The central research focus is the development of a realistic model of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) in combination with glioma cell models. The project team aims to better understand the barrier function of the BBB, investigate its role in the development and progression of brain tumours such as glioblastomas, and test new approaches for targeted drug delivery to the brain – a key to more effective therapies for difficult-to-treat neurological diseases.

Initial research and project work at the B.I.T. Lab (project ref. no.: 13HAW082FQ) is currently getting off to a successful start and is utilizing the new laboratory infrastructure for application-oriented biomedical developments.

The project places particular emphasis on providing early-career researchers with training that is strongly oriented towards application and knowledge transfer: Graduate students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs are involved in real research projects at an early stage, collaborate with industry partners in an interdisciplinary manner, and are thus expected to acquire extensive expertise in innovative cell culture models, bioanalytics, and translational research – a targeted preparation for careers in academia, industry, and technology transfer.

The first highlight at the start of the project is the official kick-off workshop in May 2026, featuring scientific presentations and a get-together designed to foster dialogue and networking. Representatives from academia, universities, and industry are expected to attend to promote interdisciplinary exchange and initiate collaborations.

The project strengthens the research- and transfer-oriented profile in biomedicine at Reutlingen University and contributes to solving pressing challenges in brain research.

Text source: Dr. Michaela Mai, Reutlingen University