NEXT GEN:DER – Future Academy for Gender Medicine in Infectious Diseases

Three Infect-Net experts invite the next generation of infectious disease specialists to Berlin

How our bodies deal with infectious diseases is also a question of gender. The classic man flu is just one of many examples. Nevertheless, the gender aspect has long been neglected in medicine and also in infectious disease research. Three infectious disease specialists from the Infect-Net network now want to change this and are inviting interested students and young scientists to NEXT GEN:DER, the future academy for gender medicine in infectious disease, in Berlin.

Infectious disease specialists Dr Cathrin Kodde, Prof. Dr Irit Nachtigall and Dr Jana Schroeder want to use their NEXT GEN:DER Future Academy to raise awareness of gender issues in infectious diseases among the next generation of infectious disease specialists and researchers. Over two days in November, the focus will be on diversity, gender gaps, immunology, pharmacology, history and the perception of gender in infectious diseases. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to network with other participants and speakers:

The academy is aimed at students of natural sciences and medicine as well as young researchers who are enthusiastic about gender-equitable research. In a practical and varied programme, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts, contribute your own ideas and network with other participants.

NEXT GEN:DER – The most important facts in brief

• What?: NEXT GEN:DER – Future Academy Gender Medicine in Infectious Diseases
• When?: November 21-22, 2025
• Who?:: Students of natural sciences, early-career researchers or young professionals
• Where?: Vivantes Wenckebach Hospital, Institute for Continuing Education and Training, Berlin
• How much? No participation fees, travel expenses up to €150 will be covered, hotel accommodation will be provided (Calma Berlin Mitte)

You will be notified by email by 05.10.2025 whether you have been allocated a place.

Programme

The planned programme and all important information are presented in detail in the Future Academy flyer:

The Organisers

Dr Cathrin Kodde is a physician at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Pneumology at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. There, she is responsible for developing ABS courses, teaching infectious diseases, digitalisation and science communication. Her research focuses on the influence of multi-resistant pathogens in the COVID-19 pandemic and their gender-specific differences.

Prof. Dr Irit Nachtigall heads the Department of Translational Research, Teaching and Cooperation at Vivantes Network for Health Regional Management. She is primarily involved in healthcare research, working with big data and real-world evidence. Her personal research focuses on infection prevention, gender-sensitive care in infectious diseases and multi-resistance.

Dr Jana Schroeder is Chief Physician at the Institute for Hospital Hygiene and Microbiology at the Mathias Spital Foundation in Herne. There, she is responsible for the continuous improvement of hospital hygiene and anti-infective therapy in order to provide all patients with individualised treatments. She is also active in science communication and campaigns against science denial and disinformation.

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René Lesnik | Coordination Infect-Net