During the tour, researchers from BREATH – a site of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) – also presented their work. Prof. Dr. Gesine Hansen, Co-Speaker of the Excellence Cluster RESIST and Site Director of BREATH, provided an overview of the goals and focus areas of the research network: interdisciplinary, translational projects aimed at the prevention, diagnosis, and individualized therapy of lung diseases.

Prof. Dr. Nico Lachmann, Principal Investigator at RESIST and BREATH, presented innovative cell-based approaches – including the generation of human immune cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) with the goal of developing new treatment options against respiratory infections.

Chancellor Merz expressed his admiration for the research projects presented and emphasized how such work shows “Germany at its very best” – through the combination of excellent basic research and clinical application for the benefit of patients.

A detailed report on the visit can be found on the MHH website.