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41 research hubs,
41 leading minds

Borstel
Research Center Borstel (FZB)

Life Sciences

The FZB advances our understanding of respiratory diseases including asthma, allergies, and lung inflammation.This knowledge lays the groundwork for effective, evidence-based response to pandemic threats.

Hamburg
Leibniz Institute for Virology (LIV)

Life Sciences
Research at LIV focuses on the biology of human viruses, the diseases they cause, and the development of therapies. This work is essential for studying emerging and re-emerging viruses with the potential to cause pandemics.

Hamburg
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine

Life Sciences
Alongside its expertise in tropical medicine, BNITM also 
focuses on infectious diseases that are gaining importance due to climate change and urbanisation — key

Kiel
Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN)

Humanities and educational research
The IPN investigates how education can be leveraged to better prepare individuals and societies for future health risks. The central question: How must teaching and learning evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing educational landscape?

Kiel
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW)

Economics, social sciences, and spatial science
The IfW brings economic expertise to the challenges of pandemics by analysing health risks, assessing risk management, and identifying what works. These insights ultimately transform into practical recommendations for economic stability.

Greifswald
Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)

Mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
Plasma research has a wide range of applications, from disinfecting surfaces and sterilising equipment to supporting wound treatment. Through this work, the INP helps to prevent the spread of pathogens and improve hygiene standards.

Hannover
Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association (ARL)

Economics, social sciences, and spatial science
The smart use of space and adaptable urban design are key to reducing disease spread. The ARL studies how planning strategies can increase cities' resilience against health threats.

Göttingen
German Primate Centre – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research (DPZ)

Life Sciences
At the DPZ, primate research in the fields of evolution and behaviour offers valuable insights into the social aspects of infectious diseases, such as how they spread and how immune systems respond.

Braunschweig
German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH (DSMZ)

Life Sciences
The DSMZ plays a central role in collecting, characterizing, and distributing microorganisms and cell cultures. These biological resources are crucial for advancing research and improving pandemic prevention and response efforts.

Magdeburg
Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN)

Life Sciences
The LIN examines the impact of stress and anxiety on behaviour during pandemics. Such research ultimately helps to develop approaches that protect the population's physical and mental health during times of crisis.

Halle (Saale)
Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB)

Life Sciences
The IPB investigates plant-derived compounds that could be used to treat infectious and lifestyle-related diseases. Further studies examine how these compounds contribute to plant adaptation under environmental stress.

Jena
Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)

Life Sciences
Pandemics often affect the elderly more severely. The FLI identifies preventive responses and personalises therapeutic options for an ageing population by researching cellular ageing processes and immune responses.

Jena
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology Hans Knöll Institute (HKI)

Life Sciences
HKI's research centers on molecular biology, particularly the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds. This work provides valuable insights that deepen our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and support the development of effective therapies and preventive strategies.

Freising
Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology - Technical University of Munich (LSB)

Life Sciences
Ensuring food quality and security is essential for bolstering societal resilience in times of crisis. The LSB contributes to the Lab’s mission through research focused on robust and sustainable food systems.

Mainz
Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR)

Life Sciences
Pandemics demand more than medical solutions—they require societal strength. LIR contributes its expertise in exploring the psychological and social dimensions of resilience, helping communities to cope and recover.

Frankfurt/Main
Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN)

Life Sciences
Tracking outbreaks through databanks and collections: SGN provides vital information to support the early detection of diseases and to help assess the ecological impact of pandemics.

Bonn + Hamburg
Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB)

Life Sciences
Biodiversity plays a vital role in disease emergence. Its loss raises the risk of harmful interactions between animals and humans. The LIB investigates these connections to enhance our understanding and prevention of outbreaks.

Düsseldorf
Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF)

Life Sciences
The IUF investigates how environmental factors influence susceptibility to diseases, including those with pandemic potential. Through this research, the institute provides insights for minimizing the health risks associated with environmental exposures.

Dortmund
Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo)

Life Sciences
Understanding the links between work, health and social structures is vital for strengthening workforce resilience during a pandemic. Research at IfADo uncovers how to adapt working conditions to enable better coping during a crisis.

Tübingen
Leibniz Institute for Media Knowledge (IWM)

Humanities and educational research
In what ways can digital media be utilised to enhance accessibility of knowledge and promote effective learning? The IWM explores ways to optimise information flows, which are an essential factor in strengthening pandemic preparedness.

Trier
Leibniz Institute for Psychology (ZPID)

Life Sciences

The ZPID investigates how people respond to stress, uncertainty and change. This research provides the foundation for preventive strategies and psychological support designed to bolster individual and collective resilience.

Frankfurt/Main
Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education (DIPF)

Humanities and educational research
A knowledge-based first aid kit for pandemics: By linking educational research with crisis management, DIPF strengthens society’s resilience and capacity to respond to health emergencies.

Bonn
German Institute for Adult Education – Leibniz Centre for Lifelong Learning (DIE)

Humanities and educational research
Education provides reliable knowledge to support informed, health-conscious decisions. By developing effective learning strategies, DIE enables citizens to navigate current and future challenges more effectively.

