HIRI researches the role of RNA in infections to develop new therapies. It combines interdisciplinary expertise with state-of-the-art research infrastructure. #ÜberHelmholtzInstituteWürzburg
The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg is the first research institution worldwide dedicated exclusively to the role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in infection processes. As a site of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig and in cooperation with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), the HIRI pursues the goal of developing innovative therapeutic approaches for better diagnosis and treatment of human infections.
The research focuses on the interaction of RNA molecules from pathogens and infected cells in order to understand the survival and reproduction strategies of the pathogens. The HIRI combines interdisciplinary expertise with state-of-the-art research infrastructure to exploit the potential of RNA as a diagnostic molecule, target and agent for combating infectious diseases.
The HIRI conducts cutting-edge research in various areas, including:
The HIRI also offers graduate programs such as "RNA & Infection" and "RNAmed - Future Leaders in RNA-based Medicine" to train young scientists in the field of RNA-based medicine.
The institute is committed to sustainability, which is reflected in initiatives such as the design of a sustainable outdoor area and the promotion of sustainable laboratory operations. Regular "Sustainable Thursday" events raise awareness of the topic and promote exchange.