Infrastructure

The C-I-R-C infrastructure consists of a variety of facilities

Multiscale Imaging Platforms

Platforms/ Resources/ FacilitiesInstitutions
CBBS Imaging CenterOtto von Guericke University Magdeburg,
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases,
Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg
German Ultra High Field Imaging (GUFI)Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg
Biomagnetic CenterUniversity Hospital Jena
MR-PET & Cyclotrone, 7T MR & 7T MR-Connectome (DZNE)Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg,
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases,
Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg
3T Prisma MR ScannerOtto von Guericke University Magdeburg,
University Hospital Jena,
Martin-Luther-University Halle
CetramedUniversity Hospital Jena
Abbe Center Of PhotonicsFriedrich-Schiller University Jena
Combinatorial Neuroimaging Core FacilityLeibniz-Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg

Clinical Translation Platforms

InstitutionsPlatforms/ Resources/ Facilities
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg,
University Hospital Jena,
Martin-Luther-University Halle
Centers for clinical studies
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg,
University Hospital Jena,
Martin-Luther-University Halle
Patient care facilities
University Hospital JenaInterdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research
University Hospital JenaIntegrated Research and Treatment Centers
Otto von Guericke University MagdeburgCenter for Neuroscientific Innovation and Technology (Zenit)

Animal Facilities

Platforms/ Resources/ FacilitiesInstitutions
Central Animal Facilities: Medical FacultiesOtto von Guericke University Magdeburg,
University Hospital Jena
Leibniz Animal Facilities: Fly To Primates, Gnotobiotic MiceLeibniz-Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg,
Leibniz-Hans-Knöll-Institute

Biobanks, Databank Registries, Cohorts

InstitutionsPlatforms/ Resources/ Facilities
University Hospital JenaCertified Integrated Biobank
Otto von Guericke University MagdeburgPsychiatric Brain Bank
Leibniz-Hans-Knöll-InstituteJena Microbial Resource Collection
Martin-Luther-University HalleNAKO
Otto von Guericke University MagdeburgGerman Trauma Cohort
Martin-Luther-University HalleLöwenkids Cohorts
Otto von Guericke University MagdeburgPost Inflammation Cohorts
University Hospital JenaMid-German Sepsis Cohorts

C-I-R-C Expertise in the Field of IT-Health

C-I-R-C will contribute to more harmonized and integrated activities across the partner institutions.

Two central topics are a) the set-up of a data security task force across the different institutes and universities and b) to write a data protection plan for the C-I-R-C sites building on previous experiences for both the Medical Informatics Initiative and the Netzwerk Universitätsmedizin.

Central aim of the Medical Informatics Initiative is to harness innovative IT solutions to enhance research and patient care.

This infrastructure is completed by the unique resources and research support from the partnering Helmholtz/German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute for Data Science, where analytical and high throughput computational cores are provided.

These solutions should enable the sharing and utilization of data, gained from healthcare and from clinical and biomedical research, across multiple entities and sites.

Additionally, the initiative strengthens medical informatics in research, education and skills development. All three sites are in the process of establishing data integration centers (DIC), with the DIC Jena and Halle sites belonging to the SMITH consortium and Magdeburg belong to the MIRACUM consortium.

C-I-R-C would leverage the individual strengths of the consortia and contribute to their even better integration.

As part of the EU-DeepHealth project, which offers a unique platform for exploiting complex pattern in large biomedical datasets, e.g. using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, we coordinate the use cases for mental health.

By establishing a Citizen Science Lab we also aim to make our science public and understandable to the community.

Our broad activities related to the IT-Health and Health Data Science cover multiple areas.

Academic Institutes at the Medical Faculties

Area of WorkFaculties
IMEBI (Halle) provides methodological research platforms in a broad field of applications. It includes dedicated group on “Biometrics and Clinical Trials”. It collaborates with two newly established junior research groups: Junior Research Group “Biomedical Data Science” and
Junior Research Group “Digital Research Methods in the Medicine”.
Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI)
IMSID (Jena) provides methodological consultations as well as method development and implementation. It includes three cooperating groups: „Medical Data Sciences“, „Medical Statistics and Epidemiology“ and „Medical Informatics“.Institute of Medical Statistics, Computer Sciences and Data Science (IMSID)
The IBMI (Magdeburg) is one of ten members of the MIRACUM network. It provides an image-data base module for research. IBMI has also founded a data integration center to support the transfer of clinical routine data for research. The IBMI has also research focus on experimental MRI including high-field 7T MR imaging and human brain interfaces, as well as profound knowledge in neuroimaging software packages.
The IBMI has expertise on statistical analysis of high-dimensional and multivariate data.
Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics (IBMI)

Bioinformatics, Computational Biology & Systems Medicine

InstitutionArea of Work
IMEBIIMEBI specializes in computational and digital epidemiology, with projects bridging to applications in biology and system medicine. One of the epidemiological research foci of IMEBI is microbiome research.
Jena Center for BioinformaticsA networking platform bundling the expertise of 30 research groups specialized in computational biology and bioinformatics. Research evolves around data analysis in the field of molecular communication processes and comprises of the areas genome analysis and alternative splicing, structural biology, biology networks, systems biology, and algorithms for computational biology and bioinformatics. Moreover, microbiome data management are addressed by platforms of the CRC infrastructure (e.g. SEEK platform of the CRC/TR 124 FungiNet).

