News

Source: News page of the Medical Faculty and the University Hospital Magdeburg A.ö.R.

Medical implants often do not heal in the human body without side effects. In addition to unwanted interactions, infections or premature implant wear and failure can occur. New technologies open up innovative starting points for improvements at the interface between humans and technology. By establishing models and simulations as well as data-based prediction, for example, a prediction can be made about different processes at this interface. Scientists from six faculties and research institutes at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg have joined forces to develop innovative applications at the interface between humans and technology. In a 2-day retreat at Wanzleben Castle, the course was set for 9 research projects. The clinical focus is on applications in neuroscience, orthopedics and thoracic surgery. The TACTIC Graduate School (spokesperson: Prof. Dr. J. Bertrand) brings together the scientific expertise available at the site in medicine, neuroscience, materials science, computer science and AI. The research program is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) with €4.1 million until 2027.

After a one-year hiatus, the Long Night of Science took place again this year on the main campus and the grounds of the University Hospital. The TACTIC project was represented at both locations. Doctoral students from the subprojects led by Prof. Myra Spiliopoulou and Prof. Benjamin Noack (both FIN) conducted an experiment on the main campus in which breaths were recorded while completing simple and less simple tasks. The goal was to identify the effect of the difficulty of the tasks on breathing patterns. The team led by Prof. Jessica Bertrand provided an insight into the topic of osteoarthritis and endoprostheses at the University Hospital. This topic is of interest to the general public not only because of demographic changes, but also to illustrate the role that infection models, materials science, and sensor technology could play in future developments. The topic thus offers a vivid introduction to the concept of smart prostheses. Young and old were enthusiastic about the experiments and demonstrations.

Under the motto "Ready to pitch your thesis? 3 Minute Fame Competition for PhD candidates," the EUGREEN Alliance issued a call to doctoral candidates to present their own doctoral project in a simple and concise three-minute video. The final round of the competition took place at a summer school in Parma from June 9th to 13th, coinciding with the EUGREEN Research Week. Participants had the opportunity to present their topic live in a three-minute short presentation to the jury (external link). Among the group of winners selected by the jury was Rebecca Höpfer, a doctoral student in the TACTIC subproject "Novel alloys for reducing inflammatory processes and biofilm formation on implants" (led by Prof. Dr. Manja Krüger). Congratulations on your well-deserved success!

The report written by Rebecca Höpfer can be found here.