15/09/2016
Print PageDKTK Freiburg: Concentrated expertise gathered under one roof
On the occasion of the opening of the newly built Center for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ) the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF) are holding a scientific symposium from 15. - 17. of September.
Since the beginning of March the Center for Translational Cell Research at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg has become a place for researchers to examine cells to find new approaches for the treatment of immunodeficiency and cancer. 260 employees from the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), a DKTK partner, are now working at the new center to improve treatment for patients.
A total of 11 DKTK working groups from the CCCF are conducting research to develope personalized therapies with few side effects using modern insights into oncogenesis from the field of molecular biology. “The CCCF is using cutting-edge research methods to achieve its aim of translating fundamental findings about cancer formation and development, early diagnosis, cancer prevention and novel treatment approaches into clinical practice, and setting new standards,” says Prof. Christoph Peters, Scientific Director of the CCCF and spokesperson for the DKTK’s partner site Freiburg.
The aim of the new center is to translate findings from fundamental research into clinical practice. The fact that the specialists are now working under one roof in a space measuring 3,800 square meters will make the research even more productive because immune cells and cancer cells have many features in common. Shared use of equipment, joint seminars and daily discussions will bring the two disciplines even closer together and promote the exchange of ideas.
Even the architecture of the EUR 24.5 million building with black and white cubes and lots of glass has been designed with interdisciplinary communication in mind: the laboratories are on the north side overlooking Breisacher Straße, while the offices and communication spaces are on the south side, promoting an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas within and between the two centers: the CCI and the CCCF. The artwork incorporated in the building is by artist Ricarda Roggan and was inspired by the 1997 science fiction film Gattaca about genetic engineering.