Third-party funded projects
The following list is limited to the essential and purely research-related third-party funded projects of the chair.
Ongoing third-party funded projects
- SEEM (“Social and Ethical-Legal Challenges of Human Embryo Models with Special Consideration of Germany in an International Context)
Project management: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Moos, Chair of Systematic Theology (Ethics), University of Heidelberg
The SEEM joint project (“Social and Ethical-Legal Challenges of Human Embryo Models with Special Consideration of Germany in an International Context”) is a collaboration between Heidelberg University and Mannheim University. Mannheim University is contributing to the joint project in the form of subproject 3, which examines legal issues.
Human stem cell-based embryo models (hSCBEMs) are one of the most promising new research approaches in modern life sciences. They promise new insights into embryonic development as well as advancements in the fields of reproductive medicine and tissue and organ replacement.
In light of the strict embryo and stem cell protection laws in Germany, the legal aspects of embryo models pose significant challenges. It is questionable how embryo models fit into the existing legal and constitutional framework. In order to understand and evaluate embryo models, it is necessary to clarify key questions: Do they have the potential to develop into humans? And if so, is it possible and permissible to manipulate or limit their developmental potential?
What legal bases apply to the various types of embryo models, and are there any regulatory gaps or inappropriate obstacles to research in this regard? From a comparative law perspective, how are embryo models treated in other countries (e.g., the United Kingdom and Israel)?
Overall, the project aims to develop specific recommendations from a legal perspective regarding the terminology, use, and regulation of embryo models. These recommendations are primarily addressed to the german legislator, scientists, and research institutions.
Completed third-party funded projects
- COMPASS-ELSI 2.0 (DFG)
The research focus of the project “Comparative Assessment of Genome and Epigenome Editing in Medicine: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications 2.0” (COMPASS-ELSI 2.0) builds on the results of the COMPASS-ELSI 1.0 project and addresses new legal and ethical questions that have arisen from the research work of the first funding period. One of the central findings of the previous gene technology comparison was that epigenome editing could open up exclusive therapeutic intervention options in medicine and, in part, represent a less invasive and lower-risk therapeutic alternative compared to genome editing.
Taking into account fundamental rights and constitutional guard rails, COMPASS-ELSI 2.0 will therefore first legally evaluate and, if necessary, readjust the concept of disease with regard to therapeutic and non-therapeutic application scenarios of editing procedures. In addition, existing regulatory recommendations on editing procedures will be critically evaluated and, if necessary, modified.
- COMPASS-ELSI 1.0 (DFG).
Technical advances in CRISPR/
- Digilog (Land BW)
As part of the interdisciplinary project “Digitization in Dialog” (digilog@bw), scientists from various institutions (gesis, IDS, IWM, IZEW, KIT, University of Mannheim, University of Tübingen, ZEW, ZKM) identify the challenges of digitization and attempt to find interdisciplinary answers to them. Within the framework of various formats such as exhibitions, workshops, etc., regular exchange with the public is also sought.
- Research Training Group “Privacy” (DFG)
The interdisciplinary research training group “Privatheit” set itself the goal of reconstructing traditional concepts of privacy, analyzing manifestations of privacy, examining the effect of social and technological development processes on the concept of privacy and making it usable for a possible re-accentuation. The first funding period (2011–2016) was dedicated to the theory of privacy; the subsequent funding period (2016–2021) to the topic of “privacy and digitalization.” Ralf Müller-Terpitz was one of the applicant members of the Research Training Group and has been an associate member since his move from the University of Passau to the University of Mannheim in 2013.
- ForDigital (State of BW)
The regional as well as interdisciplinary research alliance “Digitalization: Transformation of Socio-Economic Processes” (ForDigital) set itself the goal of illustrating and making comprehensible the effects of digitalization on the economy, society and individuals. To this end, scientists from various research locations (University of Mannheim, KIT, and associated research institutions [gesis, FIZ Karlsruhe, Fraunhofer IOSB, FZI, ZEW, and ZI) and disciplines developed joint publications, third-party funding applications, and events or supported young scientists in the form of doctoral projects.
- NEW_LIVES: Genomic Newborn Screening Programs – Legal Implications, Values, Ethics and Society (BMBF)
Project management: Prof. Dr. Dr. Eva Winkler, NCT Heidelberg and Prof. Dr. Ralf Müller-Terpitz, Chair of Public Law, Law of Economic Regulation and Media University of Mannheim
The aim of NEW_LIVES is to assess genomic newborn screening programs in terms of legal implications, values, ethics and society. Newborn screening is used to detect and treat diseases at an early stage and thus save lives. Currently, newborns in Germany are screened for 19 diseases. Through advances in genomic and genetic research, it is now possible to detect many more diseases and risks for diseases as well as predispositions through screening. However, the introduction of genome analysis in newborn screening is associated with numerous challenges: medical, but also ethical, legal, social and psychological. Above all, the well-being of the child, the family and public health play a role. The project is funded by the BMBF for a period of three years with a total of approximately 1.2 million euros. Subproject 1 at the University of Heidelberg involves the fields of translational medical ethics, medical psychology, human genetics, and pediatric and adolescent medicine. Subproject 2 of the University of Mannheim is concerned with the legal framework.