Detecting Diseases
Who Is Infected - and with what?
Robust Diagnostics for Established and Emerging Pathogens
Accurate and modern diagnostics form the basis for effective clinical care, meaningful epidemiological research and for the fight against poverty-related and neglected diseases.
We therefore offer one of the most comprehensive diagnostic portfolios for tropical diseases in Europe. As Germany’s National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens and a WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, we detect and monitor an ever growing array of pathogens. We plan to establish additional reference units such as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Schistosomiasis Reference and Research. We aim to continuously improve the quality of our diagnostics by redesigning test and developing and evaluating new assays for emerging and neglected pathogens.
Metagenomic sequencing will play an important role in BNITM’s future diagnostics, enabling rapid, unbiased detection of known and emerging tropical pathogens across humans, animals, and the environment. By integrating it into routine surveillance and fast outbreak response, BNITM can strengthen its role as a global reference centre while driving innovation in infectious disease research.
Recent outbreaks have highlighted the critical importance of timely responses enabled by readily available diagnostics. To address this, we are developing innovative diagnostic tools, including tests specifically designed for use in low-resource settings, deploying mobile laboratories for rapid diagnostics in outbreaks worldwide and supporting the establishment of sustainable diagnostic capacities within affected countries.
Contact
- Dr Anneke Novak-Funk
- Head of Science Management
- phone: +49 40 285380-266
- email: novak-funk@bnitm.de
Downloads
- Scientific report 2023-2024 ( PDF 9 MB )
- BNITM Flyer ( PDF 5 MB )
- Organization Chart BNITM ( PDF 2 MB )
- BNITM Strategy 2025 ( PDF 22 MB )
