Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), whose main campus is located in Braunschweig, investigates the mechanisms of infectious diseases and their defenses. To this end, the scientists are researching viruses and bacteria such as the pathogens that cause tuberculosis and AIDS, Covid-19 and hepatitis. At the same time, the researchers are analyzing the human immune system and developing new drugs, diagnostic procedures and vaccines. An important concern of the HZI is to put new findings into practice as soon as possible: Innovative therapies should help patients quickly. To this end, the research center and its approximately 1,000 employees are working on individualized medicine and advancing the search for pathogens using AI. The aim of the HZI is to tackle the major societal challenges associated with infectious diseases: new pandemics, climate change, increasing antibiotic resistance and the use of modern precision medicine.

Main research areas:

• Infection research
• Drug research
• Individualized infection medicine
• Information and data technology for infection research