29.05.2025
11. TBnet Academy: Nachwuchsforschende aus ganz Europa treffen sich in Tirana, Albanien
From 18 to 21 May 2025, the 11th TBnet Academy took place in Tirana, the capital of Albania. The prestigious event is organised by TBnet (www.tbnet.eu) - one of the largest research networks in the field of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. The coordinator is Profesor Christoph Lange, Medical Director of the Research Center Borstel (FZB). This year, the Academy brought together 20 promising young researchers from 13 countries, including five participants from Albania.
Since its foundation in 2006 at the FZB, TBnet has provided significant impetus in TB research with almost 100 scientific publications. The aim of the TBnet Academy is to specifically promote the next generation of TB scientists through mentoring, exchange and a strong network.
A particular highlight of this year's Academy was the visit of Albania's Minister of Health, Albana Koçiu. In her speech, she recognised the importance of international research networks such as TBnet for global health research and in particular for strengthening medical capacities in Albania. TBnet is an outstanding example of successful international cooperation and sustainable knowledge transfer, said the Minister.
The participants were actively involved in the programme and presented their own research projects. Highlights included laboratory tours, clinical teaching rounds and an innovative ‘TB Escape Room’, in which knowledge was acquired through play. The event was characterised by commitment, collegial exchange and a motivating atmosphere.
Johanna Eggeling, PhD student at the FZB and Academy participant, reports: ‘The TBnet Academy in Albania was an inspiring opportunity to work together with dedicated colleagues from all over Europe. The excellent mentorship from the TBnet faculty deepened my knowledge and strengthened my motivation to continue advocating for global health issues such as tuberculosis. Albania was a great host - this further enriched the experience.’
Nika Zielinski, also a doctoral student at the FZB, was also impressed: ‘The TBnet Academy opened up valuable new perspectives for me and once again emphasised the importance of international networking in TB research. The exchange with motivated scientists was particularly enriching for me.’
Anne Oleischeck, Project Manager of the Clinical Infectiology Group at the FZB and part-time project coordinator of TBnet, summarises the event positively: ‘The TBnet Academy 2025 in Tirana was a great success. We are delighted to have brought together young talents from all over Europe - to promote TB research and build a strong, sustainable network.’
The event was supported by the European research project Unite4TB.
Contact
Anne Oleischeck
Klinische Infektiologie
Forschungszentrum Borstel, Leibniz Lungenzentrum
Parkallee 35, 23845 Borstel
T +49 4537 / 188-7080
clange@fz-borstel.de
