About us
The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is the first institution of its kind worldwide to combine ribonucleic acid (RNA) research with infection biology.
Based on novel findings from our strong basic research program, our long-term goal is to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to better diagnose and treat human infections.
HIRI is a site of the Braunschweig Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in cooperation with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and is located on the Würzburg Medical Campus.
Why HIRI
We do research for the future of medicine
Infectious diseases such as Covid-19 threaten the world's population. Bacteria learn to adapt to antibiotics and become a danger as multidrug-resistant pathogens. We are researching future solutions for RNA-based medicine that will open up new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases.
We work with innovative technologies
We offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell analysis, RNA sequencing, and CRISPR-based methods to foster scientific progress and interdisciplinary collaboration.
We strive for the highest performance
We focus on a close integration of research and management and strive for excellence inside and outside the laboratory.
We are among the world's best
Bavaria, with its strong scientific location in Würzburg, plays a leading role in RNA research. Our scientists have proven expertise in infection biology, microbiology, pathogen-host interaction, RNA biology, single cell analysis, bioinformatics and biochemistry, among others.
We are a powerful multinational team
Around 90 employees from more than 20 nations currently work at HIRI. From the Würzburg Medical Campus, we conduct research and work in an international network, and we regularly organize internal and external specialist events to facilitate exchange and knowledge transfer.
We foster the next generation of scientists
We offer fully funded doctoral positions and other funding opportunities to prepare talented young scientists for a career in research or industry.
We promote equal opportunities and competencies
We are committed to equal opportunities and competencies for our employees. We value diversity and strive for equal professional opportunities for all gender identities.
We provide a good working atmosphere
We have created a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible working hours and part-time models, a parent-child room and regular social activities to ensure a good work-life balance.
A portrait of HIRI and its managing director Prof Jörg Vogel:
(in German)
Features & Stories
For Diversity at Work
HZI/HIRI have signed the German corporate initiative "Charta der Vielfalt" (Diversity Charta). Its aim is to foster diversity in companies and institutions. As supporters of the initiative, we are committed to promoting acceptance, appreciation and integration of diversity in the workplace. Learn more
We provide quality through vocational education
Further Information
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