Making optical precision instruments quickly and inexpensively using additive production methods such as 3D printing: what sounds like a vision is the aim of the research partnership Phoenix-D. Scientists in mechanical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer science and chemistry are working together on the simulation, fabrication and application of optical systems. Up to now, optical glass lenses and the surrounding frames have been made in several stages - often by hand. In the research partnership, experts from a wide range of disciplines are working on a digitalised manufacturing system that can produce individualised products.

Why do bacteria and viruses harm some people seriously and hardly affect others? How can infections be better prevented, diagnosed and treated in an individually tailored manner? The scientists and clinicians of the new Cluster of Excellence RESIST want to answer these questions – and thus help people with a weakened immune system. Particularly affected are, for example, newborns and seniors, people with an inborn immunodeficiency and patients whose immune system is suppressed for therapeutic reasons or who are carriers of implants.

Can everyone hear? A large part of everyday life is not accessible to deaf and hearing impaired people. Within the scope of the Hearing4all research cluster, Hannover Medical School’s Hearing Centre explores hearing-related, cutting-edge technologies and develops new diagnostic procedures and treatments for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Innovative implants are becoming increasingly important. In Hanover, researchers from the fields of medicine, natural sciences, and engineering rely on transdisciplinarity. They join forces to develop safe and infection-resistant cardiovascular, cochlear, orthopaedic, and dental implants. This all takes place along the “Science Line” at the heart of research location Hanover.