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About
The CRC 1648 "Emerging Viruses: Pathogenesis, Structure, Immunity" is an interdisciplinary research consortium funded by the
Our mission is to better understand newly emerging viruses that can cause serious diseases such as Ebola fever, Lassa fever, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and other viruses with the potential to trigger future epidemics or pandemics, including unknown pathogens often referred to as "Disease X". By studying how these viruses spread and affect the human body, we aim to find new ways to prevent infections and improve treatments.
Bringing together experts from virology, immunology, structural biology, chemistry, and clinical medicine, and supporting young scientists through our
Leadership
Prof. Dr. Marylyn Addo
Speaker CRC1648
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0) 40 7410 - 51102
Prof. Dr. Maya Topf
Co-Speaker CRC1638
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0) 40 8998 - 87660
Prof. Dr. Chris Meier
Co-Speaker CRC1648
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0)40 42838-4324
Prof. Dr. Kay Grünewald
Board Member CRC1648
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0) 40 8998-87700
Dr. Angelique Hölzemer
Board Member CRC1649
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0) 152 228 17789
Dr. Lisa Oestereich
Board Member CRC1648
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 40 285380-940
Prof. Dr. Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
Board Member CRC1648
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0) 40 7410-52381
Participating institutions
CRC 1648 brings together leading research institutions across Germany. Our key partners include:
Scientific program
Our research is organized into four thematic areas:
Our work combines virology, immunology, structural biology, clinical science, and computational approaches.
Supporting program
Beyond the core research projects, CRC 1648 is supported by several crucial projects and initiatives that provide infrastructure, expertise, and outreach to enhance the overall research environment.
Public Outreach Project
This project focuses on science communication and public engagement to increase awareness and understanding of emerging viruses and their impact on health. It develops educational materials, coordinates events, and supports dialogue between scientists and the public.
Prof. Dr. Ansgar Lohse
Coordinator Public Outreach Project
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0) 40 7410 - 53910
Prof. Dr. Marylyn Addo
Speaker CRC1648 & Coordinator Public Relations Project
E-mail address:
Phone: +49 (0) 40 7410 - 51102
Mercator Fellows
To foster international scientific exchange and bring in external advisors with outstanding expertise in the CRC’s core research areas, CRC 1648 has appointed two Mercator Fellows. These renowned scientists provide valuable impulses, contribute to ongoing research discussions, and offer mentoring from an international perspective.
Prof. Dr. Marion Koopmans
Mercator Fellow
Prof. Marion Koopmans is Head of the Department of Viroscience at Erasmus Medical Center and an internationally recognized expert in emerging infectious diseases. Her research focuses on the global impact of zoonotic virus outbreaks. She also serves as Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases and is Scientific Director for “Emerging Infectious Diseases” at the Netherlands Centre for One Health.
More Information:
Prof. Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire
Mercator Fellow
Prof. Erica Ollmann Saphire is a leading structural biologist whose work has advanced our understanding of viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola and Lassa. Her research has been instrumental in vaccine and therapeutic development. In recognition of her groundbreaking work, she received the U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2008.
More Information:
Background
Emerging viruses represent one of the most pressing threats to global health. The
CRC 1648 aims to strengthen global preparedness by advancing the fundamental knowledge needed for early detection, rapid response, and targeted intervention in future outbreaks - including those caused by novel viruses like "Disease X".