Leibniz Virology Lecture 2025 with Prof. Akiko Iwasaki

On July 23, 2025, this year's Leibniz Virology Lecture took place at the Leibniz Institute of Virology with the renowned immunologist Prof. Akiko Iwasaki (Yale University, USA). Under the title Immunology of Post-Acute Infection Syndromes, the international award-winning scientist presented current findings on the immunological mechanisms involved in the development of long-term effects that can be triggered by viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2.

Prof. Iwasaki is regarded as one of the leading voices in research into post-acute infection syndrome (PAIS), which includes long-COVID. In her lecture, she shed light on immunological processes that can lead to chronic symptoms after an acute infection. Her work makes a significant contribution to understanding the pathophysiological basis of these long-lasting disease patterns and developing therapeutic approaches.

The event was opened with a welcoming address by Maryam Blumenthal, Hamburg's Senator for Science, Research and Gender Equality. In her speech, she not only praised Prof. Iwasaki's scientific excellence, but also her research on gender-specific differences in the immune system. At the same time, the Senator emphasized the role of the LIV as an important driving force for virus and infection research at national and international level.

In the subsequent laudatory speech, Prof. Stephanie Pfänder (head of the LIV Emerging Viruses Research Group) paid tribute to Prof. Iwasaki's outstanding scientific achievements.

The lecture itself was again accompanied by a graphic recording, which visually captured the key content of the presentation. Afterwards, there was an opportunity for further discussion at a reception with coffee and cake.

The LIV's junior researchers had already had the opportunity to engage in a lively, informal exchange with Prof. Iwasaki on career paths, research issues and science communication during a lunch with her.

With the annual Leibniz Virology Lecture, the LIV honors outstanding personalities from the field of international virus research whose scientific achievements and commitment to society have an impact far beyond their specialist field.