January 9, 2026

Quirin Privatbank has supported the pediatric clinic at Hannover Medical School with a donation of 1,000 euros. The funds will benefit the young patients of the Clinical Department of Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, who are cared for here before and after lung transplants. The Clinical Department is one of the few transplant centers that perform lung transplants in children and adolescents. The decision that the donation from Quirin Privatbank should benefit children who need a new lung was based on a proposal from the employees, who voted together on how the funds should be used. Thank you for this valuable support!

December 17, 2025

Because their mother is a teacher at the MHH Children's Hospital, Aaron and Julian Homeister didn't have to think twice about what to dedicate their company's Christmas fundraising campaign to. Christiane Schmelcher had told her sons so impressively about her work that it was clear to both of them: "If we're going to get involved, we'll do it here!" Aaron Homeister set up his own business two years ago and his brother Julian now also works for TechBase GmbH. Today, the two IT experts came to the MHH Children's Hospital to hand over a 1,000 euro cheque to Prof. Dr. Dieter Haffner and Dr. Lena Brunkhorst from the Pediatric Nephrology Department. "This is really great support," says Haffner. "On the one hand, the money will be a great help with the planned expansion of the pediatric dialysis places. The other half will go to the team at the play oasis at the children's hospital. The teachers do valuable work with the children and can always use financial support for their many activities!" And what do we learn from this? We should all listen to our mothers more often. Many thanks to TechBase - and of course to Christiane Schmelcher, who was so helpful in bringing her sons to the children's hospital!

December 12, 2025

In recent years, new drugs have been developed that specifically intervene in the control of our genes. These so-called chromatin drugs inhibit specific molecules that play a decisive role in blood cancers. In current studies, these active substances are already showing promising results in the treatment of leukemia. Bioinformatician Dr. Manoj Kumar Gupta is investigating how these drugs can be better understood and used. He assumes that they are not only suitable for treating existing leukemias, but can also prevent aggressive blood cancers from developing in high-risk patients in the first place. The aim is therefore to precisely analyze their mechanisms of action in the genome and find out which patients will particularly benefit from treatment. In order to understand the effect of chromatin active substances, the genome must be examined both before and after treatment. This requires modern data analysis and high computing power. The high-performance computer workstation funded by the MHH plus Foundation with almost 9,000 euros provides a central technical basis for this and makes it possible to develop new approaches for targeted therapies against blood cancer.

December 6, 2025

The MHH Children's Hospital was once again delighted to receive a special gesture at Christmas time: the refurbishment company BELFOR continued its loving tradition and donated 350 chocolate Santas for children, nursing staff and physicians at the MHH Children's Hospital. Mr. Braukhoff and Ms. Theilmann from the Hanover regional branch personally delivered the sweet surprise in proper style with a Santa hat and dressed as an elv. The small gift sweetens St. Nicholas Day, especially for the young patients who have to spend the Advent season in the children's clinic. Many thanks to Belfor!

November 18, 2025

Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Professor Julia Sacher's research focuses on the mental health of women, especially during hormonal transition phases such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle. She has now been awarded the Annika Liese Prize 2025 for her research in this field. In her award-winning study, Professor Sacher was able to show for the first time that certain neurotransmitters in the female brain with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a severe form of cycle-dependent depression, change significantly shortly before the period. It is precisely at this time that those affected often experience severe depressive symptoms. This evidence is an important step, as it provides a clear indication of what happens in the body during this phase and why the symptoms can be so distressing. Professor Stefan Bleich and Dr. Eckhard Schenke from the Annika Liese Foundation Board presented Professor Sacher with the €10,000 Annika Liese Prize for this important research, which will help to develop new specific treatment methods. The Annika Liese Foundation, which is administered in trust by the Förderstiftung MHH plus, and the prize of the same name commemorates Annika Liese, who died by suicide in 1996, and honors scientific work that improves the understanding and treatment of mental illness.

November 12, 2025

Art therapy in nephrology and children's dialysis at Hannover Medical School's children's clinic is receiving a new boost: thanks to the support of PSD Bank Hannover, an important art therapy program can be financed for six months. Experienced artist and art therapist Anne Nissen will accompany the young patients twice a week - both as inpatients and in the outpatient dialysis area. "Art therapy gives the children and adolescents a protected space in which they can express their own needs and feelings," explains Prof. Dr. Dieter Haffner, Director of the Clinical Department of Paediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases and Neuropaediatrics. Anne Nissen creates this freedom because she focuses on the wishes and needs of the children and adolescents and thus provides a relaxing contrast to everyday medical clinic life, in which patients are largely very much determined by others. During each visit, she offers a wide range of materials and techniques that quickly arouse the curiosity of most children, many of whom find a new approach to themselves through colors, shapes and creative processes. These moments not only result in individual works of art, but also provide valuable impulses for the healing process. Nursing staff and physicians on the wards repeatedly observe how much the creative activity contributes to emotional relief and helps the children to develop. This not only strengthens the young patients, but also fills the treatment team with joy as positive developments become visible. Many thanks to PSD Bank Hannover for this valuable support!

