Germany's landmark SHIP study enters a new phase with 1,000 participants

Neueste Nachrichten

Germany's landmark SHIP study enters a new phase with 1,000 participants

A chart titled "high scope study major findings over time" divided into sections representing different study levels, with percentages indicating time spent on each level and accompanying text providing further study information.
Alex Duffy
Alex Duffy
2 Min.

Major Long-Term Health Study Enters Next Phase - Germany's landmark SHIP study enters a new phase with 1,000 participants

One of the world's largest long-term health studies is entering a new phase. The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) has tracked the well-being of thousands of residents for decades. Now, researchers are preparing to assess up to 1,000 participants between March and October in its latest wave of examinations.

SHIP has monitored health trends in northeastern Germany since 1997. The study follows multiple groups, with some individuals taking part in every round. In this new phase, 925 people have completed all five previous assessments, while another 150 missed just one. Their ages now span from 47 to 102.

Participants will undergo detailed medical checks, including measurements, ultrasound scans, and dental reviews. Optional tests, such as MRI scans and evaluations of heart and lung function, will also be available. The data collected feeds into national and international research, helping scientists understand long-term health patterns. Alongside this, a separate group of nearly 4,400 individuals has been examined under the *One Health* approach since May 2021. This initiative explores links between human, animal, and environmental health. The first wave of this new cohort is set to finish by late 2025.

The latest SHIP examinations will run until October, with results contributing to ongoing health research. The study's long-term data continues to support medical advancements, offering insights into ageing, disease, and the broader factors influencing well-being.