Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and one of the strongest research universities in all of Europe. On the 2019 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, Heidelberg ranks 1st nationally, 12th in Europe, and 47th in the world. Heidelberg University’s identity as a comprehensive university has grown out of its academic history, its commitment to the present, and its role in shaping the future. The research and educational efforts of the university are devoted to pursuing the central questions confronting humanity, concentrating on fundamental research and its application, and empowering Heidelberg’s students to participate in this scientific and academic endeavor at an early stage. Heidelberg University is dedicated to systematically advancing the careers of young scholars and scientists, offers established academics ample opportunity for independent research. This alliance of knowledge provides an excellent foundation for the identification and dedicated pursuit of new research questions.
Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) boast Germany’s highest ranked Medical School, with more than 40 specialized clinical departments and 11 institutes, is one of the leading medical centers in Europe and is at the forefront of health sciences for the benefit of all. The Medical Faculty has prepared itself for the challenges of the 21st century by establishing central scientific institutions, of focus points in research, and of internal promotion and support of innovative research groups. UKHD is a key partner in many large-scale consortia-based research programs including, 20 Horizon 2020 projects such as RECOVER-E1, PRESTIGE-AF2, ZIKAlliance3, ADVOCATE4, CoCA5, MESI-STRAT6, and TENSION7. These multinational and multi-disciplinary research consortia require substantial governance and management structures to support the implementation of research projects. The WHO-PEN@Scale project will leverage the unique institutional strengths of UKHD to successfully meet deliverables and milestones. UKHD has developed transparent processes for involving stakeholders, communication offices, and is committed to the policy of global access to ensure the widest possible dissemination and impact of scientific results. UKHD has a dedicated EU liaison officer with expertise in Horizon 2020 projects to support the project and communication with the EC.