>> Click here for our reel on Instagram

November 4, 2025

Under the motto "Light and Shadow", a benefit concert with Johanna Doll took place in lecture hall F at the end of October. The pianist and physician returned to the MHH stage and delighted the audience with her combination of musical precision and personal presentation. What made this concert evening so unique was not only the works by Bach, Schubert, Chopin, Liszt and Debussy, but also the sensitive way in which Johanna Doll introduced her audience to the pieces. For each work, Johanna gave brief insights into the background, moods and special features of the music. By playing short passages, she showed what to pay attention to when listening, thus creating a shared experience with the audience. Over €3,000 was donated at the concert, which will go directly towards research into multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological diseases at the MHH. Many thanks to everyone who supported the campaign!

October 23, 2025

Young researchers from all over the world as guests in Hanover: the 14th LISA Summer Academy of TWINCORE took place from August 24 to September 12, 2025. A week of lectures and up to two weeks of laboratory practicals offered international Bachelor's and Master's students the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in infectiology and immunology and to gain in-depth practical experience. The event was made possible in part by a 5,000 euro grant from the VHV Foundation, which the MHH plus Foundation topped up with 2,000 euros from its own funds. The aim of the program is to inspire talented young scientists to pursue a career in infection research and to present Hannover, Germany and Europe as attractive research locations. This year, 24 students from 13 countries took part - in equal numbers from Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa. Presentations by experts from the MHH, the HZI, Fraunhofer ITEM, TWINCORE and international guests conveyed the latest specialist knowledge; laboratory practicals and a supporting program strengthened exchange and networking.

October 2, 2025

Every two years, our sponsors receive the most important information about living wills, health care proxies and wills at our MHH Advance Care Planning Day. This year's event was again well attended: We welcomed around 230 guests. Dr. Gerald Neitzke, Chairman of the Clinical Ethics Committee at MHH, explained how to specify medical treatment wishes in advance - in the event that you are no longer able to communicate your will in this regard due to illness. Lawyer and notary Dr. Oliver Pramann provided information on the power of attorney for financial matters and what needs to be considered when appointing several authorized representatives for different areas. He also explained the basics of statutory succession and the drafting of wills. Both speakers presented illustrative practical examples and answered numerous questions from the audience. Did you know that our Pension Day is also open to interested parties who do not (yet) support the foundation? If you don't want to miss the MHH Prevention Day 2027, send us an email to vorsorgetag@mh-hannover.de and ask to be added to our mailing list.

September 25, 2025

There has been a British Masonic Lodge in Celle since 1957, which is committed to promoting humanity, respect and brotherhood and is actively involved in social issues in the region. Saxony Lodge 842 currently has ten passive and 25 active members - many of them former soldiers who were stationed in Celle and have remained there. The lodge regularly collects donations for charitable organizations. From the most recent campaign, the MHH plus charitable foundation was delighted to receive 2,000 euros for the MHH's pediatric oncology department. Arthur Blake, a member of the lodge, took the opportunity to come to Hanover in person to hand over the donation cheque to MHHplus board member Dr. Eckhard Schenke: "It's always nice to see exactly where our help goes." Many thanks to Saxony Lodge 842 from Celle!

September 3, 2025

Thanks to funding from the Friedrich and Alida Gehrke Foundation, which is administered in trust by the Förderstiftung MHH plus, the Clinical Department of Anaesthesiology at MHH has been able to expand its laboratory equipment in a targeted manner. With the newly acquired, software-controlled Patch Clamp Amplifier, researchers are trying to understand how pain stimuli are generated and transmitted. The amplifier makes it possible to measure tiny electrical currents that flow through so-called ion channels. These channels control how nerve cells communicate with each other and therefore play a central role in the perception of pain. Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Leffler and his team want to understand exactly how these ion channels function in nerve and immune cells in order to get to the bottom of the mechanisms behind the development of pain. The long-term goal of the research is to develop new, effective pain medication that causes fewer side effects. This is a highly topical and important issue in view of the global opioid crisis.

