Biomedical research at the Faculty aims to identify disease mechanisms at the molecular level and to develop biotechnological methods that can be used to influence these processes in order to develop more precise diagnostics and novel active substances.

The focus of the working groups on "Water Research" is on questions relating to the development, changes and restoration of aquatic biodiversity from the level of genes and species communities to ecosystems and their function. In addition to basic research, the focus is on interdisciplinary, application-oriented research projects.

The research focus on subject-related empirical teaching and learning research investigates questions relating to the learning and teaching of biology at school, at university or at extracurricular learning venues. In cooperation with other working groups in subject didactics and teaching-learning research, they also investigate interdisciplinary questions. They are integrated into the Interdisciplinary Center for Educational Research (IZfB) and the Center for Teacher Education (ZLB).

Essener Wissenschaftssommer

Forschung für alle

• von Cathrin Becker
• 26.05.2025

If you want to experience for yourself how scientists work, the Essen Summer of Science is the place to be: for two and a half weeks, the city organises many free events that guarantee hands-on research for all interested parties. The UDE is taking part with over 20 lectures, hands-on stands and activities. You can register online now.

Biology is also represented here with several contributions.

20.06.2025 von 16-17Uhr

26.06.2025 von 16-18Uhr

27.06.2025 von 10-12 Uhr

27.06.2025 von 15-17 Uhr

Please refer to the programme for all other dates.

A Comprehensive Guide to Aquatic Parasites

• von Juliana Fischer
• 11.06.2025

Parasites are generally regarded as pathogens, yet they are an integral part of natural ecosystems. In aquatic habitats, they influence not only the behaviour of their hosts, but also ecological processes in larger contexts. The recently published textbook Aquatic Parasitology – Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites is the first to shed light on the ecological significance of parasites in freshwater and saltwater ecosystems worldwide. Edited by Prof. Dr Bernd Sures (University of Duisburg-Essen) and Prof. Dr Nico Smit (North-West University, South Africa), it is freely available as an open access publication.

What lives in my stream?

    04.06.2025

In NRW, primary and secondary school pupils will soon be standing by streams in their neighbourhoods. In the University of Duisburg-Essen's DNA macht Schule project, they take water samples and analyse the condition of the water bodies. In doing so, they also provide data that can supplement official observations. The project, which is funded by the Federal Environment Agency, was officially launched on 2 June. Teachers can now register their classes or courses.

Humboldt Professorships for 2025 awarded in Berlin

This year's award winners include molecular biologist Dana Branzei, who is now taking up her Humboldt Professorship at the University of Duisburg-Essen. She is congratulated by Chancellor Ulf Richter, Dean of Biology Stefan Westermann, Rector Barbara Albert and Vice-Rector Astrid Westendorf.

The internationally renowned molecular biologist Prof Dr Dana Branzei has found ground-breaking answers to this question. She is researching how DNA repair and chromosome structure are perfectly intertwined. She was awarded a Humboldt Professorship 2025 by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for her outstanding research. On 1 April, she took up her professorship the Research Center One Health Ruhr (University Alliance Ruhr) and at the Faculty for Biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen.