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
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.
Xenofon Baraliakos awarded honorary doctorate
In March 2025, Prof. Dr. Xenofon Baraliakos, Medical Director of the Rheumatology Center Ruhr Area and Chair of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at Ruhr University, was awarded the honorary doctorate in medicine by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens for his lifetime achievements. As the youngest doctor in the university's history to receive this honor, and the first in rheumatology in twelve years, Baraliakos views the award as a significant recognition of his work over the past two decades.
Alanna Ebigbo specializes in endoscopy
Since February 12, 2025, Prof. Dr. Alanna Ebigbo has been leading the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Josef Hospital in Bochum. The renowned gastroenterologist focuses on innovative treatment options, particularly through the expanded use of endoscopy – not only for diagnosis but also for therapy. Ebigbo aims to increasingly perform cancer surgeries endoscopically using state-of-the-art technology, thereby promoting organ preservation. Additionally, he is conducting extensive research on the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases to further improve the precision of cancer diagnoses.
Tobias Ruck values the integration of clinical care and research.
In February 2025, Prof. Dr. Tobias Ruck took over the leadership of the Department of Neurology at Bergmannsheil in Bochum. With his expertise in neuromuscular disorders, neurorehabilitation, and pain therapy, he aims to further strengthen the integration of clinical care and research, enhancing the clinic's neuroscientific profile. Prior to this, Ruck was Deputy Director of the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf.