Prof. Dr. Hadi Mozaffari Jovein
Prof. Dr. Hadi Mozaffari Jovein takes over as head of the CoHMed innovation and transfer partnership at Furtwangen University
Through its innovation and transfer partnership CoHMed (Connected Health in Medical Mountains), Furtwangen University (HFU) is working with its network partners MedicalMountains GmbH and TechnologyMountains e.V., the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the Tuttlingen University Campus Support Association to promote the development of regional medical technology, and strengthen cooperation between the university and industry. This important partnership now has a new representative on the university side − Prof. Dr. Hadi Mozaffari Jovein is the new head and spokesperson for CoHMed. In our interview, he talks about the development of the partnership, milestones, and the next strategic steps for research, transfer, and regional networking in medical technology.
Professor Mozaffari Jovein, you have taken over the baton of partnership spokesperson from your colleague Prof. Dr. Knut Möller. What makes CoHMed special?
The special feature of CoHMed is that the partnership offers space for interdisciplinary exchange within the university, but also between research and industry in the field of medical technology. Particularly noteworthy are the short distances between science and application, the trusting cooperation, and the practice-oriented research with direct added value.
How long has this partnership been in existence, and how has it developed?
Since the project began in 2017, CoHMed has developed very positively in my view − we are seeing a high degree of professionalisation, the expansion of robust research structures, an increasing number of completed projects, and a growing regional and supraregional network.
Have you been involved from the beginning?
I have been involved with CoHMed since the application phase and have known the partnership since its inception, so to speak. In recent years, I have led several funded CoHMed projects in the field of materials science—including breast tissue markers, osseointegrative implants, and new materials for medical applications. I have also had the opportunity to contribute as deputy partnership spokesperson.
What achievements has CoHMed brought to HFU in recent years?
CoHMed has significantly advanced HFU's research strength in the field of medical technology. This is particularly evident in project work, theses, and doctoral projects – the latter have almost tripled. This has noticeably increased research activities at HFU and the participating institutes as a whole. In addition, there have been numerous scientific publications, the expansion of large-scale equipment infrastructure, and a strong, continuously growing corporate network.
How visible is CoHMed in the region?
CoHMed has a strong presence, particularly through its close cooperation with regional and national companies. This is particularly evident in project work, theses and doctoral projects — the latter of which have nearly tripled. This has noticeably increased research activities at HFU and the participating institutes overall. In addition, there are numerous scientific publications, the expansion of large-scale equipment infrastructure, and a strong, continuously growing network of companies.
What are your plans for the future—how would you like to further develop the partnership?
We want to maintain and strategically expand our CoHMed partnership. To this end, we will organize additional networking events and strategically develop the medical technology research focus. The CoHMed management project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) for nine years. Thanks to follow-up funding from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts (MWK), the CoHMed network's consolidation activities in our region are secured until 2031. This creates planning security for the development and generation of future research projects and enables the definition of sustainable medical technology topics. At the same time, strategic continuity in knowledge and technology transfer is guaranteed.
What potential for cooperation exists between the local medical technology industry and HFU?
The possibilities are manifold — especially for companies that want to develop new medical technology products or further develop existing products through innovative design, optimised manufacturing processes, and higher quality standards. Together, we can realise application-oriented research and development projects and put them into practice. Companies benefit from access to scientific expertise, modern laboratory infrastructure, qualified young talent, and practical research results for product development.
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About Internal link opens in the same window:CoHMed
Furtwangen University is one of only ten universities in Germany to receive funding under the “Strong Universities of Applied Sciences – Impulse for the Region” funding programme of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space. The aim of the CoHMed innovation and transfer partnership is to support medical technology companies in the region in developing sustainable products and to strengthen the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg region as a centre for research and science:
- 11 million euros in project funding from the BMFTR and approximately 3 million euros in industry funding
- 18 participating professors
- 34 research partners from industry, including 21 small and medium-sized enterprises
- 20 funded research and development projects
Internal link opens in the same window:Contact Prof. Dr. Hadi Mozaffari Jovein