Hamburg's research giants: UKE joins PIER PLUS!
The PIER PLUS research network in Hamburg promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between universities and research institutions.

Hamburg's research giants: UKE joins PIER PLUS!
Interdisciplinary collaboration in science has become increasingly important in recent years. One of the latest developments in the field of research in Hamburg is the PIER PLUS research network, which promotes cooperation between universities and non-university research institutions. The association recently added the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) as its 23rd member. This is a significant step for the city's research landscape uni-hamburg.de reported.
PIER PLUS was founded in 2019 and has experienced continuous growth since then. The network aims to strengthen various research profiles and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. The UKE will be active in six research profiles and four common fields of action, particularly in the areas of PIER health and infection. To this end, the network bundles research into infectious diseases and their treatment.
Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren, President of the University of Hamburg, emphasizes how essential cooperative and interdisciplinary research approaches are. These methods make it possible to bring together knowledge and techniques from different disciplines. This allows complex scientific questions to be addressed more effectively. Prof. Dr. Christian Gerloff, Medical Director of the UKE, reiterates the UKE's support for the goals and projects of PIER PLUS.
The funding of these research activities is part of a strategic partnership between the University of Hamburg and DESY, which focuses on both research and further education. High-quality training programs for young scientists as well as support for inter-institutional research projects are offered, as can be seen from the information from pier-hamburg.de emerges.
Interdisciplinarity as the key to success
The advantages of interdisciplinary collaboration are manifold. They enable access to different perspectives and the combination of specialist knowledge, which often leads to innovative solutions that would be impossible in purely specialist disciplines. An example of effective interdisciplinary collaboration is the Human Genome Project, which was successful by integrating biology, computer science and other disciplines. Such approaches can also be observed in current projects of the PIER PLUS network, where significant progress is being made by combining expertise in areas such as infection biology and structural biology.
Creating clear communication structures and setting common goals are crucial factors for the chances of success of such interdisciplinary projects. Loud drfranke.de These aspects are fundamental to avoid misunderstandings and maximize collaboration efficiency.
In conclusion, it can be said that with the inclusion of the UKE, the PIER PLUS research network has taken a further step towards pioneering and effective interdisciplinary research in Hamburg. Strengthening such networks is crucial to addressing the health challenges that society will face in the coming years.