HELMHOLTZ Centre for Infection Research
Scientists at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) investigate the mechanisms of infectious diseases and the defence against them. Subsequently, they develop the results of basic research systematically towards medical and pharmaceutical application. The scientific questions we are trying to answer include:
- What transforms bacteria or viruses into pathogens?
- Why are some individuals particularly sensitive while others are resistant to infections?
- How can we interrupt infection processes?
- How do we transfer our findings to application for human beings?
To solve these problems, we investigate pathogens that are clinically relevant or can be used as models for the research of infections. Understanding the mechanisms of infections then contributes to the development of novel, patient-tailored solutions for diagnosis, prevention, treatment as well as surveillance and control of infectious diseases.
Goals
The HZI addresses the infectious disease challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, the centre has implemented its competitive programme “Infection Research”. The programme puts particular emphasis on the transfer of research results to application, on individualised infection medicine and the increased use of data-driven approaches for infection research, including Informations- und Datentechnologien für die Infektionsforschung.
We do have to deal with new epidemics or even pandemics. We therefore need to better understand the mechanisms and pathways by which pathogens spread in our environment in order to be able to respond to them more effectively. The question of the transmissibility of zoonotic pathogens, i.e. from animals to humans, is particularly relevant. This is exactly where our new Helmholtz Institute for One Health in Greifswald will start and make important research contributions in the future.
Prof. Dirk Heinz
Scientific Director of HZI
CONTACT
Susanne Thiele
Head of Press and Communication | Press Spokesperson
Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH
SCIENCE CAMPUS
Braunschweig-Süd
Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig
Tel.: +49 (0)531 6181-1400
Mobil: +49 (0) 151 52726060
Mail: susanne.thiele@helmholtz-hzi.de
One Health Research in Greifswald is funded by
