The start of 2026 marks a new chapter for Infect-Net – German Association of Women in Infection Research. Behind us lies an intense year of transition, and ahead of us lies a year of consolidation and joint development. It is time to look back, look ahead and say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who is walking this path with us.
2025: From a funded project to a registered association
Our three-year funded initiative has grown into an independent association. Our clear goal: to connect, promote and raise the profile of female infection researchers in a sustainable way.
Two network meetings in Munich and in Jena were the highlights of the year. They provided a space for professional exchange, new ideas and the further development of our shared vision: to anchor female expertise in infection research more firmly in science, the public sphere, politics and the media.
A special milestone was the founding of the association on 25 March 2025 in Munich. With the adoption of the statutes, the election of the board and the entry in the register of associations, we have laid the foundation for a permanent, independent organisation.
Infect-Net was also visible beyond the network meetings:
At a Campfire Session during the joint annual conference of the DZIF and the DGI in Munich in February, we were able to reach numerous young female scientists and gauge their keen interest in a women-specific network in infection research. Infect-Net complements existing structures in a targeted and meaningful way.
Several members have also shared their thoughts on Infect-Net, their experiences and the importance of a network for female infection researchers in video interviews. These perspectives highlight what makes Infect-Net special and are available on our YouTube channel:
In addition, nearly two dozen presentations by infection researchers took place during the course of the year as part of seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences – an important contribution to the professional visibility of our network.
On 30 September 2025, the three-year funding phase of the BMFTR programme 'Innovative Frauen im Fokus'finally came to an end. With the conclusion of the funding, we are gaining more independence, but at the same time we are also taking on full financial and organisational responsibility ourselves.
New structures for a growing community
A key step in this process was the establishment of thematic Infect-Net teams: homepage, social media, policy engagement, onboarding, events and mentoring. These teams have begun their work and are gradually taking over the tasks of the previous project coordination. An overview of the teams and their members can be found here .
In line with this, our new website went live at the end of 2025. It serves as a central platform for networking, searching for experts, raising the profile of our members, and providing information and facilitating exchange. A newly formed editorial team ensures that content is up to date and provides expert perspectives.
All members are cordially invited to
- check and update their profile
- and submit their own blog posts. (The homepage team will be happy to assist with editing and publication.)
2026: Continuous growth together
As an association, we are starting the new year with clear plans. Once our association account details are available, we will begin the regular admission process for new members.
Personal and digital exchange also remains a central part of our work. So that you can already note them in your calendars, we have listed the dates for our network meetings in 2026 here:
- 13 February 2026 at 1 p.m.: 1st online networking meeting, approx. 1 hour. The access link will be sent by email shortly in advance.
- 19 June 2026 at 1 p.m.: 2nd online networking meeting, approx. 1 hour. The access link will be sent by email shortly in advance.
- 22-23 September 2026: Our annual meeting in Würzburg in person. Hosts are Franziska Faber and Stefanie Kampmeier, with the theme ‘From Base to Bedside: RNA and Infection’.
In addition, we would like to further strengthen communication in the Infect-Net club room and make it more transparent. We have permanently stored access to the club room in the member area . New campaigns and activities by our teams are also in preparation. There will be new interviews, a joint session with the DGI at KIT 2026 in Cologne, and opportunities to get to know Infect-Net and its members at various conferences. We will, of course, keep you up to date on all developments.
All planned activities contribute to our shared mission:
Networking and promoting women in infection research throughout Germany and raising awareness of their expertise: interdisciplinary, effective and sustainable.
Thank you to our community
We would like to express our special thanks to everyone who helped shape Infect-Net over the past year: the board members of the project initiative, the hosts of our network meetings, our new advisory board members and our first Nestorin, all speakers, moderators and external speakers, the editorial team and everyone involved in campaigns, contributions, social media and discussions.
Above all, we would like to thank you for your trust, your time and your willingness to actively shape Infect-Net.
We look forward to filling the new association year together with you: with ideas, initiatives, contributions and commitment. Whether in working groups, writing blog articles, mentoring or at events: every contribution strengthens Infect-Net.
Let us continue to inform, promote and network fairlyin 2026. For research, clinics and diagnostics. We look forward to it!
Gabriele Pradel, Antje Flieger, Clarissa Prazeres da Costa, Christina Karsten, Asisa Volz and Michaela Petter | Infect-Net board members
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