researchWe create knowledge for people & society
Researching together, working together
For us, research is not an end in itself, but is only valuable if it benefits people, society and the environment. This applies to clinical studies as well as basic and practical research. We emphasise interdisciplinarity and the training of the next generation of scholars.
For a world worth living in
Witten/Herdecke University combines the research of scientists at the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society and the WittenLab. Studium fundamentale future laboratory. In order to be able to tackle the complex problems of our globalised world, we need a professional exchange between different disciplines.
As a university of short distances, we create not only the spatial but also the structural conditions for this. The cooperation between our departments results in interdisciplinary research centres and projects with a strong impact! Examples include projects on health care economics issues or research at the interface between medicine, psychology and nursing, economics and ethics.
We work with strong partners worldwide to conduct socially relevant and globally effective research. We currently have research collaborations with universities and organisations in more than 50 countries.
The fuel for forward-looking, trans-generational scientific practice is not least the promotion of the next generation of scholars. As a university, we support students and graduates with various qualification opportunities, such as PhD programmes, colloquia for doctoral students and research curricula.
Visionaries in economic research
What does sustainable corporate management look like and how can society develop in a socially responsible way? These are the questions addressed by research at the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society. In a constantly changing world, researchers at the chairs and associated independent institutes and centres are dedicated to economic, technological and social change in organisations and society. Among other things, they analyse its influence on entrepreneurship, economic growth and our environment.
Research Economy & Society
At the Faculty of Management Economics, Economics and Society, researchers work across disciplines and cooperate with leading partners from business and society, politics and science.
Projects Economy & Society
The projects in which our scientists shape the economy and society in a sustainable way are as diverse as the research specialisations.
Pioneers in health research
The Faculty of Health at Witten/Herdecke University is committed to integrative and person-centred healthcare (IPGV) in its research. With its four Schools of Medicine, Nursing Science, Psychology and Psychotherapy and Dentistry, the Faculty combines interprofessional, scientific expertise. The research spectrum of our scientists includes essential basic research as well as clinical research and issues relating to the future-oriented medical treatment and care of patients.
Health research
Scientists at the Faculty of Health conduct interdisciplinary research at the interface between laboratory and clinical application.
Health projects
With medical, dental, psychological and nursing science projects, the Faculty of Health aims to make the healthcare system fit for the future.
Building bridges with research
In the WittenLab. Studium fundamentale future laboratory, researchers from various disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, communication, history, art and musicology come together to redefine the concept of research. The WittenLab combines science and art, archives and philosophy, reading and case studies, past knowledge and future scenarios as well as expert and everyday knowledge. Research specialisations include digital arts and cultural mediation, planetary education and the philosophy and history of economics.
Research WittenLab
The WittenLab is a place of innovative science that creates scope for future-oriented forms of knowledge production.
Research areas WittenLab
Projects and real-world laboratories are open to all disciplines and students and create a platform for explorative and transformative research.
Interdisciplinary research
Social change, economic crises and complex healthcare problems do not stop at disciplinary boundaries - and neither do our scientists. The diversity of Witten/Herdecke University and the close proximity of the various departments ensure a strong focus on interdisciplinary research projects. Here at Witten/Herdecke, thinking outside the box is part of our everyday practice.
Research funding
The Research Funding Department is available to scientists from all faculties of Witten/Herdecke University and the affiliated hospitals as a competent and service-orientated point of contact. At the same time, it makes the university's research strengths visible, so that networks with partners from health and industry, science and politics can be expanded and strengthened.
The professional all-round service of our research funding includes information on calls for proposals from national and international research funding organisations, individual advice on ideas and project proposals, support with the formal application process and assistance in negotiating and concluding contracts.
Publications and Open Access Policy
In its mission statement, Witten/Herdecke University has committed itself to assuming social responsibility. We are convinced that scientific knowledge is a social resource that can only realise its full potential if it is available to the public. With our university bibliography, we make science transparent and freely accessible. Our researchers publish relevant research results and findings from subject-specific and interdisciplinary projects in order to promote research beyond university boundaries and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and data.
The UW/H promotes free access to work produced at the university by
- the centralised assumption of costs for publications in open access publication organs of the BMC publishing house.
- a possible assumption of costs for publication organs that offer Open Choice.
- a direct link to the openly accessible university bibliography, which lists the works produced at the UW/H.
- References in the university bibliography to appropriate sources in the event that open access is not possible.
- Constant and up-to-date references to open access publication organs to the scientists of the UW/H.
Scientific career
Shaping a future worth living requires people with curiosity, courage and determination. We are looking for scientists who want to break new ground and make a difference. As a university community, we drive research forward with passion and expertise and offer an inspiring working environment. From doctoral studies and project work to professorships: we support you in shaping your individual academic career.
Good scientific practice
As a university research and training centre, the UW/H attaches particular importance to compliance with the rules of good scientific practice and their communication to students, doctoral students, young scientists and all other persons entrusted with research tasks.
Contact persons
Prof. Dr.
Petra Thürmann
Vice President for Research
Executive Board
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.263
Univ.-Prof. Dr.
Thomas Clauß
Vice Dean for Research
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.054.2
Univ.-Prof. Dr rer. nat.
Florian Kreppel
Vice Dean for Research
Faculty of Health | Vice Dean's Office Research
Stockumer Str. 10
58453 WittenRoom number: 1.42
Univ.-Prof. Dr.
Johannes Michalak
Ombudsperson for good scientific practice
Faculty of Health
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.124a
Univ.-Prof. Dr.
Guido Möllering
Ombudsperson for good scientific practice
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: E.095