Department of Life Sciences and Health Technologies

Research

The Department of Life Sciences and Health Technologies encompasses research areas and academic programs that focus on the processes and structures of living organisms or on processes in which living organisms are involved. As one of the leading scientific fields of the 21st century, the life sciences are particularly relevant to two of the greatest societal challenges of our time: health and sustainability. Together with health technologies, they contribute to preserving the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, improving quality of life, and strengthening the country’s technological innovation capacity and economic performance. Both areas also represent some of the fastest-growing job markets of the coming decades.

The department’s methodological spectrum covers almost the entire range of natural and engineering sciences, including their instruments and analytical methods, and also extends into areas of the humanities and social sciences. Accordingly, the methodological approaches and theoretical foundations are often highly interdisciplinary, yet always maintain a clear reference to living systems.

The department originated from the “Life Sciences” working group of the Graduate Institute NRW, which was established on October 6, 2016, with the aim of creating, for the first time, a state-wide communication and networking platform for research-active scientists at universities of applied sciences and their doctoral candidates in the field of life sciences.

Getting a Doctorate with the Department

The Department of Life Sciences and Health Technologies supports research-oriented graduates on their path to a doctoral degree. It offers a structured doctoral program and promotes cooperative doctoral projects.

Boards and Bodies

The boards and bodies are responsible for the Department's academic self-administration.

Meet our Researchers

Professors and doctoral candidates from universities of applied sciences and universities collaborate in the department. They network at conferences and other events and cooperate with partners from universities, industry, and civil society.