Since the Biomechanics Institute was founded in 1980 by Prof. Erich Schneider, the focus was always on assessment, development and testing of orthopaedic implants, and in particular hip endoprosthesis, for which Hamburg has a disproportionately high volume of clinical throughput. Projects are supported by the university, by grants from the German Research Council and by industrial partners. Studies are undertaken by undergraduate and post-graduate students and by medical students and surgeons from the many local clinics. Our particular areas of study are presented below.