EPI

Our mission at the Institute of Epidemiology (EPI) is to understand the protective and harmful effects of the environment, genes, and lifestyle on human health and disease using population-based epidemiology approaches. Knowledge of these interactions leads to novel targeted prevention and intervention approaches for cardiometabolic diseases and allergies.

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We focus on diabetes, allergy and cardiovascular diseases as well as lung diseases and mental health. We contribute to the German Centers of Disease Research (DZD, DZL, DZHK, DZIF, DZPG, DZKJ) and many national, european and international consortia.

We perform functional genomics, epigenomics and systemic phenotyping with the associated Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology lead by Dr. Christian Gieger.

We research the health impacts of ambient air pollution and promote public awareness for mitigating environmental exposures and improving health.

Our research builds on the population-based adult cohort KORA with its biobank facility and aerosol measurement station, the German National Cohort and the two birth cohorts GINIplus/ LISA.

The Environmental Risks working group investigates how air pollution, temperature, weather events, climate change, noise, and greenspace affect health, with a focus on cardiovascular and metabolic disease in adults.

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human body in center of Genomics and DNA

The primary mission of exposomics research is to understand the complex interplay between environmental exposures and disease development via molecular markers and imaging.

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The focus of Diabetes Epidemiology is the identification of determinants for type 2 diabetes and other major chronic diseases related to type 2 diabetes, such as coronary heart disease and stroke, and to investigate their interrelationship.

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The research group Allergic Disease Epidemiology aims to investigate environmental and life style factors, genetic markers and metabolic processes for the onset and progression of allergic diseases.

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Green leaves shaped in human lungs. Conceptual image

The primary aim of Environmental Exposure Assessment is the development and employment of exposure assessment methods for applying in epidemiological studies on health effects of air pollutants.

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3d rendered medically accurate illustration of the bronchi

The research group Lung Epidemiology examines genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors of lung function during development, growth, and age-related decline.

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Dr. Christian Gieger

Molecular Epidemiology

The Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology analyses population-based cohorts and case studies for specific diseases, using genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and functional analyses. The aim of this research unit is to decipher the molecular mechanisms of complex diseases like type 2 diabetes or obesity. The unit administers the biological specimen repository of the Department of Epidemiology and stores the samples for national and international projects.

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Helmholtz Munich coordinates a new €4.9 million Horizon Europe project that will support cities with science-based strategies to reduce pollution and protect public health.

corona virus 2019-ncov flu outbreak, covid-19 3d banner illustration, microscopic view of floating influenza virus cells

The German National Cohort (NAKO) contributes its scientific expertise to the National Decade of Post-Infectious Diseases initiated by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). With two central projects, it makes an important…

NAKO, the German National Cohort, will play a key role in the National Decade on "Post-Infectious Diseases", initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR). Building on its years of foundational work, NAKO…

At the start of the pilot for a Trusted Research Environment (TRE), the German National Cohort (NAKO e.V.) is inviting research companies to submit applications for the use of NAKO data for scientific purposes. For the first time, it will now be…

A new study conducted by researchers at Helmholtz Munich and collaborators reveals a significant association between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and impaired odor identification, a possible early indicator of neurodegenerative…

Having a dog at home could help to prevent eczema in children who are genetically prone to the condition, a study suggests.

Under the motto “Heat Protection for All,” a broad alliance of healthcare actors and other organizations – including Helmholtz Munich – is drawing attention to the health risks posed by high temperatures on the occasion of Heat Action Day.

Prof. Annette Peters appointed as Chair of NAKO

Annette Peters, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology at Helmholtz Munich, has been elected Chair of NAKO e. V. She began her second term as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors on 1 April 2025.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the KORA study (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg), one of Germany’s most influential population-based research initiatives. Over the past four decades, KORA has followed around 18,000…