125 Years of BNITM: Anniversary Series ‘Research, Healing, Teaching’ - Topic: Mosquito Research

This event takes place in German.

Mosquitoes are more than just nuisance – they are among the deadliest creatures on earth. They transmit pathogens such as malaria parasites and the dengue virus, causing millions of cases of illness and death worldwide. What threat do mosquitoes pose to us?

Join us for the next public event organised by BNITM in its anniversary year, taking place on Thursday, 4 September 2025 from 6–8 p.m. in the historic lecture hall at the institute (Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg), where we will explore the world of mosquito research.

Speaker:

Dr Renke Lühken (group leader of the Arbovirus Ecology and Vector Control groups) will look back at the history of mosquito research at the BNITM — from the founding of the Entomology Department in 1912, through the eradication of malaria in Germany, to the large-scale spread of mosquito-borne viruses in the 21st century.

Dr Anna Heitmann (laboratory group leader in the Arbovirology and Entomology Department and head of arthropod breeding facility) will share insights into her current research and her work in a BSL-3 insectarium. She investigates which viruses native and invasive mosquitoes can transmit in Germany.

And Kristopher Nolte (PhD student in the Vector Control Group) will explain how he trains artificial intelligence to simplify and automate mosquito identification, with the aim of improving early warning systems and mosquito control measures worldwide. 

Further information, additional dates and registration details can be found on the BNITM website. Admission is free.