The graphic shows a blue Malaria parasite between several blood cells. From some of them, malaria sporozoites are spilling.

©Adobe Stock | Love Employee

World Malaria Day

125 Years of Malaria Research in Hamburg

Malaria, time and again malaria: According to the WHO, half a million people die of the infectious disease every year, 80 per cent of them children. Since its foundation in 1900, the former ‘Institute for Ship and Tropical Diseases’ has been dedicated to malaria research. Why is it so difficult to defeat the parasite? What progress and setbacks have there been in prevention and treatment?

The photo shows the MOBILISE truck from the front.

©BNITM | Dino Schachten

High-security lab to go

MOBILISE truck is ready for action

Highly dangerous viruses know no boundaries – and neither does the new mobile high-security laboratory ‘MOBILISE’. It enables diagnostics at security level 4: for humans, animals and the environment. The combination of One Health, sustainable construction and maximum biosafety makes it unique internationally. The MOBILISE truck was developed by BNITM and partners from research and industry – for international One Health missions in emergencies.

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©BNITM

Event

125 years of global infection research - in the heart of Hamburg

On 1 October 2025, the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) celebrates its 125th anniversary. In the course of its chequered history, the institute has made a significant contribution to the fight against diseases such as Malaria, Ebola and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). In numerous events, we look back – and forward.

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Close-up of a blood donation, from which two hands in blue lab gloves are just taking blood with a cannula.

©Stock | sebgross

Publication

Safe Blood Donations Despite West Nile Virus

Can West Nile virus be transmitted through blood donations? A new study of 26 million donations gives the all-clear: the current testing strategies are reliable and prevent transmission. However, as the virus, which is otherwise transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, continues to spread, it may be necessary to adapt the testing procedures in the future. Researchers therefore recommend continuous monitoring of virus activity.

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Das Foto zeigt eine Weltkugel, die von einer Hand gehalten wird. Der Hintergrund ist dunkelgrün bis gelblich.

©domi002 - stock.adobe.com

Funding

Psychology of Climate Action: Research Extended

The Klaus Tschira Foundation continues to support the PACE project, which has been studying people’s engagement in climate protection since 2022. The research aims to help design more effective climate action measures.

©ECTMIH2025

Event

Science Congress

In October 2025, the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) will celebrate its 125th anniversary. And how do researchers celebrate? With a scientific conference! After thirty years, the ‘European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health’ (ECTMIH) is returning to Hamburg. The organisers are expecting more than 1,000 participants at the Congress Center Hamburg (CCH). Take part and send in your session proposals!

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