In conversation with Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ulf Dittmer - The Robert Koch Foundation podcast

The Robert Koch Foundation podcast is used to present the work of the foundation and award winners. In addition, interviews are held with guests who are closely associated with the Foundation. In episode 15, our GfV President Prof. Dr. Ulf Dittmer is a guest on "... in conversation with", the Robert Koch Foundation podcast.

In the 29 minutes, Prof. Dittmer sheds light on key topics in virology and their social relevance. He talks about his own career with a focus on chronic viral infections and reports on current research projects on HIV, hepatitis and herpes viruses. He also emphasizes the importance of scientific associations and foundations for the promotion of young scientists.

As the namesake of the foundation and the Virology and Microbiology building at Essen University Hospital, Prof. Dittmer underlines Robert Koch's lasting influence on infection research. A life's work that is continuously honored and promoted by the Robert Koch Foundation through the Funding of young scientists and the awarding of international research prizes. Every year, the Robert Koch Foundation, in collaboration with the German Societies for Hygiene and Microbiology, Immunology and Virology, awards three postdoctoral prizes for outstanding work in these three specialist areas. As a shareholder of the Robert Koch Foundation, Society of Virology is actively involved in the announcement and selection of the winner of the Postdoctoral Award for Virology.

Another key topic of the podcast episode is the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, which has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. Dittmer emphasizes the importance of networks such as the "One Health" approach to better understand and avert future pandemics. He emphasizes the need to learn from the pandemic and be prepared for new threats.

The Funding of equal rights in science is also discussed. Prof. Dittmer emphasizes how important it is to make better use of the potential of well-educated women and to create structures that make this possible. Finally, he talks about the challenges of inspiring and retaining young talent for science and the importance of structured doctoral and clinical science programs to secure the future of research.

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