Aims

The “Interdisciplinary Center for Infection Biology and Immunity" of the Humboldt-University (ZIBI) was founded in 2005. It merges the activities of the Humboldt University and non-universitary research institutes in the field of Infection Biology and Immunity in Berlin, all working on a high scientific standard. 31 scientists are active members of the ZIBI, bringing together biologists, medicals, veterinarians, biophysicists and other researchers from the disciplines of virology, bacteriology, parasitology and immunology. 25 scientists are currently associated to the ZIBI.

The ZIBI links and coordinates their research and teaching activities with the goal to strive for excellence. The centre aims at creating structures that allow to pursue research of highest standards by (1) facilitating the acquisition of funding, (2) supporting the development of young scientists and (3) increasing public awareness for infectious diseases and immunology. The members strive to develop this field of research into a scientific focus of Berlin and beyond.

Tasks

The center of infection biology and immunity

strengthens interdisciplinary research and teaching in the field of infection biology and immunology.
facilitates the acquisition of coordinated research funding like SFBs, Graduate Schools, EU-networks, BMBF-funding and others.
coordinates and develops teaching activities of the members. Teaching is in English and encompasses lecture courses, seminar series, practical courses, workshops, summer schools and others. The ZIBI runs a PhD program.

Structure

According to the regulations of the Humboldt University, an interdisciplinary center has to associate professors of universitary and non-universitary research institutes. The Interdisciplinary Center of Infection Biology and Immunity (ZIBI), is at first a temporary structure with a duration of five years that can be prolonged after positive evaluation. It is run by a steering committee of 7 members . Current members are Prof. Alf Hamann, Prof. Andreas Herrmann, Prof. Heribert Hofer, Prof. Detlev Krüger, Prof. Richard Lucius, Prof. Thomas F. Meyer and Dr. PD Thorsten Wolff. Four scientists are associated to the steering group: Prof. Max Löhning, Prof. Klaus Osterrieder, Dr. Hedda Wardemann and Prof. Lothar Wieler. The spokesperson is Prof. Richard Lucius. The steering committee is elected for a period of two years. Members of the ZIBI are appointed by the steering committee on the basis of the quality of their research, the suitability of their research profile, their engagement in teaching and their contribution to the activities of the center. Members pay a yearly contribution towards the coordination cost of the center. Associated membership is free of charge.

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