Department of Human Genetics

All information on genetic counseling, diagnostics, research, education, and our team can be found here.

Welcome to the Department of Human Genetics

Picture by Karin Kaiser / MHH
Prof. Dr. Nataliya Di Donato, Director Department of Human Genetics

In the Department of Human Genetics, we combine outstanding application-focused research with professional patient care.

Our international and interdisciplinary research teams investigate the effects of genomic and epigenetic changes on the development of cells, organs and diseases using state-of-the-art technology and innovative methods. Our scientific findings make an important contribution to the understanding of ultra-rare genetic diseases, the identification of risk factors for cancer and the correlation between genotypes and phenotypes.

We use our research findings to help diagnose and treat genetic diseases. We are the point of contact for patients and families with suspected rare diseases as part of our genetic clinic. Our accredited diagnostic laboratories use a wide range of cytogenetic and molecular genetic methods. We handle the entire process from sample preparation to data collection, evaluation and medical interpretation in the field of rare diseases and in the genetic diagnosis of hematological tumors.

As an university hospital, we are committed to teaching students and providing practice-oriented continuing education for physicians and researchers in order to ensure modern medical care.


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News

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€3.9M for Research Project AI-Lights

December 2025

The VW Foundation funds this collaborative project for the fast-track diagnosis of critically ill children with rare diseases.

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Joining the DZL Community

January 2026

PD Dr. Sandra von Hardenberg was appointed as a Principal Investigator within the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)

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Publication in the American Journal of Human Genetics

January 2026

Our study on the molecular genotype-phenotype correlation in ACTB- and ACTG1-associated actinopathies has been published in the prestigious journal AJHG.

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Teaching Award of the Model Medical Curriculum

Hannover, 13.012026

Dr. Beate Vajen was honored by the students of the Model Medical Curriculum with the Teaching Award for her exceptional commitment to education.

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Dr. Beate Vajen auf der UNLEASH Bühne präsentiert die GenE-App

Dr. Beate Vajen presents the GenE³ app at UNLEASH

Hannover, 26.06.2025

UNLEASH is a convention with a festival character that brings together founders, investors, companies, politics and business. 

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Dr. Bernd Abuer at DIVI Congress, Hamburg

48th DIVI Congress, 4th Place at the Clinical Research Prize

04.-06.12.2024, Hamburg

Ultra-fast genome sequencing enables personalized treatment in the Baby Lion study and wins Clinical Research Prize.

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Sandra von Hardenberg bei ESID Konferenz 2024

Dr. Sandra v. Hardenberg at the ESID conference 2024

16.10.2024, Marseille, France

Sandra v. Hardenberg reported about the challenges in assigning the correct genetic diagnosis.

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Dr. Chen at the GeneForum conference 2024

Dr. C. Du presents the Baby Lion study at the GeneForum

25.09.2024, Tartu, Estonia

In her talk Dr. Du presents how ultrarapid genome sequencing can enhance the diagnosis of critically ill children.

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Prof. Dr. Nataliya Di Donato at the 3rd genomDE Symposium

Berlin, July 4th 2024

Watch the complete talk on "Ultra-rapid genome sequencing of critically ill children".

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Contact & Directions

Secretariat of the Department Management
Address

Hannover Medical School (MHH)

Department of Human Genetics, OE 6300

Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1

30625 Hannover, Germany

 

Genetic counselling for patients
Requests for findings for physicians (Entrance Laboratory)