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
JRG Sahm
JRG Staerk
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
JRG Sahm
JRG Staerk

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 Krutmann
WG von Mikecz
WG Schikowski
WG Schins
JRG Koch
JRG Staerk
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 Haarmann-Stemmann
WG Krutmann
WG Schikowski
WG Schins
JRG Koch
JRG Staerk
LG Weighardt

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

News

  • in Press

    The skin under the influence of climate change

    The effects of climate change on skin health are largely unknown. Scientists at the IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Düsseldorf conducted an epidemiological study to investigate the relationship between temperature and humidity and the aging of human skin. The initial results have now been published in the journal Derm...
  • in Press

    Markers in iPSC quality control – a new approach to enhance standardization

    Scientists from the IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Düsseldorf recently published a study on “Reassessment of marker genes in human induced pluripotent stem cells for enhanced quality control” in Nature Communications. The work was conducted together with colleagues from the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine ...

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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