The Max von Pettenkofer Institute of the LMU is the Institute for Hygiene and Medical Microbiology with the longest tradition in Germany. Since its founding by Max von Pettenkofer in 1865, it has seen tremendous change and has always been a motor of this change in the infection sciences. Improving public health through a combination of internationally visible cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art diagnostics and expert advice for patient care, as well as training the next generation of physicians and scientists in infection medicine and research are central missions of our Institute.

The Max von Pettenkofer Institute is home to two chairs, the Chair of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, headed by Professor Sebastian Suerbaum, MD, and the Chair of Virology, which was held by Professor Oliver T. Keppler, MD, from 2015 until his far too early passing on 27 January 2026. The Chair of Virology is currently also being led on an interim basis by Prof. Suerbaum.

In combating important human pathogens, we focus on both long-term development of central research topics and the integration of current priorities in infectious diseases, building on an established culture of trustful collaboration under one roof.