Research
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg - whilst being committed to freedom in research and teaching - grapples with a diverse range of both national and global social challenges. These include technical, health-related and ecological matters, but ethical, cultural, social and economic problems are also the subject of systematic scientific observation, contextualisation, concept development and reflection. Scientists and academics from the University of Magdeburg aim, with their expertise and awareness of their responsibilities, to contribute to expert understanding, purposeful solutions and solution optimisation as well as to responsible assessments and decisions that are relevant to society as a whole. Alongside the key areas in fundamental and applied research and research transfer, the University defines additional areas in which it seeks to achieve excellence across disciplines.
Paradigm shift in brain health
The “Cognitive Vitality” interdisciplinary research initiative at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is conducting research in to how, in future, new therapeutic approaches and interventions might help to preserve and reinforce intellectual performance even where there are physical impairments. Neuroscientists are hoping to work with engineers to discover how the interaction between our brain, body and environment works and what influence physical illnesses and their treatment have on our intellectual performance.
Life-long artificial hips in the future?
An interdisciplinary research team consisting of materials engineers, biologists and medical students from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is developing new materials for long-lasting implants. In future, biocompatible and antibacterial alloys with special biomechanical properties should prevent harmful interactions between the implants and surrounding human tissue and thus inhibit the resulting inflammatory reactions and infections.
Europe’s most powerful 7-Tesla MRT machine in operation
At the University of Magdeburg, Europe’s most powerful 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging machine was formally inaugurated. With the high capability of the unique new MRI machine neuroscientists in Magdeburg will be able to take a more in-depth look into the human brain and differentiate structures and functions within the cortex. With the inauguration the Magdeburg University campus has become only the second site in the world to have an MRI machine of this strength.
How the ice floes move at the poles
The mathematician Dr. Carolin Mehlmann from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is developing a new numerical model that will more reliably simulate and predict the precise movement and dimensions of sea ice at both poles. On an expedition to the North Pole in August, she will test the validity of her new calculation method.
AI deployed in the war on pedophilia
Information technologists at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg have developed an AI-based app to enable people with pedophilic tendencies to make use of initial consultations and remote treatment anonymously and with their identity concealed. By deploying this technology on the user’s device, therapists will be unable to recognize either the voice or the way of speaking of the caller but will still be able to hear all of the emotional expression and personality of the person seeking help that is needed for clinical diagnostic assessment. The people affected, who may not have contacted counseling services before due to shame or fear of social marginalization, will thus be granted access to preventative support.