Our work
Research is one of MACH’s pillars. Researchers in our Institutes have a long tradition and are active in basic and clinical research related to infectious diseases, microbiology, immunology and global health. We are leaders in uncovering the mechanisms behind specific infectious diseases and using this understanding to develop effective vaccines and treatments. We are also leaders in facing global health issues from broader perspectives and in contributing to policy making in a multidisciplinary manner.
Basic Research
- Advanced diagnostic procedures for detection of microbial infection
- Genetics of mycobacteria
- Immune correlates of metabolic and degenerative conditions
- Immunological bases of tolerance in immunepathology
- Immunology and pathogenesis of HIV infection
- Molecular approaches to tailor therapy of infections driven by resistant bacteria, fungi and viruses
- Pathogenesis of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
- Impact of different pathogen variants of vaccine efficacy
- Design of vaccines using traditional and innovative (e.g. reverse vaccinology; mRNA vaccines) techniques
- Parasite-driven immunopathology
- Potential use of parasite antigens (e.g. Leishmania) as immunomodulants in chronic inflammatory processes
Glocal Health Research
- Innovations and new technologies in the response to major killers like tuberculosis, HIV and HPV
- Feasibility of innovative HPV and cervical cancer screening methods in the poorest settings
- Antimicrobial resistance and response
- COVID-19 and other pandemic preparedness
- Epidemiological and economic research and modelling for better policies
- Poverty, migration, and vulnerability as socioeconomic determinants of access to health
- Translation of technological advances into policy and practice and practice
- Integrated analysis of the human microbiome and soil microbiome: possible connections. Sustainable production and consumption.
- Agroecology for preventing food-borne diseases
- One health approach to understanding and preventing AMR, emerging and re-emerging disease dynamics at the human-animal-ecosystem interface
Clinical Research
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Bone, joint and surgical site infections
- COVID-19 and long COVID
- Healthcare epidemiology and infection control
- HIV clinical research
- HIV-related tumors, tumor-associated immunosuppression, and virus reactivation
- Invasive infections (sepsis program, endocarditis program)
- Tuberculosis and mycobacterial infections, development of new drugs and regimens
Public Health Surveillance
- Epidemiology and surveillance of food-borne and vaccine preventable diseases