News
January
Award for Best Poster goes to Camilla!
Camilla Mussoni has won the “Award for Best Poster” at the Alpine Winter School for Biofabrication in Radstadt (Austria) organised by the TU Vienna for her work on a glomerular filtration barrier model. Congratulations, Camilla!
December
Replace. Reduce. Refine – approaches to minimize and avoid animal testing
As part of the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), we are committed to these so-called 3R goals. The IFB team is significantly involved in the organization of the 1st International Conference of the Würzburg Initiative 3R (WI3R) to engage in scientific exchange on the topic and to inform about possible approaches to minimize or avoid animal experiments. If you would like to become part of the initiative or are interested in the topic, please take part in the symposium, and join us in June 2024 in Würzburg.
October
Science Week at FMZ
Pupils from the Martin-Pollich Gymnasium in Mellrichstadt have been successfully working on the topic of “Magnesium phosphates as the future of bone replacement” as part of their school’s Science Week at FMZ, using methods such as cement synthesis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and mechanical testing.
From left to right: Paul Otto (PhD Student), Tom Lochner, Daniel Gbureck, Felix Baumeister, Justus Fuchs, Julius Dehnel, Prof. Uwe Gbureck
Jürgen Groll – appointed Ordinary Member in the German Academy of Science and Engineering
The German Academy of Science and Engineering, acatech, is pleased to introduce its 22 newly appointed scientific members, among whom is Jürgen Groll, the SFB/TRR 225 Speaker. These experts have accepted the role as members of acatech, an honorary position, to provide their scientific knowledge and insights to advise on various technology, policy, and societal matters.
The selection of these 10 female and 12 male scientists is a recognition of their exceptional contributions to research and their strong reputation in their respective fields. Their areas of expertise cover a wide range of disciplines, including quantum research, engineering, and the fundamental questions of technology sciences. This diverse knowledge will strengthen acatech’s ability to offer comprehensive guidance on matters related to innovation.
Jan Wörner, President of acatech, warmly welcomes the new academy members and expresses gratitude for their acceptance. “The unanimous vote from our assembly underscores the caliber these scientists bring to our mission of providing evidence-based advice to shape policies and societies. The challenges in research and innovation continue to grow, and I am deeply thankful to both the new and already active members for their dedicated engagement in acatech.”
Notably, the inclusion of Jürgen Groll as an Ordinary Member in the German Academy of Science and Engineering reflects his outstanding contributions to the field. He is a professor at the University of Würzburg, holding the Chair for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry. His research focuses on areas such as biofabrication, regenerative materials, and polymeric biomaterials.
An achievement worth noting is the remarkable gender diversity among the new acatech members, with over 45 percent being women. This surpasses acatech’s goal outlined in its gender equality action plan, which aimed for a minimum of 30 percent female representation in the nominations for new acatech members.
September
Fantastic Five: Recap of FMZ’s Hiking Event from Poppenhausen to Mellrichstadt
On September 9th, FMZ member Uwe and Csaba organized a memorable hiking event covering approximately 50 kilometers from Poppenhausen to Mellrichstadt. While the group was small, it was a day filled with camaraderie and beautiful landscapes.
After the hike, they gathered at “Holzwurm,” a local pub, for a well-deserved celebration. Cold beers and good company provided the perfect ending to our day.
While the group may have been small, the memories and experiences they shared were priceless. We look forward to more adventures with our FMZ community in the future.
Chemistry Summer School: A Journey for Aspiring Scholars with FMZ
From September 6th to September 8th, 2023, the Chemistry Summer School at the University of Würzburg, in collaboration with FMZ, provided a unique opportunity to high school students interested in chemistry. Over three days, participants explored the fascinating world of chemistry, delving into various fields such as functional materials, food chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. The program included engaging lectures, laboratory tours, and hands-on experiments, with the added expertise of FMZ. It was a valuable experience for these budding scholars, offering insights into chemistry and helping them make informed decisions about their future academic pursuits.
July
FMZ Retreat
Congratulations Ali!
On 20 July 2023 Ali Nadernezhad defended his PhD thesis “Engineering approaches in biofabrication of vascularized structures.” Well done!
June
Congratulations Jan!
On 19 June 2023 Jan Weichold defended his PhD thesis “Injectable calcium phosphate-based bone replacement cements.” Well done!
Our “Betriebsausflug” in Iphofen
15.06.23 – Our recent betriebsausflug in Iphofen was a day filled with fun, exploration, and team bonding.
