Freiburg-Based Infectious Disease Researcher Inducted into the Leopoldina

Prof. Dr. Philipp Henneke Receives Scientific Honorship / Research on the Immune System in Early Life / New Approaches to Combating Infections

Prof. Dr. Philipp Henneke, a member of the Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg and Medical Director of the Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Hygiene at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, was elected to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in June 2026. He was elected to the Division of Gynecology and Pediatrics. His research aims to contribute to a better understanding of infections in newborns and children and to enable more targeted treatment.

“It is a great honor for me to be elected to the Leopoldina. It encourages me and my team to better understand the adaptation of the immune system at the beginning of life and thus give children a better start,” says Henneke.

The Plasticity of the Immune System Around Birth as the Key to Neonatal Health

Birth brings about fundamental changes in terms of food intake, pulmonary respiration, and the sudden colonization of the body’s surfaces by microorganisms (development of the individual microbiome). This places immense demands on the adaptability of the newborn’s immune system. Infections during this phase are of particular importance for lifelong health.  

Hennekes’ team is investigating how macrophages—also known as immune phagocytes—integrate genetic programs and environmental factors to enable both organ growth and development as well as the defense against pathogenic microorganisms.  In doing so, the research group is conducting a cross-system investigation into how macrophages in various organs—such as the skin, lungs, intestines, liver, and brain—prepare for and adapt to changes in environmental conditions. The role of early-life infections is of particular importance in this context. 

A deeper understanding of these relationships can lead to new approaches for preventing or treating infections in early life, such as those caused by mycobacteria or cytomegaloviruses. 

Henneke is an associate member of the Cluster of Excellence CIBSS – Center for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies at the University of Freiburg and, since 2023, has served as coordinator of Transregio (TRR) 359 “Perinatal Development of Immune Cell Topology (PILOT)” of the German Research Foundation (DFG). 

“The selection of Philipp Henneke recognizes his many years of research at the intersection of immunology, infectious diseases, and pediatrics,” says Prof. Dr. Lutz Hein, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg. “Immunological research has been strong in Freiburg for decades and is being significantly expanded by his work in the field of pediatrics.”

Scientific Advice for Policy and Society

The Leopoldina was founded in 1652 and is one of the oldest academies of sciences in the world. As the National Academy of Sciences, it advises policymakers and society on scientific issues. Election as a member is considered a high scientific honor.

Caption: Prof. Dr. Philipp Henneke was elected to the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences, in June 2026.

Image source: Medical Center – University of Freiburg