Explore pathogens
What makes pathogens harmful?
Systems, cell and structural biology with state-of-the-art technology
We are committed to advancing basic research on tropical and emerging pathogens through a truly comprehensive, systems-based approach. We strive to identify pathogen vulnerabilities to guide the development of more effective vaccine and treatment strategies to combat them. Consequently, we study pathogens in the context of their complex interactions with vectors, human hosts, and reservoir animals - exploring everything from molecular mechanisms to cellular and systemic responses.
We combine molecular and cell biology as well as biochemistry with omics approaches, bioinformatics and AI-powered computational methods to explore pathogens in unprecedented depth. By using innovative experimental techniques and integrating different approaches, we uncover how pathogens replicate and affect host cell processes.
The BNITM will continue to strengthen the research capacity of its internationally recognized research groups, which necessarily focus on special topics, and set up additional systems-oriented teams. These research efforts target the use of innovative approaches to combat tropical diseases. Unique infrastructures allow experimentation with pathogens of the highest safety level, to establish suitable animal models for highly dangerous diseases, to breed carrier mosquitoes and to conduct infection experiments. On this basis, the BNITM can carry out innovative basic research at the highest level.
The BNITM's expansion into the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) on the DESY campus provides access to the world's best imaging techniques. They enable previously unimaginable research projects to be carried out to elucidate details from the individual molecular structures of the pathogens, up to the complex molecular interactions between host and pathogen.
We are growing our internationally recognized research teams and launching new groups dedicated to systems-level and computational research. Long-standing partnerships with renowned institutions worldwide enable this excellent basic research.
These efforts are supported by exceptional infrastructures: we work at the highest biosafety levels to study dangerous pathogens, develop accurate animal models and alternative approaches, rear vector mosquitoes, and conduct complex infection experiments. Our expanding role at the Science City Bahrenfeld including the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) ensures access to some of the most advanced imaging technologies.
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 )
