The Leibniz Center Infection (short: LCI)

The Leibniz Center Infection (LCI) is an association of three research institutes in northern Germany. The LCI has been in existence since 2005. The scientists at the LCI investigate why people fall ill with infectious diseases and how these diseases can be better treated.

These three institutes are part of the LCI:

The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine
The institute is located at the port of Hamburg. The researchers study pathogens from the tropics that can also cause diseases in our country, such as malaria. Due to climate change, these pathogens are also coming to Germany more and more frequently.

The Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center
The research center is located in Borstel. Bacteria that cause lung diseases are researched here. One important disease studied here is tuberculosis.

The Leibniz Institute of Virology
The institute is located on the grounds of the University Medical Center Hamburg- Eppendorf. The scientists there research viruses that make people ill, such as the viruses that cause AIDS, influenza, hepatitis or corona.

Around 600 researchers are working together at these three institutes to understand infectious diseases.

Credit @ Adobe Stock, Molly Ferguson Art

What are infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases are caused by tiny pathogens. These pathogens are for example bacteria, parasites or viruses. They invade our bodies and make us ill. Many people around the world are affected by them.

Why are we doing research?

Our scientists want to better understand how pathogens work in the body. The more we know, the better we can develop new treatments, such as tablets or vaccines. That way we can help many people.

How do our scientists work?

Research takes place in special rooms. These rooms are called laboratories. There is a lot of equipment in the laboratories and the researchers wear white coats.

Safety laboratories

There are strict safety rules in the laboratories to prevent pathogens from getting outside. The scientists wear protective clothing such as gloves and lab coats in order to work safely.

Credit @ LIV, Udo Thomas

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