Virtual Institute HICE

Complex Molecular Systems in Environmental Health

The Helmholtz Virtual Institute HICE (Helmholtz Virtual Institute of Complex Molecular Systems in Environmental Health – Aerosols and Health) works on a better understanding of the negative effects of anthropogenic aerosols on human health. The Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, the University of Rostock and a large number of national and international partners cooperate in HICE.

Motivation

Ambient aerosols are known to cause considerable health effects: The average loss of life expectancy in Germany due to respiratory diseases and lung malfunctions attributable to particles is about nine to twelve months. Although the health importance of aerosols is well known, there’s still a lack of knowledge on the question which aerosol fraction or property is responsible for the observed health effect. This research gap is addressed by HICE.

Scientific Objectives

• Elucidate the molecular mechanisms of combustion aerosols as a possible factor affecting human health
• Identify biomarkers for exposure and health effects
• Establish a long-term research initiative for the investigation of the causes and mechanisms of environmentally influenced diseases

Structure

The research on this complex topic in environmental health benefits from the expertise and contributions from various scientific disciplines, including analytical chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, medicine, engineering and informatics. The HICE consortium consists of European top scientists, non-university research institutions and commercial business partners with complementary expertise and up-to-date technology. The Helmholtz Virtual Institute HICE represents a perfect instrument for building and strengthening this strategic partnership.

The interdisciplinary research is structured in four interrelated work packages. Work package I focuses on the characterisation of aerosols. This knowledge is used for exposure experiments and analysis of biological effects in work packages II and III. Work package IV performs the bioinformatical data analysis and data compilation.

More Informations: http://www.hice-vi.eu/