Organisational unit , 16/06/2025

Research conducted within ZKI-PH 1 “AI-Fundamentals” focuses on the strategic development of novel AI technologies for public health applications. This will include designing fundamental AI methods, such as models for generating synthetic data, and novel analytical approaches to address methodological challenges. It will also include researching the ethical dimensions of AI applications in health and ensuring the quality and reliability of AI models used in medicine, society and public health.

Organisational unit , 16/06/2025

The "Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research" (ZKI-PH) is responsible for the strategic support of advances in the field of public health research using the latest AI-based technologies at the RKI. At ZKI-PH, the topics of bioinformatics, computational epidemiology, modern data visualisation as well as big data and systems analysis are combined with the central methodological building blocks of machine learning, AI, decision making research as well as the development of realistic computer simulations in the field of public health research. To meet these challenges, the ZKI-PH develops models and simulations for the corresponding subject areas, promotes the utilisation/transfer of existing solutions into public health applications and prepares the results and underlying …

Organisational unit , 29/05/2025

In a globalised world, where outbreaks of infectious diseases easily cross borders, national and international health protection are closely linked. At the same time, interactions between people, animals and the environment get ever more intense and create additional health risks. Therefore, resilient public health systems – from local to global – as well as expert exchange and international networking are crucial for public health. The “Centre for International Health Protection” at the Robert Koch Institute, abbreviated as “ZIG” in German, works with partner countries and international public health actors to strengthen public health systems and to respond to public health emergencies worldwide.

Organisational unit , 23/05/2025

"Systems medicine of infectious diseases" aims to better understand infection and transmission mechanisms, as well as evolutionary dynamics, and to describe them using methods from the field of data science and mathematical modeling. This serves both to create basic knowledge and to better evaluate prevention-, treatment- and surveillance strategies. Our work ranges from the mathematical formulation of the problem, the development or adaptation of algorithms, the evaluation on biomedical data to the implementation and publication of open source software.

Organisational unit , 14/05/2025

This unit is made up of two functional units, the Epidemiological Data Centre (EDC) and the accredited Research Data Centre (RDC). In this unit, the epidemiological data collected in the RKI health monitoring surveys is compiled into databases and prepared for scientific analysis.

Organisational unit , 07/05/2025

The unit is concerned with a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal, zoonotic, and tropical pathogens. Our remit includes the surveillance of infectious diseases and studies on etiology, causes and spread of super-regional outbreaks of disease. In addition, we conduct scientific studies in infectious disease epidemiology regarding frequency and risk factors for common endemic infections. In order to identify potential threats early and to allow timely reactions, we are evaluating the current epidemiological state of affairs in Germany in the context of the international situation. We inform and advise medical professionals and public institutions regarding measures for the surveillance, prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases.

Organisational unit , 25/04/2025

ZBS 3: Biological Toxins Consultant laboratory for neurotoxin-producing clostridia (botulism, tetanus)

Organisational unit , 16/04/2025

ZBS 7 is a crisis management unit for major biological incidents. The unit advises and supports health authorities as well as police and fire services in the event of diseases caused by highly pathogenic agents or in case of bioterrorist threats. This way, ZBS 7 contributes to the protection of public health.

Organisational unit , 16/04/2025

The unit analyses human pathogens, primarily fecal-orally transmitted pathogens of viral gastroenteritis (calici- and rotaviruses), hepatitis viruses (HEV, as well as HBV and HCV) and enteroviruses for their properties and variability for the purpose of monitoring virus circulation by means of molecular epidemiological methods. The investigations are carried out in close cooperation with national and international networks.

Laboratory , 16/04/2025

Together with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) - Unicef, Rotary International and the US health authorities CDC - the WHO has succeeded in largely eliminating poliomyelitis (polio). The global polio eradication program includes not only the consistent implementation of vaccinations but also the monitoring of poliovirus circulation (surveillance) and laboratory containment. As part of nationwide enterovirus surveillance, the NRZ PE primarily carries out further enterovirus characterization.