Clinical Trials Centers

Area of WorkCenters
The ZKS is member of the “Network of the Coordinating Centers for Clinical Trials” (KKS-N). It offers qualified advice and methodological support for all aspects of clinical studies and organizes courses and training programs on regulatory, organizational and methodological principles.Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS Halle / Jena)
The Center for Clinical Studies of the OvGU is member of the „Network of Coordinating Centers for Clinical Trials” (KKS-Network). It is affiliated to the Dean`s office and coordinates an internal network for different functions. It offers qualified advice and methodological support for all regulatory aspects of clinical studies. Statistical support and GCP-conform data handling is provided by the IBMI. Training courses on regulatory, organizational and methodological principles are provided by a close cooperation between KKS and IBMI. The IBMI has also implemented a Trustee to handle data security measures for research data.Center for Clinical Studies of the OvGU

Telemedicine and Roll-out Activities

CentersArea of Work
Translational region for digitized healthcareMLU is hosting the TGD project of the BMBF “Translationsregion für digitalisierte Gesundheitsversorgung“ within the “Innovation and structural transformation / WIR!” funding scheme, Halle University Hospital is responsible for roll-out of telemedicine in the Innovationsfond Project TeleKasper,which includes teleconsultation of regional hospitals in the area of pediatric infectious diseases. IMEBI is establishing an electronic Regional Registry for Myocardial Infarction (eRHESA), connecting all cardiology units in Saxony-Anhalt and a registry for ambulatory health care BeoNet-Halle.
WeCaRE networkJUH has recently received BMBF funding to build up a roll-out WeCaRE network for within the “Innovation and structural transformation / WIR!” funding scheme and the project DISTANCE within the “Digitale FortschrittsHubs Gesundheit”– parts of this work builds on previous practical experience from the SATELIT teleconsultation service for hospitals in Thuringia.

Cooperating Computer Science Departments and Big Data Centers

Area of WorkCenters
Institute for Informatics, working group Bioinformatics (head: Prof. Dr. Große), collaboration with IMEBI in the area of computational epidemiologyBioinformatics
The main focus of the institute lies on finding solutions for the new challenges of the digitalization era. Research is being conducted in topics related to Data Management, Secure Digital Systems and Citizen Science (head: Prof. Denzler). Interdisciplinary interaction between medical and psychological sciences with data science is realized through the Michael Stifel Center Jena for Data-Driven & Simulation Science, which aims at promoting the interdisciplinary research and teaching in the field of data-driven and simulation based sciences in Jena.DLR Institute for Data Science
Cooption of director of the IBMI with the faculty of informaticsIBMI

Specialized Teaching Curricula in Medical Informatics

CurriculaArea of Work
B.Sc. “Applied Informatics”For this 180 ECTS program, the Medical Faculty Jena contributes 60 ECTS through the application subject “Medical Data Science”. These courses are also offered as a minor for B.Sc. and M.Sc. students in “Mathematics” and “Informatics”.
M.Sc. “Computational and Data Sciences”Four semester (120 ECTS) program offered by the Faculty of Mathematics & Computer Science Jena which covers topics such as scientific computing, computational informatics, and data science.
Jena Medical SchoolDigital literacy modules in the profile lines (JENOS) and the standard curricular of medical students; in addition contributions to the M.Sc. “Medical Photonics” / “Molecular Medicine” / “eHealth and Communication” that address important medical informatics learning objectives.
SupervisionFaculty of Informatics OvGU: Cooption of director of the IBMI with the faculty of informatics to supervise bachelor, master and PhD projects.
Medical StatisticsFaculty of Mathematics: IBMI offers one course in Medical Statistics in the Mathematical faculty of the OvGU.
M.Sc. ImmunologyIBMI provides courses in Medical statistics and data science.

Psychotechnology in Middle Germany

We have developed an industry cluster with a focus on „psychotechnology“ – (PsychTech cluster). Through cooperation of companies in the region of Saxony-Anhalt (in cooperation with Thuringia), supervised and coordinated by the network INNOMED e.V., psychotechnologies are developed and offered on the market. This enables the development of a completely new business field, where no expensive „high-tech“ device development is necessary, but existing technology (internet, media and digital offers, small devices) is researched, tested and marketed for the new market of mental health. We follow the principle „low tech – high concept“.

These new psychotechnologies not only help employees of our local clinics, but also the population and economy of middle Germany. In the PsychTech cluster, digital offerings for health promotion are screened, tested (both technically and clinically), and implemented. Technology-oriented companies in medical and health technology will find suitable business fields here.

