Solar radiation, airborne particulate matter, tobacco smoke, chemicals in the environment, in food and consumer goods may impact human health. The IUF investigates how environmental factors interfere with molecular processes within an organism and are able to detriment health. The institute’s projects aim to develop preventive strategies.

The most significant damages to health triggered by environmental factors are allergies, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, degenerative diseases, premature aging and cancer. The IUF’s research focuses on environmentally induced aging processes and disorders of the immune system, in particular allergies. In order to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for triggering such disorders, the IUF employs cutting-edge cell-biological, immunological, toxicological, molecular biological and epidemiological methods. This interdisciplinary approach to research requires the use of one or more interface organs as an experimental model. At the IUF, studies are mainly performed on the skin and the lung, to some extent also on the brain, intestine and liver.

The IUF’s unique approach combines fundamental research with applied research. Its main focus lies on the effects of particles and non-ionising radiation. In vitro investigations of cultivated cells are complemented by in vivo investigations of animal models, voluntary subjects and epidemiological studies.