{"id":4131,"date":"2026-01-07T12:31:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/infectnet.org\/?p=4131"},"modified":"2026-01-07T12:31:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:31:42","slug":"ein-neues-kapitel-fuer-infect-net-unser-jahresauftakt-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/infectnet.org\/en\/archive\/4131","title":{"rendered":"A new chapter for Infect-Net: Our start to 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The start of 2026 marks a new chapter for Infect-Net \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025: From a funded project to a registered association<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two network meetings in Munich<\/a> and in Jena<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A special milestone was the founding of the association on 25 March 2025 in Munich<\/a><\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Gruppenfoto
Kathrin Czoppelt | TU M\u00fcnchen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Kathrin Czoppelt | TU M\u00fcnchen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Heiko Hellmann | UKJ Medienzentrum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
At the network meeting in Munich in March 2025 (left), we looked at global health from different perspectives and held the founding meeting for the German Association of Women in Infection Research (centre). In September 2025, we took a closer look at sequencing and diagnostics at the network meeting in Jena (right). <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Infect-Net was also visible beyond the network meetings:
At a Campfire Session during the joint annual conference of the DZIF and the DGI<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our Campfire Session in Munich in February was well attended and proved to be the perfect format for introducing Infect-Net to both established infection researchers and young scientists. Photos: B\u00e4rbel Stecher<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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