Better studies and more patient safety

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The Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, or IBE for short, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Located on the Grosshadern campus, it is part of the Medical Faculty of LMU Munich and an important partner for the LMU Hospital. Director and Chair Prof. Dr. Ulrich Mansmann has been in office for 20 years. On November 9, 2024, the IBE celebrates at a symposium in the main building of the LMU.

The Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology was founded in 1974 by Prof. Dr. Karl Überla (1935-2024) and subsequently headed by him for 30 years. In 2004, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Mansmann took over as his successor and Chair of Biometry and Bioinformatics. There is also a Chair of Epidemiology, which is based at the Helmholtz Zentrum München - the Chair is held by Prof. Dr. Annette Peters - and, since 2018, the Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research - the Chair is held by Prof. Dr. Eva Rehfuess. In total, over 120 employees at the Großhadern site work on processing and analyzing medical data. "In addition, we have a lot of experience in the planning, randomization and evaluation of clinical studies as well as other medical research and clinical epidemiology projects," says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Mansmann.

"Among other things, we investigate whether a study can provide a clear answer to a precisely posed question before it even begins. And in a further step, we evaluate whether the right conclusions are drawn. For example, we have accompanied studies by the German Dizziness and Balance Center (DZSG) from the very beginning. Our aim is to ensure research integrity and improve the credibility of study results," explains the IBE Director. Resources can also be saved, the right approaches identified more quickly and patient safety improved as a result, Mansmann emphasizes.

Clinical studies are the basis for the further development of therapeutic and diagnostic options. Their aim is usually to evaluate or optimize new forms of therapy. Each study must be reported in a publicly accessible register. This information is also directly accessible to laypersons. The IBE therefore not only receives inquiries from doctors, but also from patients. "You can make an appointment with us and get help in understanding statements about studies and study results. But we don't give clinical advice or make treatment recommendations," explains Prof. Dr. Mansmann.

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To mark the anniversary, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Mansmann and his team invite you to take a look back at the work and development of the IBE on November 9, 2024 and venture a look into the future. The motto is “Methodology and responsible research for health”. The symposium will take place in the LMU main building from 10 a.m. in lecture hall A140 and in the atrium.