Proteome technologies that enable global protein analyses of microorganisms taken from human, animal and environmental samples are well-established in Greifswald and are a central element of the C_FunGene [de]. This makes it possible to elucidate microbes’ adaptation mechanisms in various habitats in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of fundamental life processes, a field of research that researchers from Greifswald have contributed to for many years by participating in various collaborative projects with international recognition.
Furthermore, the best technical conditions make it possible to investigate the increasing distribution of bacterial pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics from an interdisciplinary approach. For example, the DFG Research Training Group 1870 is elucidating mechanisms of bacterial pathogens of respiratory infections, whilst the collaborative project VacoMe is developing vaccinations to counter certain bacterial pathogens in humans and pigs. The collaborative projects, KoInfekt and Card-ii-Omics, which are part of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Excellence Initiative, are looking into new strategies for fighting implant infections or respiratory illnesses. The collaborative project ANTIRES [de] has set itself the goal of elucidating the ways in which antimicrobial resistant bacteria spread in affected waste waters, in order to develop defence strategies and a quick test.
The researchers can use labs at safety levels S1 to S3 for their research. This makes it possible to conduct research into model organisms, relevant environmental bacteria, but also pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, high safety standards are in place throughout the research centre.
The three-story building has a central staircase that is open to all three stories. On all of the stories, the bright, light-flooded foyer offers access to the offices in the east wing of the building. The west wing is home to the research labs with their associated multi-function surfaces.
There is also a public zone with conference and communication areas. The seminar and conference rooms are located on the ground floor. They are to be used, in particular, for scientific exchange between the groups and with guests. On top of this, further labs are available on the top floor that can be used flexibly by research partners. The building’s technical amenities are found in the setback roof and there is a green courtyard on the ground floor.
The building process took aspects of sustainability into account. The rating system Nachhatliges Bauen für Bundesgebäude (sustainable construction for federal buildings - BNB) [de] was used as a planning guideline. The aim was to optimise the environmental impact, the functionality and efficiency with regards to energy and resource consumption for the building’s entire life cycle, as well as to create pleasant work conditions.
The building’s floor space covers 3,433 m². It was designed by the MHB Planungs- und Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH [de] in Rostock. The project was realised by the university and hospital construction department of the Betrieb Bau und Liegenschaften Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (BBL M-V).
Statements Regarding the New Building
Prof. Dr. Johanna Weber, Rector of the University of Greifswald:
“The inauguration of a new building is always a winning situation for the University. But the new research building is a particular success, because it was achieved amidst national competition and under stringent scientific assessment, thus proving our research excellence in this field of expertise.”
Prof. Dr. Sven Hammerschmidt, Head of the Molecular Genetics und Infection Biology Department:
“The new research centre with its high safety level labs and the extensive proteome technologies provide us with excellent conditions for continuing our interdisciplinary and internationally oriented cutting-edge research. The physical proximity of microbiologists, infection researchers, proteomic researchers and bioinformatics scientists at this centre builds the framework for synergies and new innovative research approaches. The communication areas that have been created outside of the laboratories will help to foster scientific exchange.”
Further Information
Opening Symposium on the 24/03/2018
Gemeinsame Wissenschaftskonferenz des Bundes und der Länder (Joint Science Conference of the Federal Government and the Federal States)
Contact at the University of Greifswald
Prof. Dr. Sven Hammerschmidt
Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics
Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology
Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 8, 17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 5701
sven.hammerschmidt(at)uni-greifswald(dot)de