Janin Henkel-Oberländer is Professor for Biochemistry of Nutrition

“The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide and is associated with a number of health conditions and societal burdens”, explains Prof. Dr Janin Henkel-Oberländer, who joined the team at the Kulmbach Campus on 1 December 2020. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of the development of nutrition-associated metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular and muscular disorders, as well as inflammatory processes in the context of the metabolic syndrome.

“Our existing basic knowledge often has too little influence on societal developments and individual behaviour, which is why I see the integrative approach of various research fields at the Kulmbach campus as very promising.” Food supplements as well as novel foods and super foods are becoming more and more popular. “I find it incredibly exciting to research the effects of different diets, nutritional trends, and food ingredients not only in terms of biochemical and physiological issues, but also to include interdisciplinary aspects on well-being and behaviour, for example”, she says.

“I was immediately struck by the innovative interdisciplinary character of Faculty VII, and am looking forward to actively contributing to the ongoing development of Faculty VII of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health.” The professor also sees its interdisciplinarity as a great advantage for students in Kulmbach.

Prof. Dr. Janin Henkel-Oberländer studied nutritional science at the University of Potsdam, earned her doctorate at the Institute of Nutritional Science in the Department of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry of Nutrition, and worked there in both research and teaching. Until recently, she also represented the Professorship for Nutrition Therapy and Counselling at Hochschule für Gesundheit - University of Applied Sciences, where she taught mainly in the field of nutritional medicine.