TURKIC STUDIESTurkic Studies – a minor subject with major themes
The division of Turkic Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is in a period of transition. A second professor is currently being recruited, and new, independent degree courses will soon be launched. Professor Julian Rentzsch, who was appointed to Mainz University in 2017, is structuring and supervising this process.
LITMUSSearching for effective ways to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Around 20 million people in Germany suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It can cause severe inflammation, cirrhosis of the liver, and even cancer. At present, there is no simple technique to detect NAFLD reliably at an early stage. But this is essential for the development of appropriate new drugs and therapies. The LITMUS research project seeks to make a major contribution in this field: Involving an international consortium, with the Mainz University Medical Center being a key player, the LITMUS network is developing biomarkers that open up new horizons.
NEUROBIOLOGYHow flies and humans see the world
Professor Marion Silies joined the Faculty of Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in early 2019. Here she has been investigating the organization and function of circuits in the visual system of the fruit fly. Her work has already earned her numerous awards.
IMMUNOLOGYTumors and chronic diseases outsmart the immune system
For decades, researchers at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have been doing outstanding work in the field of immunology. In 2017, their work was further enhanced through the establishment of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1292 on "Targeted influencing of the convergent mechanisms of ineffective immunity in cancer and chronic infections". The German Research Foundation (DFG) agreed to fund it to the tune of EUR 9.7 million for an initial period of four years.
TRANSLATIONGerman literature is popular in the Arab World
The year 2019 marks a decade of collaboration between Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and the Kalima section of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi. Together they are working on translating works of German literature into Arabic. A pool of translators was established at the Faculty of Translation Studies, Linguistics, and Cultural Studies (FSTK) in Germersheim, and 142 titles have been successfully produced since then.
JGU INTERNATIONALGerman-Polish success stories
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) has a long tradition of contact and exchange with Poland. For decades now there have been close connections with a number of Polish universities. Groundbreaking collaborations and the unique JGU Poland Fellowship are examples of the special relationship with this European neighbor. Adam Seredynski came to Mainz in 2006 as part of a double degree program between SGH Warsaw and JGU – and he ended up staying a bit longer than expected.
BRINGING THE PAST TO LIGHTNuclear physics and cuneiform studies working hand in hand
Doris Prechel, Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Philology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), and Professor Frank Maas of the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM) have teamed up to throw light on the past. With the help of state-of-the-art analytical devices developed for use in physics, they are busy deciphering thousand-year-old cuneiform tablets. The two researchers now presented the initial results of their cooperation in an exhibition.
EU PROJECT REIRESNew religious research network
Twelve renowned European institutions are participating in the EU project "Research Infrastructure on Religious Studies" (ReIReS). Its aim is to promote and network the exchange of religious knowledge and research. Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is part of the cooperation. Talmud expert Leor Jacobi from Israel will use his ReIReS scholarship to investigate the Yom Kippur ritual of the medieval Jewish community in Mainz.
SCHOPENHAUER RESEARCH CENTERA philosopher not suitable for a university curriculum?
For a long time, it was the only academic institution at a German university dedicated to the study of Arthur Schopenhauer and today it is still the best place to go for anyone wanting to know more about the philosopher. The Schopenhauer Research Center was founded in 2001 by Professor Matthias Koßler at the Philosophy Department of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU).
CROSS BORDERSStudent project supports refugees
In 2014, students of the Faculty of Translation Studies, Linguistics, and Cultural Studies at JGU's Germersheim campus founded the Cross Borders project. The idea was to use language courses and a variety of recreational activities to help refugees find their way in Germany. Over the years to come there were a number of changes, but the core idea remained: Cross Borders sees itself as a student project that is not only for refugees but also aims to involve them.