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

© 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
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Two days of oatmeal reduce cholesterol level
A short-term oat-based diet appears to be surprisingly effective at reducing the cholesterol level. This is indicated by a trial by the University of Bonn, which has now been published in the journal Nature Communications. The participants suffered from a metabolic syndrome – a combination of high body weight, high blood pressure, and elevated blood glucose and blood lipid levels. They consumed a calorie-reduced diet, consisting almost exclusively of oatmeal, for two days. Their cholesterol levels then improved significantly compared to a control group. Even after six weeks, this effect remained stable. The diet apparently influenced the composition of microorganisms in the gut. The metabolic products, produced by the microbiome, appear to contribute significantly to the positive effects of oats.
Jan 23, 2026
© Image credits: University Hospital Bonn (UKB) / Alessandro Winkler
A mystery of episodic memory solved
The human brain must be able to link memory content to the circumstances in which it occurs. Researchers in Bonn have now discovered how the human brain uses two different groups of neurons to store content and context separately. These nerve cell groups work together in a coordinated manner to form memories, rather than mixing signals in the activity of individual cells. The study results have now been published in the renowned journal Nature.
Jan 07, 2026
© Image: University Hospital Bonn (UKB) / Aljoscha Haupt
Two Start-Up Projects Secure Millions in Funding
Two projects by researchers from the University of Bonn and University Hospital Bonn (UKB) have each been awarded up to €1 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space’s “GO-Bio initial” program. The funds will be used to translate research findings from the life sciences into marketable products and services, e.g. through securing patent protection and spinning off start-ups.
Dec 18, 2025

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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