Demographic change is one of the biggest challenges facing Germany. Persistently low birth rates, combined with increasing life expectancy, are leading to a significant ageing of society. This results in a very great need for adjustment in care and health, the social security systems and the labor market. In recent years, demographic policy has been poorly coordinated and managed within the federal government. The authors of the discussion paper recommend making demographic policy a political priority for the coming legislative period. The paper formulates concrete approaches for action.
Prof. Hartmut Geiger is one of the authors of this discussion paper.

1.5 million euros for research into ageing blood stem cells

Blood is produced from blood stem cells in the bone marrow. When this haematopoietic system ages, people over 65 often suffer from anaemia, impaired immune responses or even leukaemia.In the "MANAGE HSC" study, junior professor Ani Grigoryan from the Institute of Molecular Medicine wants to investigate how the bone marrow changes with age and how this affects the ageing of human blood stem cells. The junior research group leader has been awarded a Starting Grant from the European Research Council worth one and a half million euros.

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