Greifswald in focus: Scientists reveal health secrets!

Greifswald in focus: Scientists reveal health secrets!

On July 1st and 2nd, 2025, the Medical Committee of the Science Council visited the University Medical Center in Greifswald. The reason for this information visit was to present the regional approaches to prevention, which were recognized by Europe's oldest science policy advisory body. The committee continued its tour of Finland and the Netherlands. Interdisciplinary research focuses such as the One Health approach were also on the agenda in Greifswald.

Researchers and actors from Western Pomerania-Greifswald presented the variety of prevention projects. These include, among other things, health promotion in kindergarten age, initiatives for pediatric dentistry and approaches to promoting mental health. Prof. Wolfgang Hoffmann, managing director of the Institute for Community Medicine, organized the visit. He emphasized the importance of prevention at the local level.

Focus on One Health

A central theme was the consideration of the One Health approach, which examines the connection between people, animals and the environment. Particularly noteworthy was the “SHIP Next One Health” project, which examines the influence of social contacts between people and dog owners on human health. The exchange with political actors about the challenges and solutions in the region was another important part of the program.

Science Minister Bettina Martin praised the excellent cooperation between research and regional responsibility. Prof. Karlhans Finally pointed out the relevance of SHIP for community and health promotion in the region. The discussions about the role of the University of Greifswald in the context of One Health research showed the close connection between scientific research and practical application in health promotion.

The risks of zoonoses

The One Health approach is becoming increasingly important in light of the challenges posed by zoonoses. Infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans pose a significant threat to public health. Prof. Fabian Leendertz, founding director of the Helmholtz Institute for One Health, discussed risk factors such as biodiversity loss, climate change and globalization. He found that more than 50% of known pathogens in humans are of animal origin, which underlines the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to controlling infectious diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly demonstrated the connections between human and animal health. Globalization and human interference in animal habitats promote the spread of pathogens and increase the risk of future pandemics. Examples such as the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 or the monkeypox virus illustrate the dangers that can arise from zoonotic diseases.

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space supports research into zoonotic diseases and the networking of research and practice to combat pandemics. The One Health approach aims to improve the interactions between the health of people, animals and ecosystems, which is increasingly important in an increasingly connected world.

In this way, the Science Council's visit to Greifswald not only highlighted the importance of regional prevention approaches, but also underlined the increasing relevance of interdisciplinary research in the fight against zoonoses and to promote health at all levels.