On 22 February, the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating 20 years of internationally recognised scientific excellence, breakthrough antibiotic research, and leadership in tackling neglected tropical diseases under the directorship of Prof. Achim Hoerauf. The institute has built an exceptional scientific track record, publishing more than 500 peer-reviewed papers, including in highly ranked medical journals such as The Lancet. Its research has helped shape global health policy, clinical strategies, and drug development priorities worldwide. Under the leadership of Prof. Achim Hoerauf, his teams in diagnostics and research have achieved the following milestones:

27.02.2026

IMMIP Celebrates 20 Years of Scientific Excellence in Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at UKB

On 22 February, the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology marked its 20^th anniversary, celebrating 20 years of internationally recognised scientific excellence, breakthrough antibiotic research, and leadership in tackling neglected tropical diseases under the directorship of Prof. Achim Hoerauf. The institute has built an exceptional scientific track record, publishing more than 500 peer-reviewed papers, including in highly ranked medical journals such as The Lancet. Its research has helped shape global health policy, clinical strategies, and drug development priorities worldwide. Under the leadership of Prof. Achim Hoerauf, his teams in diagnostics and research have achieved the following milestones:

Photograph Rolf Müller ©Uniklinik Bonn

Development of Novel Antimicrobials

As antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten modern medicine, IMMIP continues to be involved in discovering and advancing novel antibiotic candidates, with scientists from the team being part of the DZIF Novel Antibiotics Thematic Translational Unit. Through innovative screening platforms and translational research programmes, several promising compounds, e.g., Corallopyronin A, have progressed toward preclinical and clinical development.

“DZIF has helped a lot in closing the gap in translational research. Few other funders are engaged in a long-term developmental path of a new drug, which also comprises following the rather fixed regulatory pathways that some other funders do not consider innovative and basic enough”, said Prof. Achim Hoerauf, Director of IMMIP.

Growth in Diagnostic Capacity and Patient Impact

Alongside its research achievements, the institute has significantly expanded its diagnostic capacity. Over the past 20 years, the number of patient samples analysed by IMMIP has tripled, reflecting both growing demand and expanded technical capacity. The institute uses state-of-the-art diagnostic platforms that integrate molecular, microbiological, and immunological technologies. Physicians, research scientists, and highly trained medical technicians work side-by-side to ensure accurate and timely laboratory results to directly support patient care at the University Hospital Bonn.

“The diagnostics have expanded substantially both in quantity and quality”, added Dr. Ernst Molitor, the institute's Deputy Director and Director of Academics.

Targeting Neglected Tropical Diseases — Focus on Filariasis

A core pillar of the institute’s mission is addressing neglected tropical diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In partnership with several pharmaceutical companies and theDrugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), IMMIP researchers have identified and tested new drug targets for parasitic diseases, with a particular focus on filariasis. Collaborative discovery programmes are advancing candidates aimed at eliminating filarial infections and other neglected diseases, combining laboratory innovation with field-based partnerships to ensure equitable global health impact.

Innovation and Translation

During the past two decades, IMMIP scientists have filed five patents, secured multiple licensing agreements, and overseen the GMP production of Corallopyronin A, which is now entering Phase I clinical trials.

International Recognition and Global Participation

The anniversary celebration was marked by high-level recognition and global participation. Congratulatory messages were delivered by Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. Gerd Kippels, emphasizing the institute’s importance and Prof. Hoerauf’s contribution to Germany’s research and innovation landscape. His Excellency Prof. Ohene Adjei, Ambassador of Ghana to Germany, praised the institute’s long‑standing partnership with Ghanaian research institutions. Senior representatives from the World Health Organization praised the institution’s contributions to treating lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, among other neglected disease research, highlighting its alignment with global health priorities.

“Achim and his team’s research on filariasis address the two main points of the GPELF, that is interruption of transmission and morbidity management, like lymphedema management”, said Jonathan King, Lead of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) at WHO.

The anniversary symposium brought together leading scientists from Germany and around the world. Participants attended both in‑person and virtually, underscoring IMMIP’s role as a global convening hub for infectious‑disease and translational‑research expertise.

Photo impressions of the day are available for viewing here.

Video messages of congratulations were also delivered by Dr. Maria Rebollo, Lead of the Global Onchocerciasis Elimination Program at the World Health Organization, Dr. Jonathan King, Lead, Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, World Health Organization and Dr. Kai Sick, Secretary General of the DAAD,. The congratulatory messages may be accessed via the YouTube links below.