July 17, 2025

Children and adolescents with a wide variety of diagnoses are treated in the MHH's pediatric surgery department: The surgeons' portfolio ranges from appendicitis and complicated bone fractures to tumor removal or correction of malformed organs. Many patients can go home after just a few days, while others have to stay for weeks or months. It is therefore a great ray of hope that the playroom and parents' room on the pediatric surgery ward 66 have now been redesigned with the help of PSD Bank Hannover eG. The cooperative bank provided 5,000 euros for this purpose as part of the PSD profit savings scheme. And children's nurse Claudia Blankenhorn, who not only pored over furniture catalogs, ordered toys and assembled highchairs in her free time, but also on duty, undoubtedly made the most of this amount. "It's really, really great," said Antje Schneider and Christina Homann from PSD Bank during their visit to the ward. Clinic Director Prof. Dr. Dr. Jens Dingemann explained why donations like this are so important: "As a university, we simply have the problem that there is no real source of funding for these things, which are neither research nor patient care nor teaching, but play a very decisive role in making children and parents feel reasonably comfortable on our wards. We are therefore particularly grateful for this donation!"

>> Click here for our reel on Instagram

July 9, 2025

MHH's KlinStrucMed program enables medical students to conduct research for a clinical doctoral thesis during their studies. With the help of a scholarship, they interrupt their regular medical training for a year to work on their topic under close supervision and with a practical orientation. The scholarship for Lotta Völker, who is doing her doctorate in neurology, was funded by the MHH plus Foundation. In her project, she is investigating the neurotoxic side effects of CAR-T cell therapy. In this modern form of immunotherapy, the body's own T-cells are modified so that they recognize and specifically attack tumour cells. Unlike chemotherapy, healthy body cells are preserved in this way. However, as effective as this therapy is, it can also cause serious neurological side effects such as headaches, hallucinations, speech disorders and even dangerous brain swelling. As part of her doctoral thesis, Lotta Völker is developing a scoring system based on various risk factors such as age, previous illness and organ function so that the neurological side effects can be detected and treated as early as possible. Lotta Völker also explains her research in our video reel on Instagram.

July 1, 2025

Yes, that is the answer at the Ambystoma Mexicanum Bioregeneration Center, where the axolotl, with its ability to regenerate quickly, serves as a model for improving human wound healing. For the team led by Dr. Sarah Strauß (Head of Laboratory) and Christina Liebsch (Head of Husbandry and Breeding), the welfare of amphibians such as axolotls and other cross-toothed newts is the top priority. While in many research facilities thousands of animals live in cramped conditions in solitary confinement and are often only expected to survive until the end of their studies, the situation here is completely different: In fully equipped aquariums and terrariums, the animals lead a life close to nature with places of retreat, daily rhythms and individual care. In regular training courses, Dr. Strauß and Ms. Liebsch pass on their knowledge to veterinarians and laboratory animal specialists with the aim of improving the care and husbandry of amphibians beyond the boundaries of their laboratory.
The laboratory is also dedicated to the conservation of endangered amphibian species. Among other things, they are involved in the Citizen Conservation Project with Ambystoma dumerilii, a cross-toothed newt species - a coordinated conservation breeding program with the aim of working together to actively combat species extinction. These additional efforts, such as species-appropriate husbandry and structurally rich tank design, go far beyond scientific standards and cannot be covered by research funding. The measures are therefore financed by funds from the MHH plus Foundation, which is happy to support this place where research, ethics and species protection go hand in hand!

June 17, 2025

As part of the FREI DAY learning format, children and young people throughout Germany deal with current social and ecological challenges. They research issues of their own choosing and implement projects independently. Teachers take a back seat and merely play an accompanying role. The elementary school on Großbuchholzer Kirchweg has also been taking part since September 2024. For second-graders Madenna and Raphaela, it was clear from the start that they wanted to do something for sick children being treated at the MHH with their project - bring a little color into the often monotonous hospital routine and simply show them that someone is thinking of them. So they collected stones and painted them with cheerful motifs over several weeks. Today, the two girls came to the MHH Children's Hospital to deliver these lucky stones to the team at the play oasis. Now the teachers always have a colorful souvenir when they visit the ward or look after children in the Spieloase. Many thanks to Madenna and Raphaela for this!

