On 28 and 29 August 2025, Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) celebrated a notable anniversary: 55 years of biochemistry studies in Hannover. It began with a visionary idea 60 years ago and has since developed into an integral part of the academic scene.
Anniversary celebration in the Welfenschloss' atrium
The two-day celebrations began at the MHH, followed by the second day of events in the historic atrium of the Welfenschloss at the LUH. Participants were welcomed to the scientific symposium by Prof. Dr. Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner, President of the MHH, and Prof. Dr. Jutta Papenbrock, Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Numerous graduates from the diploma, bachelor's and master's programmes in biochemistry in Hanover, as well as students and current and former lecturers, attended the event. Scientific presentations by alumni and current lecturers provided insights into various fields of research within the discipline. The junior research group of the Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Junior-GBM) organised a poster session and provided the perfect setting for academic exchange, culminating in the award for the best poster presentation, which went to Daniel Marke for his work on ‘Multi-scale modelling of ebselen binding to inositol monophosphatase’.
Biochemistry success story: a joint venture
Fifty-five years ago, the biochemistry degree programme was officially introduced as one of the first programmes of its kind in Germany. With the change in the study system as part of the Bologna Process, the Bachelor of Science in biochemistry was established in 2006 and the Master of Science in 2008. This change played a crucial part in making the degree programmes internationally comparable and competitive, and in promoting student mobility across national borders.
Just in time for the anniversary, the degree programmes for Bachelor of Science and Master of Science have once again been successfully reaccredited, confirming their quality and continuity.
This jubilee offered both an opportunity to reflect on the past and to consider future challenges and developments in biochemistry. For example, the pace at which technologies in the field of biochemistry are advancing requires continuous updating and modernisation of laboratory equipment and teaching methods. This means universities must constantly invest in new technologies and personnel and integrate them into teaching and research activities. In addition, there are necessary further developments such as the integration of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. As the life sciences have an increasing impact on the environment and society, it will also be important to integrate topics such as sustainability and ethical conduct into education. The highly appreciated anniversary celebration, highlighted the significance of this successful cooperation and the outstanding role it plays in Hannover's scientific and educational community.
