News — University of Bonn

Funding in the millions to combat river blindness

The Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology at the University of Bonn is the recipient of a $1.48 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Together with the international IT consultancy Capgemini and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) in Geneva, researchers are developing technology to better combat river blindness, which is caused by parasitic worms. Artificial intelligence will be used to machine-read sections of worm nodules in tissue, enabling drug testing to be standardized and significantly accelerated.

Joachim von Braun remains president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences

Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun, director at the Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn, was appointed president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in 2017 for a four-year term. Now Pope Francis has appointed him for another four years.

Falling Walls Lab Rhineland is coming to Bonn

Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just 3 minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that creates a positive impact on science and society.

Crucial fallback facilities for the main building found

The University of Bonn is currently seeking alternative facilities for research and teaching due to the upcoming general renovation of the University’s baroque main building. Crucial fallback facilities have now been found, as on May 1, 2022 the University of Excellence will annex the office building Rabinstraße 8, leasing the property from real estate firm Corpus Sireo. The following year the University will then lease another building in the Poppelsdorfer Allee.

Social norms influence willingness to protect the climate

People contribute only very little to climate protection, because they underestimate the willingness of others to contribute. This is the central result of a new study by the behavioural economists Peter Andre, Teodora Boneva, Felix Chopra and Armin Falk, members of the Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, published as an “ECONtribute Discussion Paper”.

Researchers study endangered cultural heritage

In Africa and in the Amazon rainforest, people have adapted to their environment over centuries and adjust their livelihoods accordingly. This coexistence with nature has created valuable cultural landscapes that are also listed by UNESCO. In two scientific projects, researchers from the University of Bonn are now working with local institutions to investigate how these landscapes can be better protected. The Volkswagen Foundation is funding these projects with several million euros.

University examines students' need for vaccination

The University management has asked the students of the University of Bonn to express their interest in a vaccination against the coronavirus. Based on their feedback, a vaccination offer will then be made to them in a timely manner. The University of Bonn is currently in negotiations with various agencies.