The Center for Metabolic Research at the Life Science Campus of the University of Cologne was inaugurated by Ina Brandes, the Minister of Science of the State of NRW
On September 09, the Minister of Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ina Brandes, inaugurated the Center for Metabolic Research at the University of Cologne and the University Hospital of Cologne together with the Rector of the University of Cologne, Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, Prof. Dr. Gereon R. Fink, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Prof. Dr. Edgar Schömig, Chairman of the Board and Medical Director of the University Hospital of Cologne. In her introductory speech, Dr. Ruth Hanssen, who will head her own research group at the Center in the future, presented the research topics that will be explored at the Center.
The Center for Metabolic Research has the objective of becoming one of the foremost international research centers for metabolic research. It will also facilitate collaboration between medical professionals of the Faculty of Medicine and researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the university. The Center for Metabolic Research will serve as a catalyst for identifying new metabolic regulation principles as biomarkers or as the foundation for therapies for a wide range of diseases. The findings will provide the essential foundation for the development of urgently needed new therapies.
The construction process spanned four years, with the total cost of the building project estimated at approximately 83 million euros. The researchers will have access to cutting-edge technology, including mass spectrometers for the analysis of biomolecules. The center was constructed with the financial assistance of the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the University Hospital of Cologne and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cologne. The construction management was undertaken by medfacilities GmbH, which employed the new BIM (Building Information Modelling) planning method for the first time as part of this pilot project at the Cologne site. The BIM method ensures the availability of up-to-date and valid data for the planning, construction and operation of the building, with a digital twin serving as a reference. Despite the adverse circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic, medfacilities was able to maintain the schedule.
Once the building has been handed over to operational management, the intelligent data model enables the efficient operation of the building. The scientists at the Center for Metabolism are engaged in research aimed at developing effective treatment strategies for metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes. The prevalence of obesity, a disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body, is currently estimated at approximately 25% of the German population. Obesity is associated with a significant number of secondary diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, as well as orthopaedical and psychological complaints. The objective of research at the center is to identify fundamental metabolic processes in order to develop new therapeutic approaches for metabolic diseases.
The Science Minister Ina Brandes comments: "The excellent scientists in Cologne will receive a cutting-edge research facility, which will facilitate their investigation of prevalent metabolic disorders and the development of innovative therapeutic solutions. Outstanding research for the benefit of patients requires optimal infrastructure! The construction of the newly opened Center for Metabolic Research demonstrates that improved planning can expedite construction and enhance sustainability. Resources are conserved, energy is saved, and operations become more efficient. The BIM concept represents the future of planning, constructing, and operating buildings. It can also be employed to facilitate further advancement in the university and research infrastructure of North Rhine-Westphalia.The BIM concept is the future of planning, constructing and operating buildings. We also want to use it to make even better progress with the university and research infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia."
The Rector of the University of Cologne, Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, places particular emphasis on the following point: “The results of today's research demonstrate the continued advancement of metabolic research in Cologne. The modern building, the result of extensive collaboration between neighboring disciplines, symbolizes the strength of Cologne as a location for scientific research. I would like to express my gratitude to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the federal government for this significant investment in our future, as well as to the University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine for their collaboration in the project's realization. I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of medfacilities GmbH, the architects, and the construction companies, whose efforts ensured the successful completion of the building project.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr Gereon R. Fink, explains: "The successful acquisition of funds for the establishment of the new Centre for Metabolic Research in a nationwide competition once again confirms the outstanding, innovative research strength of the Faculty of Medicine in collaboration with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences." The Centre for Metabolic Research will ideally complement the ageing research focus established with the CECAD Cluster of Excellence. We are very grateful for the great support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
The Chairman of the Board and Medical Director of the University Hospital of Cologne, Prof. Dr Edgar Schömig, emphasized the significance of the center for the treatment of patients. “A substantial number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are closely associated with human metabolism. The inauguration of our new Centre for Metabolic Research represents a significant step towards establishing a vital link between fundamental research and clinical practice. The necessity for a more profound comprehension of the fundamental processes at the core of these diseases is becoming increasingly apparent, as it will facilitate the development of targeted and innovative therapeutic solutions, which can then be rapidly integrated into patient care.”
On behalf of the center´s scientists, Prof. Dr Tatiana Korotkova stated: "We are pleased to be engaged in interdisciplinary research and to employ cutting-edge methodologies in order to conduct a comprehensive investigation of fundamental metabolic processes and the mechanisms underlying their dysregulation."
The Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) is situated in close proximity to the new Center for Metabolic Research. Some research groups currently based in the CMMC Research Building will continue their research activities in the new center in the future. The close collaboration and continuous scientific exchange with the members of the CMMC, CECAD, TRIO, the Max Planck Institutes for Aging and Metabolic Research, the Faculties of Medicine and Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the University Hospital will significantly strengthen the inspiring and productive research atmosphere.
This news is based on a press release by Stephanie Wolff from the University of Cologne, modified by the CMMC.
You can download the original version here.