A highlight of our day was the visit to the Knaufmuseum. We had the chance to explore exhibitions featuring oriental jewelry and 3D-mounted art from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, and South America. It was a fascinating cultural experience that enriched our outing.
In the afternoon, we headed to a local winery, where we indulged in wine tasting and savored regional cuisine. The wines and food were a delightful reflection of Iphofen’s character, making it a perfect setting for our team to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Our betriebsausflug in Iphofen was a memorable day, filled with cultural exploration and team bonding. It provided an opportunity for our team to relax and connect in a beautiful Bavarian setting. Iphofen turned out to be an excellent choice for our company outing, leaving us with lasting memories.
March
Topping out ceremony for the CPL
6 March – In his ceremonial address, Science Minister Markus Blume said: “At the topping-out ceremony for the new research building for the Center of Polymers for Life, it is once again clear that Bavaria’s oldest university is moving at full speed towards excellence. The CPL raises polymer research to a new level.”
(Pictures: Staatliches Bauamt Würzburg)
January
Congratulations Philipp!
27 January – Philipp Stahlhut has successfully passed his doctoral exam at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy. Our best congratulations!
Congratulations Kristina!
18 January – Kristina Andelovic has defended her dissertation and graduated with a final grade of 1.0 – summa cum laude. Congratulations!
December
20 and 21 December – Two more doctorates: Congratulations to Franziska Weigl and Leonard Forster on successfully defending their dissertations!
15 December – Our first live Christmas party in years!
We had great food and drinks with lots of homemade specialties, games, a review of the year in pictures, a Sing Star competition and much more.
14 December – Congratulations to Junwen Shan on successfully passing her doctoral exam!
October
28 October – We are pleased to announce that Jürgen Groll has been elected as a new member of the National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech).
September
28 September – Congratulations to Jürgen Groll for receiving the renowned ISBF Senior Investigator Award 2022! (Photo: Award Ceremony in Pisa)
Matthias Ryma has received several awards for his dissertation: The DGBM Award for outstanding scientific dissertations, the Bavarian Culture Award (“Kulturpreis Bayern“) in the category “Universities” (pictured), which honors the best doctoral theses at Bavarian universities, and the Doctorate Award of the “Unterfränkische Gedenkjahrstiftung” for outstanding dissertations. Congratulations!
July
20 July – We chose the hottest day of the year for our team outing. Surprisingly, the wine tasting in Eibelstadt was a lot of fun anyway.
June
22 June – Congratulations to Annika Seifert on successfully passing her doctoral exam!
15 June – Dr. Tomasz Jüngst has been appointed Junior Professor for Bioprinting at the University of Würzburg. Congratulations!
1 June – Congratulations to Ib Holzmeister on successfully passing his doctoral exam!
May
29 May – Prof. Groll finishes Würzburg Half Marathon in personal best time. Congratulations!
16-18 May – FMZ Retreat
10 May – Lecture by visiting scientist Gabriela Graziani (Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy): “Biomimetic 3D models of bone for orthopaedic oncology: a combination of 3D printing, 3D bioprinting and nanostructured materials”
(Photo: Dr. Gabriela Graziani with Prof. Uwe Gbureck)
April
Prof. Uwe Gbureck and Dr. Katrin Hurle from the GeoZentrum Nordbayern-Mineralogy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg recieved funding from the DFG on the topic „Interaction mechanisms of medical drugs with calcium phosphate cements for use as pharmacologically active bone substitutes“. Congratulations!
March
25 March – Prof. Groll speaks at the Achilles Retreat hosted by Prof. Docheva: “MEW-based approaches for scaffolds with relevance to tendon regeneration”
November
The German Research Foundation has extended funding for the Collaborative Research Center SFB/TRR 225.
The decision recognizes the excellent research that the SFB/TRR 225 has achieved in the first funding period. Based on the biofabrication expertise existing at the sites in Würzburg, Bayreuth and Erlangen, this Collaborative Research Center has established a sustainable center of excellence with a leading international role.
Oktober
25 October: Groundbreaking ceremony for the “Center of Polymers for Life” at the Hubland Campus
Prof. Groll: “The research building in Würzburg will form the infrastructural basis for an internationally unique interdisciplinary research center. Under the guiding principle of applied polymer research for life sciences, the CPL will open up pioneering research perspectives for functional biomaterials and biofabrication in Würzburg.”
Congratulations to Matthias Ryma on successfully passing his doctoral exam!