June 3, 2025

Many MHH employees have been familiar with Mein Dienstrad GmbH since the beginning of the year as the university's partner for bike leasing. Now Kai Eilers, who is responsible for procurement management at the Oldenburg-based company, introduced himself to the youngest members of staff. On today's World Bicycle Day, he met seven children from the three MHH daycare centers and, how could it be otherwise on this theme day, had five miniature bicycles for them. "This is a really great thing," said Martin Fulst, Head of the MHH Campuskinder daycare center. "In total, almost 400 children will benefit from this gift." Liesa Krüger, head of the Weltkinder daycare center, and Lena Lorenz, head of the Hirtenkinder parents' initiative, were also delighted. "These retro-style balance bikes look great," says Lena Lorenz. The children who came along to the donation handover quickly discovered that the small bicycle baskets of the mint-colored two-wheelers were not empty: There were a whole host of mini-memories to be discovered inside and so, at the end of the short but cheerful encounter, everyone bid a contented farewell in various directions.

There is also a reel on our Instagram account.

May 28, 2025

Thanks to the financial support of the Förderstiftung, doctoral student Lea Oehlsen was able to complete an internship abroad at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. During her three-month stay, the young scientist gained valuable insights into research into lipid nanoparticles - a key topic for the development of innovative therapies for cardiovascular diseases. The time spent in Prof. Pieter Cullis' research group, which is a world leader in this field, allowed Oehlsen to learn new methods and techniques and establish a valuable cooperation with the Canadian Institute. "I came back to Germany with a lot of ideas and impressions," reports Oehlsen, who is now bringing her newfound motivation to her project and her work at the MHH.

May 21, 2025

The Johann Georg Zimmermann Prize was first awarded in 1973 and is now one of Germany's most important awards in the field of cancer research. Every year, a research prize for postdocs and a medal for long-term commitment to cancer medicine are awarded. This year's research prize is shared by Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Heßmann and PD Dr. Niklas Klümper. Hessmann is head of the Chromatin-associated changes in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer research group at the University Medical Center Göttingen. She has been researching pancreatic cancer for over ten years and convinced the Board of Trustees with her work on the role of the tumor suppressor SMAD4. Klümper is a senior physician at the Clinical Department of Urology and head of a research group on translational urooncology at the Institute for Experimental Oncology at the University Hospital Bonn. He impressed with his research on NECTIN4 amplification as a biomarker for response to EV therapy. Prof. Dr. Markus Büchler was awarded the Johann-Georg-Zimmermann Medal 2025 for his leading role in the establishment of modern pancreatic surgery and his numerous publications and clinical activities. The surgeon has been shaping his field for 20 years and has been Director of the Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Center in Lisbon, Portugal, since 2023.

Presentation of the Johann Georg Zimmermann Prize 2025
Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 3:30 pm
Hannover Medical School,
Lecture Hall D, Building J2, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany

The event is open to all interested parties. We only ask for an informal registration by e-mail to foerderstiftung@mh-hannover.de by 30.05.2025. Thank you very much!

May 13, 2025

After Vice President Martina Saurin has just turned her birthday into a fundraiser for the new daycare center, the next power woman shows us how it's done. PD Dr. Nadine Freifrau von Maltzahn, Senior Physician at the Clinical Department of Dental Prosthetics and Biomedical Materials, used her inaugural lecture in March as an opportunity to collect donations for the new nursery building. "My son is also looked after by the campus children and I can confirm from my own experience how valuable this care is," says von Maltzahn. "That's why I simply wanted to raise awareness of the issue among my friends and colleagues." The spontaneous campaign raised 75 euros, bringing us a little closer to our goal - thank you very much!

April 22, 2025

Martina Saurin has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the new Campuskinder daycare center. The project has been a high priority for the Vice President for over two years, because she knows what the company daycare center with its special educational offer and opening hours adapted to MHH operations means for many MHH employees. Although there is still no sign of this in the everyday lives of the campus children, behind the scenes coordination with the construction department, discussions with investors and the application for the new operating license are already in full swing - and Saurin is always in the thick of things. She also dedicated her own birthday to the project: instead of small gifts, she asked for a contribution towards financing the daycare center's equipment. The donation box she handed over to MHHplus board member Dr. Eckhard Schenke in her office contained over 400 euros. And the best part? "I'm doubling the amount," said Martina Saurin at the handover. "I was so pleased to see how committed my colleagues were, so of course I want to contribute something myself." That's real commitment - and another plus on the donation account for the new daycare center, which now stands at just under 68,000 euros. By the way: the emptied donation box was immediately put back at the reception. "After the donations is before the donations - I will continue to invite all my visitors to support the new building for the campus children until it is finally finished," says Saurin with a wink.

