“Health sciences deal with the physical, psychological and social determinants of health and illness, the systematic recording of the prevalence of health conditions within the population, and the implications for the organisation and structure of the medical and psychosocial care system” (Klaus Hurrelmann & Oliver Razum [eds.]: Handbook of Health Sciences, Beltz Juventa, 2012).

In both research and teaching, the health sciences chair focuses on how health can be promoted and illness prevented. In doing so, we draw on theoretical approaches and empirical, epidemiological research. Our research interests lie, on the one hand, in the epidemiological analysis of the physical, mental and social conditions and causes of health and illness in various population groups and, on the other hand, in the analysis of the resulting consequences for healthcare systems, health policy and the design of the health system. In this context, the influence of the social and material environment is just as significant as personal factors (e.g. motivation and attitude).

Our key research areas are social epidemiology, in particular the emergence of health inequalities over the life course, and healthcare research, in particular the provision of care for hard-to-reach population groups and healthcare in rural areas.

Our seminars provide future healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of the relationship between health and disease at the population level and its determinants. As scientifically trained practitioners, students are equipped to derive evidence-based action plans from national and international research projects and to implement them in everyday practice.