New research group ‘Infections and Climate Dynamics’ established under the leadership of Dr Andrea Molina

Climate change is reshaping patterns of infectious diseases worldwide. To address this, the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) has established the ‘Infections and Climate Dynamics’ laboratory group. Led by Dr Andrea Molina, the group examines how environmental conditions affect the emergence and transmission of pathogens.

Photo collage of Costa Rica landscapes - rainforest, beach, city, countryside, and volcano crater - overlaid with the white outline of the country.

Together with partners in tropical regions, the team analyses how heatwaves, shifting rainfall patterns and flooding influence infection risk. It seeks to better predict the public health impacts of extreme weather events and to develop practical strategies that strengthen preparedness in affected regions.

A key focus is on pathogens transmitted through water, food or animals – including bacterial causes of diarrhoeal diseases or zoonoses. The group takes a One Health approach, linking human, animal and environmental health. It investigates how temperature, precipitation and environmental changes influence the spread of these pathogens and the development of antimicrobial resistance. The findings are intended to inform evidence-based and timely climate adaptation measures, thereby strengthening public health in the long term., thereby strengthening public health in the long term.

The laboratory group works closely with the German–Costa Rican Center for Climate Adaptation and Infectious Diseases (GC‑ADAPT), led by Dr Andrea Molina and based in Cartago, Costa Rica. GC‑ADAPT strengthens regional research and surveillance capacities for infectious diseases in Latin America and promotes exchange with the BNITM in Hamburg. This collaboration supports joint studies, data sharing and training programmes between partners in the tropics and in Germany.