Due to internationalization of higher education, the university setting poses various health challenges to its internationally diverse population. Since its establishment, the department has shown longstanding commitment to work in this crucial area. The department has expertise to examine the state of health, health risks and health seeking behaviors of university students. Our scientists have also identified the health needs as well as preventive measures for the student population. Keeping in view their health needs, we have specifically focused on gender issues, sexually transmitted infections, management of exam-related stress and strain, and other related health risks and challenges. On this subject, the department has published two books and numerous original articles in international scientific journals.

For the conduction of research in this particular area, the department has its in-house team of scientists and also collaborates with regional experts. We have also established a diverse strong network of international scientists from Western Europe, several Eastern European and Mediterranean countries, China, Bangladesh. Recently we have focused on mental health, substance abuse and injuries in the university student population.

Under the umbrella of BiAS (Bielefelder Abiturienten Studie), the department conducts longitudinal studies on the health challenges faced by the adolescent population. In this regard, we are particularly interested to investigate the various health risks faced by this population through the transition from school life to professional life. Adolescents and young adults generally represent a healthy population, but show symptoms and behaviors that can later result in chronic disease. In this phase of life, several risk factors for e.g. cardiovascular diseases may become prevalent. Therefore, emerging adulthood represents a vulnerable phase for later diseases. Only longitudinal studies can detect and dissect the important factors and dynamics of life course epidemiology.