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
Thorsten Derlin will now lead Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
Since July 1, 2025, Prof. Dr. Thorsten Derlin has been leading the Institute for Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Molecular Imaging at the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW (HDZ NRW) in Bad Oeynhausen. The appointment, finalized with the contract signing on May 15, marks the conclusion of a joint recruitment process by Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Bielefeld. Derlin is supported by an experienced, interdisciplinary team and is responsible for state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to diagnostics in the field of cardiology and thoracic imaging, the institute operates its own radiopharmaceutical production, supplying both the clinic and nuclear medicine practices and hospitals within a 250-kilometer radius.
The Forgotten Phase of Healing
Around four million people in Germany have survived cancer, yet many face lasting physical and emotional challenges after their treatment ends. Afagh Hassani, a cancer survivor and human genetics specialist at Ruhr University Bochum, knows this struggle firsthand. To bridge the gap in post-cancer care, she co-founded AfterBattle—a holistic app designed to support survivors with tailored nutrition advice, mindfulness exercises, and cutting-edge epigenetic tools. Recently recognized as one of the top three start-ups at Ruhr University Bochum’s WORLDFACTORY Demo Days 2025, AfterBattle offers cancer survivors a trusted, easy-to-use digital companion to navigate life after cancer—and never feel alone.
Election results of the student committee elections
The elections for the Faculty Council and the Senate for the student group took place from June 23 to June 25. The election results are now available. The elected members and deputies will be in office for a one-year term from the winter semester 2025/2026 until the summer semester 2026.
A virus off track
A research team from Ruhr University Bochum and the TWINCORE Centre in Hannover has shown that the hepatitis E virus can replicate not only in the liver but also in kidney cells – where it may even evade antiviral therapies. The study suggests that the kidney could serve as a reservoir for the virus, posing new challenges for the treatment of chronic infections.
How aortic valve stenosis develops
Aortic valve stenosis is one of the most common heart valve diseases in older adults – yet its underlying causes remain poorly understood. A research team from Bochum and Bonn now shows that the endothelium lining the valve plays a central role in the disease process. Moreover, whether the valve has two or three leaflets significantly influences how and where calcification develops. The findings could open up new avenues for early therapeutic intervention.
Severe nerve disease successfully treated with CAR-T cell therapy
A medical team from Bochum has successfully applied CAR-T cell therapy for the first time to treat a rare autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system. Patient-derived immune cells were genetically engineered to specifically recognize and eliminate pathological B cells—resulting in impressive improvements within just a few days. This world’s first clinical study of its kind opens new avenues for treating hard-to-treat neurological disorders and demonstrates how precision medicine can offer life-changing hope.
Student committee elections
The elections for the Faculty Council and the Senate for the student group will take place this year from June 23 to June 25, 2025.
More and more highly multi-resistant pathogens
The proportion of bacteria that are also resistant to reserve antibiotics continues to rise. Experts recommend intensified monitoring.
Achim Dilling appointed new Chancellor of Ruhr-Universität Bochum
The 51-year-old business economist comes from the University of Passau. He will become Chancellor of Ruhr-Universität Bochum from January 2026.
"There is a risk of irreversible long-term damage"
The consequences of bronchitis in infancy can be serious. This is shown in a study by the Bochum University Children's Hospital.
RUB turns 60 and everyone is celebrating
On June 18, 2025, Ruhr-Universität Bochum will celebrate its 60th anniversary. There will be plenty to see and everyone is cordially invited.
New Funding Phase of the Network University Medicine NUM 3.0
The Network University Medicine (NUM) will enter its third funding phase starting July 1, 2025. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will continue to support the nationwide collaboration of all 37 university hospitals in Germany for another five years. The latest press release provides details on the continuation of the network in funding phase 3.0.