Experts from the German Center for Infection Research and the Paul Ehrlich Society for Infection Therapy will meet for the first joint annual meeting in Bonn. The event on 23 and 24 February 2026 at the Maritim Hotel will discuss current topics in infection medicine and link them in an interdisciplinary way. The focus is on the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance as well as infection medicine aspects of gender and precision medicine.

The program covers the entire spectrum of infection research, from basic work in the laboratory to application at the patient’s bedside. It reflects the complexity and interdisciplinarity of the field, which is exacerbated by global resistance issues and the risk of epidemic or pandemic events. The focus areas include innovations in drug research, development and application, the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, climate-sensitive infectious diseases and the latest findings on host-pathogen interactions.

For the first time, there is a focus on gender-specific aspects, both in immune reactions and in the design of clinical trials related to infection medicine. This approach is gaining importance for evidence generation in personalized medicine and will be addressed in a keynote speech. Other topics include measures to improve health care for disadvantaged groups and vaccination as a prevention of non-infectious diseases.

The conference aims to promote scientific exchange between disciplines and stimulate new collaborations, from basic research to implementation in medical advances. Young scientists are particularly invited to actively participate. In symposia, lectures, workshops and poster sessions, international keynote speakers, established experts and young researchers will have their say.

Registration is possible via the website. The detailed program is available online. For press accreditation, inquiries by e-mail are required by February 16, 2026, interviews can be arranged.

The event underlines the urgency of interdisciplinary approaches in infection research. Antimicrobial resistance is a global challenge, exacerbated by climate change and demographic changes. The integration of gender aspects into studies is intended to advance precision medicine and improve evidence-based therapies. Climate-sensitive diseases such as vector-borne infections are gaining relevance as warming creates new risk areas.

The cooperation between the German Center for Infection Research and the Paul Ehrlich Society strengthens the transfer of research results into practice. Workshops address practical implementations, for example in the fight against resistance through new antibiotics or personalized vaccination strategies. The focus on disadvantaged groups aims to provide more inclusive health care to reduce inequalities.

Young scientists benefit from networking opportunities and presentation opportunities. Poster sessions enable discussions on innovative approaches, such as molecular interactions between host and pathogen. The conference could provide impetus for future projects and increase resilience against infectious diseases.

Overall, the annual conference offers a platform to address current challenges and develop solutions. It reflects the need for networked research in times of increasing resistance and personalized medicine.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.