During a tour of the institute, the approximately 15 students gained exciting insights into our research and development work in the fields of medical technology and laboratory automation. Among other things, we presented our current research projects #AutoProNano and #EQUIP.

Of course, hands-on experimentation was a must: Through ultrasound and spectrometry applications, the students were able to experience medical technology firsthand and gain an impression of just how diverse and exciting this field is.

With visits like this, we aim to show young people the opportunities that medical technology offers, inspire them to pursue STEM studies, and give them insights into research and academic life at IMES. Our deputy director, Prof. Dr. Jan Hansmann, sums it up: “Perhaps one or two of you will decide to study at THWS later on. If we were able to provide the initial inspiration for that, we’d be especially pleased.”

Thank you very much for your visit, your keen interest, and all your exciting questions. We wish you all the best as you move forward on your journey!

• Automated Laboratory Processes
• Artificial Intelligence and Active Learning
• Biological Tests on Human Tissue Models

In this way, we are laying the foundation for reproducible research and contributing to the development of future therapies—from personalized cancer treatments to other innovative drug delivery systems.

But EQUIP stands for more than just excellent applied research: By 2029, new training programs will be created for students, doctoral candidates, and professionals, particularly in the Mainfranken region. Through Life Science Engineering, we are strengthening the transfer of knowledge between universities, research institutions, and industry.

Now that the equipment has been ordered, we are looking forward to setting up the facility by the end of the year. We will then move into the next project phase together with our research and industry partners and lay the groundwork for the first automated manufacturing and optimization processes.

Groundbreaking Advances in “Life Science Engineering”: At the Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences (THWS), the EQUIP research facility—a state-of-the-art, automated laboratory for the innovative optimization of drug delivery systems—is being developed in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Dagmar Fischer from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC) in Würzburg. The project leader at THWS is Prof. Dr. Jan Hansmann from the Institute for Medical Technology (IMES), and the project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.

The new research project focuses on the data-driven optimization of lipid-based nanoparticles. These particles serve, for example, as drug delivery systems for mRNA vaccines, such as those against the coronavirus. In the future, they are also expected to be used for the precise treatment of cancer. To ensure that the nanoparticles can target specific areas within the human body where they are needed, they must possess very specific tissue properties—such as the ability to penetrate the skin or cross the blood-brain barrier. Which properties are optimal for each specific application is tested using human tissue models, thereby reducing the number of animal studies required.