: Why is it worthwhile to visit the Research Festival also for non-medical students?
Philip Rosenstiel: You get a sense of how research works – even if you don’t understand every detail. The event presents the full spectrum of current biomedical research, presented by young scientists who are passionate about their topics. Especially exciting are the Flash Talks: short presentations with two slides in two minutes. This format forces you to explain complex research in an accessible way.
In the interview: Philip Rosenstiel
born 1973, professor and director of the Institute for Clinical Molecular Biology at the UKSH in Kiel, since 2022 pro-dean of the Medical Faculty, his research focus is the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases
: Why is there a need for a Research Festival at the medical faculty?
Rosenstiel: It is primarily about scientific exchange. Many researchers work in groups but in isolation from one another. We want to create a space where young and established researchers come together and inspire each other. Early-career researchers are under pressure to deliver many scientific results quickly. This leaves them little time to network beyond their own topic early on and to discuss their ideas with experienced researchers.
: Which topics are in the foreground?
Rosenstiel: The focus is on biomedical research – from clinical research to digital medicine, AI and data science, and to new therapeutic approaches.
: What role does AI specifically play in medicine?
Rosenstiel: Especially in image analysis, AI models can help to better recognize polyps or cancer stages and are already being used in clinical everyday life. Generative AI will also be able to take over parts of medical or nursing tasks. This includes chatbots that conduct screenings, as well as models that provide patients with behavioral recommendations. In China there are already AI models that examine people and decide whether they need a doctor. Here too, engaging with this will be unavoidable.
Research Festival on 2.12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kiel Science Center, Fraunhoferstraße 13
: Do doctors have to choose between research and medical practice?
In China there are already AI models that examine people and decide whether they need a doctor.
Philip Rosenstiel, director of the Institute for Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel
Rosenstiel: Basically, you can do both. In the past, it was common to work in the clinic by day and to conduct research in your spare time. This model is no longer realistic or sustainable. Therefore, in Schleswig-Holstein there is the so-called Clinician-Scientist program. It enables doctors to obtain a double qualification with protected research time already during specialty training. We have negotiated with the Medical Association that parts of this scientific activity can be credited toward specialty training.
: Is there a shortage of researchers in medicine?
Rosenstiel: Yes, that is due to the missing framework conditions. Those who work 18 hours a day in an underfunded health system have neither time nor resources for research.
: Is it also related to working conditions in research?
Rosenstiel: The pure research conditions in Germany are excellent. There is a long timeline of stable research funding, ranging from the national genome research network to programs like the Excellence Initiative to large structural investments. Such measures have also helped turn innovations into companies like BioNTech. But medical research today is also facing stiffer competition with other areas such as defense. We as a society must address this. For me, funding excellent research remains one of the best investments in the future of our location.
