Experimental Virology

Experimental Virology

Viruses are vehicles which transmit biological information, reprogramming the function of human, animal or plant cells to produce progeny virions. Viral pathogens are very small, often with a very simple structure. Indeed, enveloped viruses are composed only of a protein shell filled with genetic material, surrounded by a lipid envelope decorated with viral proteins. Nevertheless, viral pathogens like HIV or the hepatitis C virus (HCV) threaten the health of many millions of individuals.  Important human pathogens among the group of RNA viruses include besides HCV alsothe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Chikunguna virus (CHIKV).

The institute comprises two research groups that focus on hepatitis viruses (HCV, HEV), RSV and CHIKV. 

Stepping stone to an academic career in Virology

On 23rd and 24th of March 2020 the second ACHIEVE Spring School of the Society for Virology (GfV) will take place in Berlin. This year's theme is "learning from each other - growing together" and the two days’ workshop will deals with the topic "professional development". We will have Experts talking about the behind the scenes  of the path through an academic career, round table talks about shared experiences and tips from professionals: How do you write the perfect paper? What makes a good proposal, where can I obtain financial support? With regard to scientific content, we will deal with the highly topical issue of zoonoses, which always presents us with new challenges.    

The programme is aimed at doctoral students from the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine or life sciences at the end of their doctoral studies and at postdoctoral fellows at the beginning of their careers. Places are limited to ensure optimal interaction between participants and guest speakers. 

Programme

The participation of the students in the ACHIEVE Spring School is financed by a scholarship, which includes the costs for travel, accommodation and meals. An application requires membership to the Society for Virology and consists of a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation (maximum one page) and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Applications are not possible any more.

 

The closing date for applications was February 20th, 2020.

News

Bacterial weapons against viral diseases

Discovery of two novel classes of natural products with activity against RNA viruses

 

Volkswagen Stiftung funds research on antiviral agents

Team led by TWINCORE virologist Pietschmann receives around 700,000 euros for RSV project

 

Hard to break down

Hepatitis E virus defies alcohol-based hand disinfectants.

Joint press release by TWINCORE, Hannover Medical School and Ruhr University Bochum

Lipid-lowering drugs not a risk factor in COVID-19.

Statins do not increase infectivity or viral replication of SARS-CoV-2

A precise measure of protective immunity

New tool aims to make HCV vaccine search easier