Areas of investigation/research focus

Innovations arise at the interfaces between different scientific fields. We are therefore committed to the interfaces between immunology, neurobiology, genomics, bioinformatics and data sciences, including AI research.

In genomics, high-throughput sequencing down to the single cell level plays a decisive role for us. Our research group in Systems Medicine therefore also works very closely with the PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics. PRECISE is a joint venture between Systems Medicine at the DZNE and the LIMES Institute at the University of Bonn.

In the field of AI research, we have joined forces with Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) to develop a new concept for the collaborative application of artificial intelligence (AI), called Swarm Learning. Swarm Learning is an alternative for cloud-based and federated AI solutions.

Our research includes laboratory experimental and computational data science and AI approaches. This puts us in an excellent position to answer systems medicine questions. Using our expertise, we have found cooperation partners worldwide in addition to our own projects, with whom we answer medically important questions.

[Translate to Englisch:] Forschungsschwerpunkte

Our current research focuses include:

Swarm Learning: In addition to local, centralized and federated machine learning, Swarm Learning has been classified as a fourth approach by NVIDIA, among others, and was developed by us together with HPE
Swarm Learning for precision medicine in infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation
Memory-centric computing: Use of new computer architectures with large working memories for faster processing of sequencing data. Originally invented and developed by HPE, computer manufacturers such as Apple now rely on this concept
NEUROCOV: Neurological and neuropsychiatric complications due to COVID-19. European research consortium
Immunosensation2 - Cluster of Excellence: Systems immunology approaches involving single-cell genomics and high-throughput cytometry to characterize important immunologically mediated diseases such as COVID-19 or HIV
NGS Competence Network: Central coordination unit of the DFG-funded NGS Competence Network
West German Genome Center (WGGC): Development and consolidation of a network currently funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia at the Universities of Aachen, Bonn, Cologne and Düsseldorf as well as the PRECISE Platform at the DZNE
Identification of biomarkers based on single cell genomics of peripheral blood immune cells
Systems medicine approaches for chronic inflammatory diseases

Our team is active in numerous national and international research initiatives:

Swarm Learning is a paradigm shift that extends local, central, and federated learning. We developed Swarm Learning together with HPE as the first combination of blockchain and AI applications.

For further information please click here

Memory Centric Computing is a paradigm shift that places memory at the center of the computing infrastructure to support today's data-driven applications. The system components are connected via a structure, Gen-Z.

For further information please click here

The "Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics" is a joint venture between the University of Bonn and the DZNE. Both institutions want to share their expertise in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics. A particular focus is on the development and application of tools and technologies for single-cell genomics and the provision of these technologies for working groups at the DZNE, at the University of Bonn, nationally and internationally.
The platform's laboratory space is located in the new DZNE Building B, while the bioinformatics unit is based at the LIMES Institute. Both units work closely together.

For further information please click here.

Over the next five years, the interdisciplinary NEUROCOV consortium coordinated by the DZNE will investigate the role of the interaction between host and virus in the development of neurological and psychiatric symptoms caused by COVID-19 as a basis for new treatment options.

To the consortium website