April 17, 2025

400 was the number of the day. That's how many chocolate bunnies Andreas Brauckhoff from remediation company BELFOR brought to the children's hospital this Easter. "I'm pleased that I'm allowed to come to the MHH twice a year without there being a fire or water damage," laughed Brauckhoff. After all, handing over Santa Clauses and chocolate bunnies has become a tradition. The hand movements of MHHplus Board Member Dr. Eckhard Schenke, who received the large boxes and brought them to the children's hospital for distribution together with Andreas Brauckhoff, have also become routine. However, the joy at receiving this kind gift is always new and great - both for the MHH plus Foundation and for the children who eat the chocolatey treats at the end.

April 14, 2025

"On your marks, get set, go!" was the motto on Sunday for the 67 MHH relay teams that took part in the ADAC marathon in Hanover. The 350 or so employees were hard to miss on the course in their bright green running shirts, which were financed by the sponsoring foundation. For the fourth time, MHH plus also paid the entry fees for the MHH relay runners and this year even provided its own relay team together with the Communications Administrative Unit. A special highlight for all teams was the joint finish, which was made possible thanks to a specially set up relay stop. The "s Brain 3" team was the fastest from MHH. After three hours, 22 minutes and 43 seconds, they crossed the finish line together. Congratulations!

April 9, 2025

Every two years, participants from all over Germany and Europe come together to listen to practical presentations and discussions and to exchange the latest ideas for Nursing and healthcare professionals in oncology. This year, the MHH plus Foundation once again supported the MHH Oncology Nursing Day, which focused on current developments and challenges in oncology nursing under the motto "for each other - with each other - from each other" in February. The aim of the event, which is organized by MHH Nursing together with the MHH CCC, is to further strengthen oncological nursing and continuously develop the job profile.

A detailed report of the day and the complete program can be found at Hannover Medical School : Oncology Nursing Day!

March 28, 2025

To celebrate 60 years of MHH in style, the MHH Choir and the MHH Orchestra are joining forces once again for a special concert experience. On March 30, they will present famous works from the Romantic period as part of an anniversary concert in the Neustädter Hof- und Stadtkirche. In preparation for this special project, the choir and orchestra went on a rehearsal weekend together for the first time. The members of the ensembles came together at the Landesakademie Niedersachsen in Wolfenbüttel in March to work on the anniversary program in peace and quiet.

>> to the full report on the choir and orchestra and the rehearsal weekend.

February 12, 2025

The fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) has become a central component of the work of the Baobab zusammensein e.V. network in recent years. Due to global migration, this tradition, which violates human rights, is being practised worldwide and increasingly in Germany. The network for health and participation in African communities therefore supports affected women and girls in Germany, raises awareness about FGM and trains professionals in dealing with those affected. Workshops are also held regularly at the MHH as part of the midwifery degree course. The main lecturer is supported by affected women who openly report on their experiences and answer the students' questions. In order to support this important and sustainable teaching format, the MHH plus Foundation finances an expense allowance for the women concerned.

January 28, 2025

The six-year term of office of MHH President Prof. Dr. Michael Manns ended on December 31, 2024. However, he will remain loyal to the MHH, in future as Senior Professor. For this reason, the employees of the Management and Administration department only celebrated a small farewell to "their" President. However, they did not visit the new office without a gift: they symbolically presented a donation to the Förderstiftung MHH plus foundation, whose fortunes Professor Manns has shaped since its foundation, first as a member of the Board and then as a committed and networked President. Manns was delighted with this gesture: "The money is definitely in the best hands with the charitable foundation!"

January 13, 2025

The MHH not only needs a new building for the clinical areas, but also for its company daycare center "Campuskinder". The two buildings, in which 189 kindergarten and after-school children are currently cared for by MHH employees, are obsolete and need to be demolished. The new building itself, which is expected to cost ten million euros, is to be realized via an investor solution: The investor builds the daycare center and the MHH rents it back from him. However, the MHH is dependent on donations for the equipment and the design of the outdoor area. The MHH plus Foundation supports the project and manages the donations received. We are particularly pleased when MHH employees get involved in the project on their own initiative - like the four Clinical Departments of the Center for Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine. They dedicated their Christmas party to the construction of the new daycare center and thanks to the generosity of the employees, €1,600 was raised. It wasn't just the children who were delighted with the full piggy bank at the handover ceremony in front of the dental clinic. The four clinic directors Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwestka-Polly, Prof. Dr. Meike Stiesch, Prof. Dr. Nadine Kai Schlüter and Prof. Dr. Nils-Claudius Gellrich (from left) were also visibly delighted as they posed with Martin Fulst and Britta Barysch (daycare center management) and the campus children Maja and Lasse for MHH photographer Karin Kaiser.

>> to the campaign website