„Loeffler-Lecture“ in Greifswald

Insel Riems, 11 June 2012.  On June 19, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) and the Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg cordially invite the public to attend the first „Loeffler-Lecture“, a series of talks in English language. Prof. Ron Fouchier of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam will give a talk about influenza viruses and possible new pandemics at the Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg in Greifswald. Recently, Prof. Fouchier has attracted a lot of attention not only from the scientific community, but also from the public for his research on the transmissibility of H5N1 virus („bird flu“). This shows that the subject still draws interest and always has new findings to offer. Aim of the “Loeffler-Lecture” which as of this year is supposed to be held annually around Friedrich Loeffler’s birthday is to commemorate his groundbreaking achievements in virology and to pick up on current virological research subjects.

Prof. Ron Fouchier, born in 1966, conducts research on the evolution and molecular biology of respiratory viruses at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam. His focus is on diseases caused by influenza viruses which can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonoses), and on pandemics. Among others, he is a member of the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences (KNAW). In his talk, Prof. Fouchier will illustrate his current research projects on the transmissibility of influenza viruses from animals to humans and their role in pandemics. Furthermore, he will comment on the controversial discussion of his recent work by scientists and media.

Friedrich Loeffler, the discoverer of foot-and-mouth disease virus and founder of the science of virology, was born in Frankfurt/Oder on June 24, 1852. After his study of medicine in Würzburg and Berlin he worked together with Robert Koch. In 1888, he was appointed to the newly founded chair in hygiene in Greifswald. In 1898, Loeffler and Paul Frosch first described the causative agent of foot-and-mouth disease as a particular agent smaller than a bacterium which replicates in the host organism: a virus. On October 10, 1910 he founded the worldwide first virus research institute, today’s Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut.

1st Loeffler-Lecture 2012:
Prof. Ron Fouchier, Erasmus University, Rotterdam.
Subject: The influenza virus riddle – pandemic potential or not?
Date, time:  June 19,  18 h
Place: Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg Greifswald,  Martin-Luther-Straße 14, 17489 Greifswald

Contact:

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