Research institutes and scientific infrastructures supporting oncology research at UCCSH.
The UCCSH research landscape is supported by a range of institutes and interdisciplinary research networks across the Kiel and Lübeck campuses. These institutions bring together expertise from basic, translational, clinical, and health care research in oncology and foster close collaboration between scientists and clinicians.
Together, they provide the scientific foundation for innovative cancer research within UCCSH and contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Kiel Oncology Network (KON)
The Kiel Oncology Network (KON) brings together researchers from different disciplines who are engaged in cancer research at Kiel University and the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. The network aims to strengthen collaboration between basic scientists and clinical researchers in order to promote interdisciplinary approaches in oncology.
The network covers a wide range of expertise, including tumor biology, genetics and epigenetics, immunology, pharmacology, pathology, structural biology, and advanced imaging technologies. By fostering scientific exchange and collaboration, KON contributes to a better understanding of tumor development and therapy resistance and supports the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Director
Lübeck Integrated Oncology Network (LION)
The Luebeck Integrated Oncology Network (LION) brings together clinics and research institutes at the University of Lübeck and the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) that are engaged in cancer research. As the Lübeck counterpart to the Kiel Oncology Network (KON), LION coordinates interdisciplinary oncological research activities on the Lübeck campus and promotes collaboration between basic scientists and clinical researchers.
Within the framework of the University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH), LION supports the development of innovative research projects spanning basic, translational, and clinical oncology. By connecting researchers across multiple disciplines and facilitating collaborative initiatives, the network contributes to advancing key areas of cancer research, including biomarker discovery, minimal residual disease, metastasis and dissemination, inflammation and cancer, tumor immunology, and precision oncology.
Director
Prof. Dr. Timo Gemoll, M. Sc.
Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB)
The Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB) conducts research in molecular diagnostics and genetic analysis in medicine. A particular focus lies on the application of next-generation sequencing technologies to identify disease-associated genetic alterations and to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases.
Within the field of oncology, the institute contributes to the development and application of molecular diagnostic approaches, including liquid biopsy technologies for tumor monitoring using blood- and urine-based biomarkers. By combining advanced sequencing technologies with bioinformatic analyses, the institute supports translational cancer research and contributes to the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Directors
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h. c. Stefan Schreiber
Institute of Experimental Cancer Research (IET)
The Institute of Experimental Cancer Research (IET) at the Medical Faculty of Kiel focuses on fundamental and translational aspects of tumor biology. Several research groups investigate different molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive tumor development, progression, and therapy response.
Through close collaboration with clinical departments at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), the institute provides an important interface between experimental research and clinical oncology. In addition, the institute contributes to the development and maintenance of biobanking infrastructures that support translational cancer research within the UCCSH network.
Head
Kiel Life Science (KLS)
Kiel Life Science (KLS) is an interdisciplinary research center that coordinates life science research activities at Kiel University. The center brings together scientists from multiple faculties and promotes interdisciplinary research across a broad range of biological and biomedical disciplines.
More than 100 researchers from different faculties contribute to research programs focusing on areas such as microbiome research, inflammation, environmental genetics, evolutionary medicine, and bioinformatics. Through its interdisciplinary structure, Kiel Life Science provides an important scientific environment that also supports research relevant to cancer biology and translational oncology.
Head
Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology
The Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology (Campus Lübeck) conducts research on the epidemiology of chronic diseases, prevention, quality of life, and health services research. Its work focuses on understanding disease patterns in populations and improving health care delivery through evidence-based approaches.
In the context of oncology, the institute contributes to research on cancer prevention, survivorship, quality of life, and cancer care evaluation. These activities support the development of patient-centered care strategies and provide important insights into long-term outcomes and the effectiveness of cancer care.
Head
Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics (IMBS)
The Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics (IMBS) focuses on the development and application of statistical methods in biomedical research. The institute provides expertise in study design, statistical analysis, and the interpretation of complex medical data.
Researchers at the institute collaborate with scientists and clinicians across different disciplines and contribute to numerous clinical and translational research projects. Through methodological support and statistical expertise, the institute plays an important role in ensuring the scientific quality and reliability of biomedical and oncological research.
Head
Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics (IMIS)
The Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics (IMIS) provides methodological and statistical support for biomedical research at Kiel University and the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. Its activities include study planning, data management, and statistical analysis of clinical and epidemiological data.
By supporting researchers in the design and evaluation of scientific studies, the institute contributes to high-quality research in many medical fields, including oncology. Its expertise in data analysis and research methodology is essential for the interpretation of complex datasets and for advancing evidence-based medicine.
Head
Section for Antibody-Based Immunotherapy
The Section for Antibody-Based Immunotherapy focuses on the development and optimization of novel immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Research activities aim to better understand the mechanisms of antibody-based therapies and to translate this knowledge into innovative treatment strategies. A particular focus lies on the development of engineered antibodies and antibody-derived formats designed to enhance the activation and recruitment of immune cells.
The section is closely integrated within the Department of Internal Medicine II and collaborates with academic and industrial partners to advance translational immunotherapy research at UCCSH.
Division Head & Group Antibody-Engineering
Group Immunotherapy of Multiple Myeloma
