From Molecules to Systems
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TRA Life and Health

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The TRA Life and Health provides a space for deepening our understanding of life across theoretical boundaries - studying everything from the tiniest molecules to the interaction of different organisms within ecosystems. Researchers from the fields of medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, nutrition research, mathematics and computer science are together studying - amongst others - organoids to better understand specific diseases or deploying artificial intelligence as a tool for neuroscience.

Research 

More about our research profile, topics and TRA projects.

About us

Find out more about our objectives,  members and TRA organization.

Offers

Find out more about research support and events organized by the TRA Life and Health.

 Technologies

Find an overview on infrastructure, facilities und technologies used in the TRA Life and Health's research area

News from the TRA

Notifications

© University Hospital Bonn (UKB) / Alessandro Winkler
Immune cells remember their location
A new AI-based method reconstructs spatial information about where immune cells were originally located in an organ, even after these cells have been removed from the tissue and analyzed individually. To accomplish this, Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn use the transcriptome, i.e., the entirety of all messenger RNA transcripts produced by genes within a cell at a given time. The work has now been published in the journal Advanced Science and introduces the new MERLIN algorithm.
Mar 02, 2026
© Photo: UKB
Mitochondria influence lipid storage in cells
The powerhouse of the cells – known as mitochondria – appear to be able to influence the number of lipid droplets in the cell. A mechanism that is actually intended for a completely different purpose plays a central role in this. This is shown by a recent study by the University of Bonn and University Hospital Bonn and the University of Freiburg. The results have now been published in the journal Nature Cell Biology.
Feb 26, 2026
© Institute of Human Genetics at UKB / Andreas Stein
New findings on infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause certain types of cancer or autoimmune diseases, but how the body controls this common viral infection is largely unknown. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn have now identified genetic and non-genetic factors that help the body fight EBV. To do this, they evaluated genome sequencing data, which is actually intended for characterizing the human genome, in a new way. Using the new technique, they were able to estimate the amount of EBV in the blood and find correlations in large health data sets – for example, an increased viral load in people with HIV infections, but also in smokers. There were also indications of new genes that play key roles in EBV immunity. Their findings have now been published in the renowned journal Nature.
Feb 19, 2026
© Image: COLOURBOX.de
Novel precision strategy in cancer treatment receives EIC Pathfinder grant
A groundbreaking approach that targets the degradation of membrane proteins in cancer cells has received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder program. The goal: To target previously "undruggable" cancer-related proteins by selectively degrading them and potentially offering a new way to overcome resistance to current cancer therapies. 
Feb 09, 2026

Highlights and Announcements

Get Involved in the TRA

As a member of the TRA, you can access funding opportunities, take part in events and build new networks. 

© Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn

Become a member!

TRA members benefit from regular sponsorship offers and opportunities for networking beyond the boundaries of the specialist field. We look forward to meeting you!

Who are our members and what are their research topics?

Our members are professors and group leaders of the University of Bonn and cooperating Bonn institutions from medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, nutrition research, mathematics, computer science and other fields.

Meet our Researchers

Inter- and transdisciplinary research actively pursued at the University of Bonn and is promoted across faculty boundaries. The faces of TRA Life and Health are our Hertz Chair, our Argelander professors and the numerous committed scientists, such as the members of our steering committee.  

Contact

Avatar Brömer

Meike Brömer

+49 228 73 54470

TRA manager | Strategic Development and Quality Assurance Unit
© Jürgen Hofmann

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Transdisciplinary Research Areas

Spaces for innovation in research and teaching - these are the six transdisciplinary research areas at the University of Bonn. 

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University of Excellence

Since summer 2019, we have been one of eleven German Universities of Excellence. Read more about our research profile and our future concept.

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Research Funding

Research and Innovation Services at the University of Bonn will support you in all matters relating to your externally funded project.

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