Life Science in Germany's true north

Schleswig-Holstein has firmly established itself as a prominent center for life sciences, with Lübeck and Kiel at the forefront. Lübeck is home to key institutions like the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer Development Center for Marine and Cellular Biotechnology (EMB), and the renowned Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA. These institutions create a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Kiel, the state capital and a university city, further strengthens the region’s life sciences landscape. It hosts the second location of UKSH, the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research, alongside a thriving network of life science companies and start-ups. Moreover, nearby Hamburg is recognized as a "digital health stronghold," with over a third of...

Schleswig-Holstein is committed to developing and nurturing skilled professionals in the health and life sciences sector. With nearly 5,500 students – around 10% of the region’s student population – currently enrolled in health and life science programs, the region is building a strong talent pool for the future. Additionally, almost 10,000 young people are undergoing vocational training in this dynamic field. The University of Lübeck plays a pivotal role in this educational landscape, offering top-tier interdisciplinary programs such as the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Molecular Life Sciences. Its close collaboration with the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) enhances the university’s training capabilities, providing students with access to...

Schleswig-Holstein is a dynamic hub for health and life sciences, combining cutting-edge research with practical applications. Leading institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Technology (IMTE) drive innovation in medical technology, while the Institute for eHealth and Management in Healthcare (IEMG) works with hospitals and stakeholders to address the growing demand for skilled professionals. The region's strength lies in its collaborative approach, with centers like the Center for Industrial Biotechnology supporting sustainable development, and the TANDEM Competence Center fostering interdisciplinary projects across universities and the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH). With over 300 entities, including leading companies...

The Life Science Cluster Nord is a premier industry network based in Northern Germany, specifically in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, focusing on medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. With over 500 companies, universities, and research institutions, the cluster has positioned itself as one of the leading life science networks in Europe. It employs approximately 20,000 highly qualified professionals dedicated to innovating groundbreaking medications, medical products, and services, making it a powerhouse of expertise and creativity. Economically, the cluster is a significant contributor to regional development, with its gross value added increasing from €4.6 billion in 2016 to €5 billion in 2018, showcasing a real annual growth rate of 3.0%. This growth highlights the...

Approximately 110,000 people work here in about 260 companies in the fields of medicine and medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. In the process, companies from related sectors have also come together geographically: Biotechnology has settled primarily in the east and south of the state, and medical technology is particularly well represented in and around Lübeck and in the greater Norderstedt area. And highly qualified young people are trained locally: at three universities and the University Clinics Schleswig-Holstein, at four universities of applied sciences and numerous non-university research institutions.