New research center for translational oncology (TranslaTUM) to be built at University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar

New TranslaTUM research center to promote cancer research

The campus of the University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar is growing: starting 2012 it will house the new research center for translational oncology (TranslaTUM) as a Central Institute of TUM. The German Federal Government and Federal States are financing the construction project following a decision made by the Joint Science Conference (GWK). Research groups from a variety of disciplines - medicine, engineering and natural sciences - will work closely together on cancer research in TranslaTUM and ensure the rapid transfer of important research results into patient care.

TranslaTUM is set to bring together a number of key competencies in a unique infrastructure to conduct research on malignant tumors. For example, using models for various tumor types, the molecular biological basis of the tumorigenic process will be researched in an effort to gain new information about the development of these diseases and the targeted use of medications. Based on genomic and proteomic data, personalized tumor diagnoses will be compiled and the appropriate individualized treatments identified and checked. Imaging diagnostic techniques and methods will also be developed and enhanced, which will not only be able to anatomically detect the tumors but will also be able to visualize the biological processes of cell division or cell death. The proximity of TranslaTUM to the University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar will facilitate a close exchange between methodological developments and their clinical application.

August 2015 - update

Details on the construction project and its progress:
The building shell of the research building is now well advanced and scheduled for completion by the end of 2016. The builder-owner of the new "TranslaTUM" building is the German Free State of Bavaria, represented by the Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts. The initiative is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

What facilities are available at TranslaTUM?

• Classic, low-security research labs for a total of 16 working groups and roughly 230 researchers (4,000 m²).
  
  
• Core facilities in which state-of-the-art technologies will be centrally pooled. These are scheduled to include a central sequencing unit, a microscopy unit, a histology lab and a central bioinformatics unit, for example.
  
  
• Seminar and conference area (approx. 700 m²).
  
  
• State-of-the-art animal holding areas: primarily mice and, in considerably smaller quantities, rats, will be kept in sealed rooms (approx. 700 m²), all of which comply with the very latest standards. The housing systems will meet the highest requirements of animal welfare and hygiene. State-of-the-art HEPA and odor filters will prevent the spread of incoming or outgoing particles.
  
  
• Underground garage with 50 parking spaces.