Life sciences in Germany's "True North"

Schleswig-Holstein has firmly established itself as a prominent centre for life sciences, with Lübeck and Kiel at the forefront. Lübeck is home to key institutions like the University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, Fraunhofer Development Centre for Marine and Cellular Biotechnology (EMB) and the renowned Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA - institutions that make up a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Kiel, the state capital and a university city, further strengthens the region’s life sciences landscape hosting the UKSH second site, the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research and a thriving network of life science companies and start-ups. Moreover, nearby Hamburg is recognised as a digital health stronghold, with over a third of all Germany's approved...

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

Schleswig-Holstein is a dynamic hub for the health and life science industries, combining cutting-edge research with practical applications. Leading institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Individualised and Cell-Based Medical Technology (IMTE) are driving 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 institutions like the Centre for Industrial Biotechnology supporting sustainable development, and the TANDEM Competence Centre fostering interdisciplinary projects with universities and the University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH). With over 300 entities,...

Life Science Cluster Nord, a premier industry network based in Northern Germany and specifically in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, focuses on medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. With over 500 companies, universities and research institutions, this cluster has positioned itself as one of Europe's leading life science networks. In this industry network approximately 20,000 highly qualified professionals are dedicated to innovating groundbreaking medications, medical products and services as a powerhouse of expertise and creativity. In economic terms, the network contributes significantly to our region's development. Its gross value added rose from €4.6 billion in 2016 to €5 billion in 2018, a 3% real annual growth rate. Which highlights essential role in enhancing value...

Around 110,000 people in some 260 companies work here in the fields of medicine and medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Companies from related sectors have also settled close together, with biotechnology in the east and south of Schleswig-Holstein and medical technology particularly well represented in and around Lübeck and the greater Norderstedt area. What's more, highly qualified young people are trained locally - at three universities, two Schleswig-Holstein University Clinic sites Schleswig-Holstein, four universities of applied sciences and numerous non-university research institutions.