Saarbrücken
Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM)

Mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
At INM, researchers develop innovative materials, such as antimicrobial coatings, to help curb the spread of pathogens and enhance the performance of equipment and protective clothing.

Aachen
Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

Mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
Pandemics require functional and interactive materials. Among other things, the DWI develops antimicrobial coatings and conducts research in the field of sonopharmacology for targeted drug delivery.

Dortmund
Leibniz Institute for Analytical Science (ISAS)

Mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
At ISAS, advanced analytical methods are developed to detect and characterize pathogens. These tools enable more effective monitoring of pathogen spread, which is vital for pandemic preparedness and response.

Jena
Leibniz Institute of Phototonic Technology (IPHT)

Mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
Harnessing Light to Fight Viruses: At IPHT, researchers develop photonic technologies that detect, visualize, and help us understand infections. These technologies strengthen pandemic readiness and accelerate crisis response.

Frankfurt/Oder
Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics (IHP)

Mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
Research at IHP plays a vital role in developing technologies that support modern healthcare. By enabling the more efficient processing of large volumes of data, for example, healthcare professionals are able to make better-informed decisions.

Dresden
Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER)

Economics, social sciences, and spatial science
Land usage and urban development can significantly influence the emergence and spread of pandemics. Spatial planning is therefore essential for pandemic preparedness. The IOER develops strategies to address spatial risk factors early on.

Essen
Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (RWI)

Economics, social sciences, and spatial science
RWI examines the overall resilience of national health systems in times of crisis. By empirically analyzing behavioral, preventive, and structural factors, its research also evaluates the potential of digital tools to enhance pandemic response.

Mannheim
Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW)

Economics, social sciences, and spatial science
ZEW analyses the impact of pandemic-related measures, such as lockdowns and vaccination campaigns, on different sectors of the economy, providing a scientific perspective on the broader social and economic consequences.

Frankfurt/Main
Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF)

Economics, social sciences, and spatial science
Pandemics can exacerbate social tensions and trigger conflicts. PRIF provides valuable insights into the connections between conflict, peace and health crises, helping to inform effective responses.

Leipzig
Leibniz Institut for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)

Environmental Sciences
Pathogens spread in different ways depending on weather, air quality and climate change. TROPOS conducts research to improve our understanding of these environmental risk factors and enhance predictions of potential disease outbreaks.

Potsdam
Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB)

Umweltwissenschaften
Agriculture could make important contributions to preventing future pandemics — for example, through more sustainable food production optimized animal husbandry systems. The ATB develops research-based solutions to explore these possibilities.

Berlin
German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin)

Economics, social sciences, and spatial science
DIW’s research is vital for creating effective strategies to
prevent and manage pandemics. Addressing this challenge requires an integrated approach
that connects economic, social, and healthfactors.

Berlin
German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ)

Life Sciences

The DRFZ investigates the causes, biological mechanisms, and treatments of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. This work is crucial for understanding how inflammation impacts health and plays a role in pandemics.

Berlin
Leibniz Ferdinand Braun Institute, Institute for High Frequency Technology (FBH)

Mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
Optoelectronics and photonics could greatly aid the early
detection and control of pandemics. The FBH
develops advanced imaging technologies that enable
the accurate identification of pathogens,supporting improved outbreak management.

Berlin
Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP)

Life Sciences
By developing innovative therapies and integrating pharmacological, biological, and medical approaches, the FMP is advancing interdisciplinary strategies to better manage future health crises.

Berlin
Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB)

Environmental Sciences
Aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in the transmission of pathogens. Research at IGB bridges ecology, biology, and epidemiology to uncover the complex dynamics driving these processes.

Berlin
Museum for Natural History – Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity (MfN)

Life Sciences
Understanding disease transmission and pandemic risks requires an understanding of both biodiversity and evolution. The MfN addresses these issues from biological and ecological standpoints.

    Regensburg
    Leibniz Institute of Immunotherapy

    Life Science

    The LIT is investigating how immune cells can be modified to cure cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. Developing targeted cell therapies contributes to pandemic preparedness.

    The Leibniz Lab Pandemic Preparedness is defining new standards in transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together leading experts from diverse scientific fields, we are pioneering innovative strategies to better understand, prevent, and respond to future pandemics. Our research focuses on key areas where early action and integrated approaches can make a lasting difference — helping to minimize the health, social, and economic impacts of global outbreaks. Meet the diverse minds across Germany who are working together today to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

    Steering Committee

    Spokesperson

    Professor
    Gülşah Gabriel

    Member of the Steering Committee

    Professor
    Ulrich Schaible

    Member of the Steering Committee

    Dr.
    Jens Hellwage

    Member of the Steering Committee

    Professor
    Klaus Lieb

    Member of the Steering Committee

    Professor
    Bernhard Misof

    Member of the Steering Committee

    Professor
    Andreas Radbruch

    Member of the Steering Committee

    Professor
    Susanne Krauss-Etschmann

    Participating Institutions