Five-Year Funding Program Strengthens Pediatric Lung Research in Cologne to Elucidate Early Mechanisms of Lung Aging and Chronic Lung Diseases

The focus is on the systematic investigation of early pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic lung diseases in childhood. Particular attention is paid to inflammatory processes in early life and their long-term significance for the development and progression of chronic lung diseases. In close collaboration with the CECAD Research Center, the program investigates how early influences and biological imprinting in life can determine and sustainably influence the trajectories of healthy lung aging as well as individual susceptibility to respiratory diseases.

This translational research draws on biological samples from established clinical cohort studies (including MELA and ALLIANCE) and aims to combine them with state-of-the-art high-throughput molecular biology technologies. In addition, innovative spatial methods such as spatial metabolomics and multiplex imaging are being used at the Center for Metabolic Research and the CECAD Research Center to precisely analyze cellular and metabolic processes within the context of the three-dimensional lung architecture.

The program is closely integrated with clinical pediatrics, experimental models, and a state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Under the scientific leadership of Prof. Dr. Dr. Miguel A. Alejandre Alcázar, support of early-career researchers is also being implemented, specifically targeting clinician-scientists and postdoctoral researchers. This includes tiered startup grants, clinical leave, and accompanying career development measures on the campus of the University Hospital of Cologne.

Overall, the project—funded with 1.4 million euros—strengthens the strategic advancement of pediatric pulmonary research in Cologne and aims to sustainably establish an internationally visible, translation-oriented research focus with high clinical relevance.