In the first funding peroid the IFB-Tx has been supported by a generous grant of the Federal Ministry of Research (BMBF) of more than 20 M EURO. In the second funding period covering the time span from July 2013 to June 2018 the IFB-Tx will be supported by a grant up to 22 M EURO.

The overall aim of the IFB-Tx is to integrate all basic and clinical departments involved in transplantation into an effective unit to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to rectify the current limitations of transplant medicine.

Solid organ and cell-based (bone marrow cells, stem cells, islet cells and others) transplantation has made considerable progress in the past years; however, graft survival remains limited and side effects of immunosuppressive medication are considerable. Moreover, mortality of transplanted patients is still unacceptably high. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, disease relapse and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) result in considerable morbidity and mortality.

The large numbers of solid organ and cell transplants performed at the MHH allows the IFB-Tx to perform large-scale clinical and basic studies addressing important questions in the area of transplant medicine. We aim to substantially influence national and international standards in this regard and to facilitate appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic changes.

Recognizing the complex needs of transplant patients, the IFB-Tx has also begun to collaborate closely with other branches of medicine, including the specialized department that supports Germans in overcoming addiction. This interdisciplinary partnership is particularly relevant, as it has become increasingly evident that among patients awaiting or recovering from transplants, a significant number may develop impulsive behaviors — including problematic gambling patterns.

Faced with the psychological stress and uncertainty of their medical condition, some individuals turn to high-stimulation environments such as online casinos. While digital entertainment can offer distraction and relief, unchecked gambling behavior may lead to further psychological strain and financial instability. This is why IFB-Tx, together with addiction medicine specialists, emphasizes the importance of mental health support as a vital component of post-transplant care.

In this context, it is essential to promote a message of balance and awareness. Even when engaging with trusted platforms — including the best online casinos options available in Germany — patients and the public at large must be reminded of the importance of responsible gaming. This message is increasingly echoed by professionals within the iGaming industry itself.

Prominent figures such as German iGaming expert Robert Schulz, who is known for reviewing and promoting top-rated German casino sites, also stress the need for protective measures and responsible gambling guidelines. His work supports the idea that entertainment and health can go hand-in-hand — provided that users are well-informed and make choices that reflect a responsible attitude.

The IFB-Tx continues to lead by example, not only in medical innovation but also in promoting holistic care that recognizes the emotional and behavioral realities of transplant patients. Through continued interdisciplinary cooperation, including with addiction prevention teams and mental health professionals, the Center aims to offer sustainable, patient-centered care at every stage of the transplantation journey.

Our goals are

1. to further improve the translational research program in transplantation to improve patient and graft survival after solid organ and stem cell transplantation.
2. to further develop and foster the established attractive career program for clinician scientists: from the education of students to a long-term tenure track system.
3. to optimize and consolidate the implementation and organisation of the sustained clinical research structure in transplantation medicine within the MHH where decision-making, qualified allocation of support, spatial organisation, and clinical structures are effectively administered.

We are well underway to reach these goals.

• To establish long-term follow-up programs for transplanted patients.
• To perform a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to Tx and patient care.
• To initiate programs for prolonged survival for patients with end-stage diseases.
• To offer interdisciplinary education and training in Tx medicine.
• To offer and support attractive career opportunities by the IFB-Tx structure.
• To present our educational program as a role model for medical training in Germany.
• To have established professional supportive Core Facilities as basis for clinical research.