Exciting insights into cutting-edge infection research
DZIF releases new video
The German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) has produced and released a new film about the broad spectrum of its activities. At the DZIF, over 700 researchers in 35 member institutions at seven partner sites work together on the greatest challenges of infection research for the benefit of all people. The goal is translation—the transfer of scientific knowledge from basic research to practical application. But what exactly does that mean? What diseases are the DZIF's research projects focused on? How does this huge network work in practice? And who works with whom? "We launched our new video to answer exactly these questions—for everyone interested in the work of the Center," says Dr. Timo Jäger, Managing Director of the DZIF.
The 15-minutes film explains how DZIF scientists are researching new antibiotics to combat threatening, multi-resistant pathogens. Tuberculosis, for example, is spreading again, often in the form of resistant variants. BTZ-043, a promising active substance against multi-resistant pathogens such as strains of the tuberculosis-causing pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, was co-developed at the DZIF.
The development of the drug Bulevirtid, the first approved treatment for hepatitis D—a chronic infection that affects more than twelve million people worldwide—is another landmark translational success for the DZIF.
In addition to active agents, the DZIF also develops diagnostic tests—such as those used during the coronavirus pandemic—and vaccines. Among other things, DZIF scientists are currently working on a vaccine against the MERS coronavirus. Researchers in the DZIF network have also developed therapeutic vaccines to help patients with chronic infections such as hepatitis B.
Many challenges, many successes that give hope. To ensure that this remains the case, the DZIF attaches great importance to the promotion of young talent: the DZIF Academy supports young talents on their way into infection medicine and research. They also have their say in the new film.
What makes the German Center for Infection Research so special? More than 700 people work at the DZIF with the common goal of translating basic research into clinical practice. The well-being of the patients is our top priority. For more insights, please watch our DZIF movie (active content from YouTube will only be loaded and personal data will only be transferred to YouTube when this video is called up; for more information, please see our privacy policy).
Extensive filming took place at all seven partner sites of the DZIF with numerous participants. The film is now available in German and English. For those who want to get a quick overview of the film, here is a two-minute short version.