September
Congratulations to our ISBF 2021 Award Winners:
Ezgi Bakirci – ISBF Young Scientist Award
and Johannes Braig – ISBF Best Poster Presentation
August
Congratulations to Franziska Weigl: Best Poster Award at the MC2021 Microscopy Conference!
July
The Committee on State Budget and Financial Affairs of the Bavarian State Parliament granted the official building permission for the CPL (Center of Polymers for Life) research building at the University of Würzburg, which is unique in Germany, in its meeting on July 14, 21. The four-story building, which will cost around €30 million, will be financed in equal parts by the federal government and the state of Bavaria. Starting in 2024, the building will house approximately 80 coworkers on 1000 m2 of laboratory space and 500 m2 of office space, which will be used by researchers from a wide range of disciplines (chemistry, medicine, materials science, biology, computer science and engineering). The goal is to make 3D printing useful not only for medical device technology, but also for the build up of living human tissues. Construction will begin this year with an official groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 25th and will be completed in just under three years.
June
Interview with Prof. Groll, published on the website “Research in Bavaria” of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts: He talks about Würzburg as a research location for biofabrication, the newly founded Institute for Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB) and the planned Center of Polymers for Life (CPL).
17 June: Symposium led by Prof. Groll: “3D printing: What medical professionals expect – questions from everyday clinical practice”.
“Biomaterials and Biofabrication: Design, Engineering and Innovation”: The University of Bayreuth offers Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the international online learning platform edX. Prof. Groll contributes as an expert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ad5kZ6r5vM
May
Congratulations to Sonja Horvath on successfully passing her doctoral exam!
April
Technical regulation for bioprinting:
Prof. Jürgen Groll and Dr. Hanna Hartmann (NMI Reutlingen) have taken over the chairmanship of the newly founded VDI Guideline Committee 5708. The committee aims to define standards and norms for the devices and bio-inks used in the research field of bioprinting.
March
Congratulations to Florian Pinzner and Almoatazbellah Youssef on successfully passing their doctoral exams!
February
Prof. Gbureck and Prof. Kübler from the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery recieved funding from the DFG on the topic “Mineral bone adhesives with isocyanate modified prepolymers as adhesion promoters”. Congratulations!
We congratulate the dentists Melissa Jung and Sandra Hinderer (doctoral supervisor Prof. Gbureck, respectively) on their successfully completed doctoral examination.
January
PhD training in communication and (self)-leading: Current workshop-process from Jan. – June 2021
ZEIT Campus, January 2021
: Top level research in Bavaria: The “Center of Polymers for Life”, which is being built in Würzburg, is part of the federal state’s outstanding research infrastructure.
December
During the last years the FMZ and the Hartmann AG had a cooperation to develop hydrogel based wound dressings. Now Hartmann launched a new product this year (HydroTac transparent) where we were involved in the developing process. This product is now also ready for approval by the MDA (Medical Device Autority) and FDA.
November
Prof. Dalton has received the research promotion prize of the Vogel Foundation, worth €25,000. Congratulations!
Main Post, 12.11.2020
October
Interview with Prof. Groll about the new research building CPL:
Main Post, 26.10.2020
November
Ib Holzmeister and Jan Weichhold win poster prices for FMZ at the 31st Bioceramics Conference in New Orleans:
FMZ participates in EU-funded joint project BRAVƎ:
BRAVƎ is an international research initiative aimed at the regeneration of heart tissue after a heart attack. The project brings together the latest scientific and technological advances in bioengineering or regenerative medicine such as 3D printing, biomaterials, and stem cells, as well as computational modelling to fabricate a biological device able to pump alongside a damaged heart, thus providing functional support.
Under the leadership of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra (Spain) and together with twelve other European institutions, the FMZ is co-operating in the project financed by the EU Horizon 2020 Programme with a total of €8M.
October
September
August
FMZ at ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting and Exposition in San Diego
July
FMZ retreat in Oberelsbach
June
7th June: The FMZ congratulates Michaela Rödel for the successful defence of her Doctoral thesis!
“Development of Dual Setting Cement Systems as Composite Biomaterials with Ductile Properties”
May
Biofabrication: New Resarch Center
The University of Würzburg plans to build a “Center of Polymers for Life (CPL)“. Rating the new project as excellent, the German Council of Science and Humanities has recommended its implementation. The new building is set to be located on the JMU Hubland campus on a 1,570 square metre plot next to the Center of Chemistry and is estimated to cost around EUR 23 million plus another four million euros for large appliances and the initial equipment. Construction is expected to begin in 2020 and to be completed in 2024.