Research
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg - whilst being committed to freedom in research and teaching - grapples with a diverse range of both national and global social challenges. These include technical, health-related and ecological matters, but ethical, cultural, social and economic problems are also the subject of systematic scientific observation, contextualisation, concept development and reflection. Scientists and academics from the University of Magdeburg aim, with their expertise and awareness of their responsibilities, to contribute to expert understanding, purposeful solutions and solution optimisation as well as to responsible assessments and decisions that are relevant to society as a whole. Alongside the key areas in fundamental and applied research and research transfer, the University defines additional areas in which it seeks to achieve excellence across disciplines.
How the ice floes move at the poles
The mathematician Dr. Carolin Mehlmann from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is developing a new numerical model that will more reliably simulate and predict the precise movement and dimensions of sea ice at both poles. On an expedition to the North Pole in August, she will test the validity of her new calculation method.
AI deployed in the war on pedophilia
Information technologists at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg have developed an AI-based app to enable people with pedophilic tendencies to make use of initial consultations and remote treatment anonymously and with their identity concealed. By deploying this technology on the user’s device, therapists will be unable to recognize either the voice or the way of speaking of the caller but will still be able to hear all of the emotional expression and personality of the person seeking help that is needed for clinical diagnostic assessment. The people affected, who may not have contacted counseling services before due to shame or fear of social marginalization, will thus be granted access to preventative support.
3D-printed thorax for training purposes
Engineers and physicians at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg have jointly developed an educational and training model for operations in the human thoracic cavity. In future, the model, which has been created from real patient data using a 3D printer, will be used both in the teaching of students and in thoracic surgery as a realistic training model for surgeons.
New treatments in the pipeline for severe cases of Covid-19?
Scientists from the Institute of Biology at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg are to research the causes and molecular mechanisms of severe cases of COVID-19 over the next three years. In a research project that has recently been awarded 500,000 euros by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the scientists from the Department of Systems Biology at the University of Magdeburg alongside colleagues from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig will, under laboratory conditions, investigate the factors leading to the serious vascular damage associated with severe cases of COVID-19 and thus forge ahead with novel approaches to treatment.
How man and machine get along
Anyone who has ever had to operate a copier knows that the interaction between human and machine is not always an easy. So it's no wonder that scientists are intensively dealing with this topic and researching how to improve the interaction between humans and technology. At the University of Magdeburg, too, there are numerous research projects dealing with this challenge. In September, the university will even host an international conference on the topic. Prof. Andreas Nürnberger from the Faculty of Computer Science and Dan Verständig from the Faculty of Humanities explain the background.