Major Long-Term Health Study Enters Next Phase - SHIP launches new health exams in landmark 27-year study

The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) has begun a fresh round of examinations, marking another phase in one of the world's largest long-term health studies. Running from March to October, this new wave will assess up to 1,000 participants, some of whom have taken part since the project's start in 1997.

SHIP tracks health trends across the Greifswald region through repeated, large-scale examinations over decades. The latest group includes 925 individuals who have completed all five previous rounds, with another 150 missing at most one. Their ages now span from 47 to 102.

Each participant undergoes a thorough assessment, including measurements, ultrasound scans, and dental checks. Optional tests cover MRI scans, cardiovascular evaluations, and lung function. These detailed examinations build on earlier data, supporting national and international research. By late 2025, the first wave of a newer cohort—launched in May 2021—will conclude. This group includes nearly 4,400 people and over 1,000 pets, reflecting SHIP's *One Health* approach. The study's multiple cohorts explore different health aspects, reinforcing its role in global research.

The new examination wave will add to SHIP's extensive dataset, with many participants now in their sixth round of assessments. Results from these repeated checks will continue to inform studies on long-term health patterns in the region.