Founded under the name Hans-Knöll-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung in 1992, the HKI has been part of the Leibniz Association since 2003. Its 350 or so staff undertake research into how microorganisms produce both pathogenic substances and effective substances with pharmacological potential. They have a particular interest in how micro-organisms communicate and overcome the human immune system. The results of their research are a fundamental building block in the development of new medications and diagnostic procedures based on natural substances.
Largely unknown about 10 years ago, the Institute’s work is now highly regarded by top researchers in the United States. The German government enhanced Jena’s status with the Excellence Initiative project, the Graduate School of Microbial Communication. Director of the HKI Professor Axel Brakhage is the spokesperson for this elite school. Because of the HKI’s unique expertise in the field of fungal infection biology, the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Ministry of Health nominated it the national reference center for invasive fungal infections. A key reason for the Institute’s success is its location in Jena, close to universities, the university hospital, other research institutes and business, making it possible to conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, so that the Institute attracts renowned scientists from all over the world, including the United States, China and the United Kingdom. (gro/maa)