In Saxony-Anhalt, there is already a critical mass of relevant companies, such as Celloon GmbH, Hasomed GmbH, neotiv GmbH, silver seed UG, SAVIR GmbH, or Pixelmad Studios UG. In addition, several research institutions are doing research in this field such as the Leibnitz Institute of Neurbiology, DZNE, OVGU, and Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences.

The PsychTech cluster has a unique selling point in Germany – and Europe-wide – and benefits from a critical mass of existing research institutions that research and teach on the topic of „mental health“ in Saxony-Anhalt. In addition, universities in Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia will be a focal point for academic research and technology transfer in the future and with that new solutions can reach the general population.

Synergies between existing companies are created via the Psychotech cluster and developed through new R&D projects. In particular, technology and service-based (service) business models are developed and implemented here. The very well-positioned location of Magdeburg and the Middle States of Germany with their neuroscientific, psychological and psychotherapeutic institutions and their networks in the international professional scene offers an excellent basis for technology innovation to enhance mental health of our citizens.

The Project will be established as an Innovation platform within a new National Center for Mental Health. IPP will create a hub for the close collaboration between the different research groups of the existing partners (Universities, LIN, DZNE) and the new DZPG-member. The goal is to evaluate existing and to develop new psychotechnologies, and to offer a knowledge-base for clinical and regulatory evaluations with the goal to evaluate the existing marked and develop new products.  In this way, we ascertain that new discoveries can be translated to the clinical and/or public domains.  

Psychotechnologies include different means of how digital and technological solutions can be used to help to maintain, or regain mental health. The following types of products and service, most of which use digital technologies are of interest: APP-development of psychotherapy and life-style management, diagnostic and training-technologies, neuromodulation using invasive and non-invasive brain current stimulation, biofeedback and neuroimaging, brain computer interface, and online-medical consulting for psychological topics.

An Infrastructure will be developed that supports the following: radar for regional, national and international funding schemes; intellectual property and patent application; innovation and start-up consulting, corporate relations, market evaluation and market entry, privat equity and financing, business and management skill workshops, entrepreneurship.

Activities will be coordinated by existing network structures, including InnoMed and TTI

Current commercial and innovation centers relevant in the field of Psychotechnology (Pt. 1/2):

CentersArea of Work
Celloon GmbHCelloon develops and commercializes mobile device for digital business solutions with projects in the health and medical space.
delphi GmbHDelphi GmbH develops innovative health services and evolves them to clinical application, evaluates out-patient project and prepares scientific expert evaluations.
Hasomed GmbHManufacturer of evidence-based computer-supported cognitive rehabilitation techniques. With its 140 employees, Hasomed is a worldwide leader in cognitive neurorehabilitation, represented internationally with products in 20 languages. Their products will shortly be ready for world-wide launch to market and will be the only product approved as a medical device.
Health- und IT-Campus GmbH & Co. KGHealth + IT Campus to serve as an Innovation Hub for medical and health technologies in middle Germany with a special focus on health psychology products.
InnoMed, Netzwerk für Medizintechnik Sachsen-Anhalt e.VInnomed is an association, which represents enterprises in the health and medical technology space located in Saxony-Anhalt. It connects industry partners and consults them how to transfer ideas and research results to marketable products.
NeomentoNeomento aims to solve pressing issues in the treatment of mental health problems. By combining cutting-edge virtual environment technology with objective physiological markers and real-time data analyses techniques, neomento provides a precise, personalized, time and cost-efficient therapeutic approach.
neotiv GmbHDevelops innovative cognitive tests embedded in a digital platform for flexible research and healthcare solutions. Main use for Alzheimer-research and gaming-based online tests for the early detection of Alzheimer Disease.

Current commercial and innovation centers relevant in the field of Psychotechnology (Pt. 2/2):

Area of WorkCenters
World leader (70% international market share) in the manufacturing and sales of EEGs and neuromodulation technologies using non-invasive brain stimulators.neuroConn – neuroCare
Development of online games in a real environment to train cognitive functions using computer technology for real-life simulation with high motivation potential.PIXELMAD STUDIOS UG
World leader in vision restoration technology using neuromodulation with non-invasive microcurrent stimulation. Develops, tests, and markets methods to restore vision in patients with vision loss due to visual disorders caused by nervous system damage. Neuromodulation is relevant for both ophthalmological and neurological disorders.SAVIR-GmbH
Develops and offers online-courses based on cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.Selfapy
Development of individualized IT-System solutions with a focus on the development of serious games for cognitive testing und training.Silver Seed Games UG
Webdesigner, CMS-developer and homepage-Programming of software for clinical and non-clinical studies: studioMED+ – Advanced Clinical Study Information System.studio.201 software GmbH
Brain jogging/ brain training for „Fitness in your brain”, available in four languages.Synaptikon GmbH – Neuronation
App development for the mining and data collection of adverse medical and psychological events in drugs and incompatibilities with allergens.Whatsin

Schematic of the Innovation-Hub for Psychotechnology

For more information see: https://innomed-sachsen-anhalt.de/innovation-platform-psychotechnology-ipp