Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH

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 omics-technologies and machine learning tools.

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research is a member of the Helmholtz Association. The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges facing society, science and industry with top scientific achievements in six research areas: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Key Technologies, Structure of Matter, Transport and Space. With 40,000 employees in 19 research centres and an annual budget of approximately 4.7 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.