Where we work

Our understanding of infections and their interactions with other diseases such as cancer, neurological and metabolic disorders has progressed significantly over the last decades. However, many relevant infectious diseases are far from being eradicated. The opposite is the case: resistance to antimicrobials (in man and livestock), lack of efficient vaccines and therapies for major global health threats along with evolution of new pathogen variants has led to the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases of sometimes epidemic dimensions. On the other hand, our immune system is ever more likely to “go rogue” as autoimmune disorders and allergies which are associated with a modern lifestyle are on the rise.

The IMPRS-IDI sets out to train and support the next generation of researchers in addressing these important challenges. In their projects, the IMPRS-IDI doctoral students aim to explain the genetic, biochemical and organismal basis of infections and immune reactions. The projects are in the areas of pathogenicity mechanisms, pathogen-host interactions, pathogen-host co-evolution, chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, development and differentiation of immune cells.