The German Association of Women in Infection Research (Verband deutscher Infektionsforscherinnen e.V.) and Infect-Net are committed to establishing a sustainable network of women in infectious disease research in Germany and raising awareness of their expertise. We want to ensure that women infection researchers are more widely recognised, consulted as experts as a matter of course, and heard in science policy. In this way, we contribute to gender-equitable science communication and greater visibility for research that protects our health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We promote open exchange between science, society, business and politics \u2013 with a clear stance and professional expertise. This includes information events, workshops, networking meetings, lecture series and mentoring programmes, as well as active press and public relations work. Our database of experts<\/a> makes it easier for journalists, decision-makers and partner institutions to contact competent representatives directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infect-Net ensures that the scientific achievements of German women infection researchers are recognised and that their voices carry weight in shaping global health issues.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n With the founding of an association on 25 March 2025<\/a> , we have taken an important step towards long-term equality in infection research. Infect-Net is led by a six-member board headed by chairwoman Gabriele Pradel and her deputies Antje Flieger (Robert Koch Institute Wernigerode) and Clarissa Prazeres da Costa (Technical University of Munich). Christina Karsten (University Hospital Essen) and Asisa Volz (University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation) are responsible for secretarial duties, while Michaela Petter (University Hospital Erlangen) manages the finances. Our board members<\/a> are supported by a five-member advisory board and a nestor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 1 September 2025, Infect-Net has been officially registered as a non-profit association at the Aachen District Court and is ready to actively shape the future of infection research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The board members of the German Association of Women in Infection Research since 25 March 2025:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n