IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine

Targeted prevention

Research mission

Our research mission is the targeted and personalized prevention
of environmentally-induced aging and associated diseases.

We achieve this by elucidating causal mechanisms in the effects of environmental toxicants of global relevance – including particles, chemicals and radiation (also taking into account climate change). As part of this mission, we develop cutting-edge models for risk assessment and for the identification of innovative strategies for prevention and intervention. The ultimate translational steps are achieved by advising regulatory authorities and by cooperating with industry.

Research fields

Environmentally-induced pulmonary aging

This research field investigates the mechanisms by which man-made and natural particles trigger degenerative and aging processes in the lungs.

WG Schikowski
WG Schins
Team Unfried

Environmentally-induced skin aging

This research field investigates the mechanisms by which non-ionizing radiation and particulate matter contribute to skin aging, skin inflammation, and skin carcinogenesis.

WG Esser
WG Haarmann-Stemmann
WG Krutmann
WG Schikowski

Environmentally-induced disturbances of the nervous system

In this research field, the influence of neurotoxic substances (e.g. chemicals and particles) on the developing, adult, and aged nervous systems is studied.

WG Fritsche
WG Krutmann
WG von Mikecz
WG Schikowski
WG Schins
LG Ventura

Environmentally-induced disturbances of the immune system

In this research field, the molecular mechanisms and their immunological consequences triggered by organic environmental pollutants, particles and UV radiation are investigated.

WG Esser
WG Fritsche
WG Haarmann-Stemmann
WG Krutmann
WG Schikowski
WG Schins
LG Weighardt

The research mission of the IUF is the targeted and personalized prevention of environmentally-induced aging and associated diseases.

News

  • in News

    AHR meeting 2024 – please save the date!

    We are pleased to announce the 6th International Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) Meeting  “Research, Prevention, Therapeutics” to be held in Düsseldorf, Germany. Please save the date: June 12-15, 2024 More than 24 renowned speakers invited, speaking slots for selected abstracts, poster-sessions and many opportunities to network. An early bird optio...
  • in Press

    Tire wear and higher temperatures get on the nematode’s nerves

    Scientists at the IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Düsseldorf, Germany, have shown that tire wear, age and temperature accelerate neurodegeneration (i.e. the decline of nerve cells) in models of the nematode C. elegans for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The corresponding study was published in the journal Environ...

Job offers

Are you looking for a job? Or would you like to find the right place for a master's thesis? Then take a look at our current vacancies. We offer you an international, interdisciplinary environment with modern, family-friendly working conditions in the heart of NRW. We look forward to receiving your application.

The IUF is funded by:

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