diabetology and Endocrinology stands for excellent care and the highest quality standards in the treatment of diabetes and its complications. This recognition highlights the outstanding work of the team while also driving the continued advancement of modern diabetes care.
Donate blood at Ruhr University
In everyday life, we rely on the healthcare system to function: cancer patients receive life-saving treatments, and accident victims get the blood transfusions they need. Extreme heat or cold, holidays, public vacations, and major sporting events regularly reduce the number of blood donations. At the same time, demand in hospitals fluctuates. This repeatedly leads to shortages in the blood supply. There is no artificial substitute for blood. Only donors can help. Donating blood at RUB is very easy: the German Red Cross regularly visits the Mensa building.
A great honor for a leading researcher from Bochum
For his internationally recognized work in biochemistry and his many years of dedication to research, teaching, and the promotion of young scientists, Prof. Dr. Ralf Erdmann has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit. His findings make a significant contribution to the understanding of serious diseases while simultaneously strengthening Germany’s position as a global center for science. For many years, he has shaped research at Ruhr University Bochum and has also contributed to important scientific committees. He is well connected internationally and is actively involved in joint projects and conferences. A particular concern of his is the support of young scientists, whom he has successfully mentored over decades.
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.
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.