The University of Würzburg and its associated hospital have achieved a remarkable milestone, securing approval for all six proposals submitted for the latest round of Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) by the German Research Foundation (DFG). This significant success will enable the continuation of research in diverse fields, including chemistry and medicine, and was announced in a press release by the DFG.
University President Paul Pauli expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted with your success! Congratulations and good luck with the excellent and challenging research projects that will soon be able to start or continue.” Matthias Frosch, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the approval of five CRCs in medicine as a pivotal moment for the institution.
Funding and Research Focus
The DFG’s latest funding round will support nine new CRCs starting in March 2026, each receiving approximately €120 million over a span of three years and nine months. Among the newly established centres, one will focus on the element boron, which has significant yet underutilized potential in various applications. Maik Finze, spokesperson for the new BORONPro CRC, noted that “molecular compounds that contain boron are characterised by their broad application potential.” The research aims to develop innovative strategies for producing advanced boron-containing functional materials.
The University of Würzburg boasts unparalleled expertise in boron research, primarily through its Institute for Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis with Boron (ICB) and the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry. Collaborative efforts will involve teams from various disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and pharmacy, as well as partnerships with universities in Bonn, Frankfurt, and Cologne, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research.
Another CRC, with a focus on desmosomes—protein structures critical to cell connections—will operate in conjunction with Nicolas Schlegel, Chair of Experimental Visceral Surgery at the University Hospital. This centre aims to address significant health issues, including autoimmune diseases like Pemphigus vulgaris and inflammatory conditions affecting the oesophagus. Schlegel stated, “I am very pleased that our CRC has been approved and that we thus have the opportunity to significantly increase the still very limited knowledge about the regulation of epithelial barriers in health and disease.”
Innovative Approaches to Medical Research
The new CRC/Transregio, a collaboration involving the universities of Würzburg, Marburg, and LMU Munich, will explore the development of automated 3D printing processes to create tissue constructs that mimic human tissue. This advancement could reduce reliance on animal testing and facilitate new approaches in pharmaceutical and cancer research. Since its establishment in 2018, this network has produced over 360 publications, filed thirteen patent applications, and fostered a growing spin-off, showcasing its scientific relevance.
The DFG has committed to providing around €14 million for this initiative from 2026 to 2029. Additionally, another CRC/Transregio, focusing on modifying immune cells to enhance the fight against infections and diseases like rheumatism, will also receive funding. This collaborative project has been active since 2021, emphasizing the importance of cross-institutional partnerships in advancing medical research.
The University of Würzburg’s collaborative efforts extend to studying the adrenal glands’ role in various health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. The CRC in this area is expected to receive approximately €14 million in its third funding period. Hermann Einsele, Director of the Medical Clinic II, leads this research, which aims to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for adrenal diseases.
Overall, the successful approval of these Collaborative Research Centres underscores the University of Würzburg’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and enhancing its contributions to both national and international scientific communities.
