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).

New Funding for Glioblastoma Research

Novel Therapeutic Approach Under Investigation

Sonja Rückert President of the International Society of Protistologists

On 25 June, the UDE is inviting all interested school pupils to its Open Day. Of course, the Biology Department will also be taking part with a comprehensive programme. There will be information on all Bachelor’s degree programmes, taster lectures and practical sessions.

You can register via:https://www.uni-due.de/abz/studieninteressierte/hochschultag

Anyone wishing to drop in at short notice is very welcome to do so.

University of Duisburg-Essen launches the excursion season in the Blue Classrooms of the Emscher-Lippe region

As implementing partners of the Emschergenossenschaft and the Lippeverband (EGLV), teams from two working groups at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) are now supporting the excursion programme to 13 Blue Classrooms in the region. Under the motto “Join in – Discover your Blue Classroom”, ten educational learning modules combine environmental education with a hands-on experience of nature along the renaturalised waters of the Emscher and Lippe rivers.

The UDE’s Aquatic Ecology and Biology Education – Biology Education Research and Learning Lab working groups will design and lead up to 100 excursions in 2026 and 2027, tailored to different age groups and target audiences – from nursery and primary school groups through lower and upper secondary schools to vocational school classes. The aim of the excursions is to make ecological relationships tangible directly on site: participants discover typical organisms, learn how to assess water quality using simple methods, and experience how renaturation creates new habitats. In this way, key content from the Collaborative Research Centre 1439 RESIST is also communicated to a broad target audience. 

Grant notification for €11.5 million handed over

    by Juliana Fischer 13 March 2026 

The University of Duisburg-Essen is to receive a new centre for its internationally recognised water research: the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Regional Development Fund are funding the FutureWaterCampus. Environment Minister Oliver Krischer today presented a grant approval notice for €11.5 million. The new building will be constructed in the immediate vicinity of the ACTIVE SITES research facility at Thurmfeld in Essen.