The
Sign up for free.
The Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), based in Hannover, is a joint research institute of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH). Since its foundation in 2015, the CiiM has pursued the goal of developing individualised approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of infections and thus optimally adapting treatment to the needs of individual patients. The CiiM combines interdisciplinary clinical and scientific expertise from medicine, infection research and data science to enable tailor-made therapies and significantly improve patient care[1][2][5][9].
The main mission of the CiiM is to use systematic diagnostics and innovative technologies to record individual risk profiles of patients as well as the special characteristics of pathogens. This allows disease courses to be better predicted and targeted measures for prevention and therapy to be developed. This happens in a transdisciplinary workflow that combines state-of-the-art research with patient-centred action. In this way, the CiiM aims to increase the quality of life of those affected, reduce the burden of disease and lower costs in the healthcare system. The centre is regarded as a unique model for personalised infection medicine throughout Europe[2][4][6].
An important step towards realising this vision is the construction of a new research building at Medical Park Hannover with over 2,100 square metres, which combines modern technology platforms for the analysis, archiving and processing of patient data and samples under one roof. In the long term, this centre will create more than 150 jobs for scientists and doctors and further strengthen interdisciplinary exchange. The construction costs are shared by the federal government, the state of Niedersachsen and the participating research institutions[4][7].
Sustainability aspects at the CiiM are reflected above all in the commitment to promoting resource efficiency through precise diagnoses and adapted therapies. Through individualised medicine, unnecessary or ineffective treatments can be avoided, which supports the sustainable use of antimicrobial agents - an important issue in view of the global challenge of resistance development. In addition, the CiiM relies on long-term cooperation and the responsible handling of patient data to ensure ethical and social sustainability[5][6].
With a strong focus on research, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, the CiiM is an internationally recognised centre that drives pioneering developments in infection medicine. In addition to research, it also supports the worldwide scientific exchange through events and thus continuously promotes new and effective approaches for the individualised treatment of infectious diseases[5].
Brief overview in bullet points:
This description presents the CiiM as an innovative research centre with a clear vision, interdisciplinary expertise and a sustainable approach to improving infection medicine.
