The University of Witten/Herdecke develops and tests new forms of teaching and learning, designs new curricula and novel approaches in research, and explores innovative paths in university organization. We consider these tasks as part of our mission in society. The main fields of research at the Institute of Cell Biology are the analysis of programmed DNA-reorganization processes, the structure and biology of telomeres and the epigentic control of DNA-replication, including the construction of autonmously replicating vectors for mammalian cells. Witten is situated at the south-eastern part of the Ruhr Valley, which undoubtedly is one of the most exciting regions in Germany and one of Europe’s greatest and most central urban agglomerations. Detailed information is presented at http://wga.dmz.uni-wh.de/orga/html/default/mhxr-5bydaz.en.html.