Research
Prof.
Ana Zenclussen
My Institution
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)
My Position/Profession/Field of Study
Head of the Department of Environmental Immunology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) / Professor of Pediatric Environmental Immunology at the University of Leipzig
In my entire professional career, I have been involved with the topic of pregnancy. I am interested in understanding the conditions important for a healthy baby development. Before coming to UFZ in Leipzig, I conducted research in Buenos Aires, Berlin, and Magdeburg. Among other things, I investigated how hormones influence immune cells so that pregnant women do not reject the fetus. In my current research at UFZ, my focus is on understanding to what extent hormonally active environmental chemicals affect the immune communication between mother and fetus and impact the baby's health. Three years ago, I moved to Leipzig with my husband and our two daughters because here at UFZ, I have optimal conditions to pursue this research question within a team of diverse colleagues from various fields. Through my research, I aim to contribute to ensuring that our children can grow up healthy and protected from avoidable hazards.