German Rheumatism Research Centre

The German Rheumatism Research Centre (Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, DRFZ) is a research institute of the Leibniz Association based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1988 as a foundation under civil law by the State of Berlin and Immanuel-Krankenhaus GmbH, it is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the causes, epidemiology, and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Its mission is to improve the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases through basic research, systems biology, translational research, and epidemiology. The DRFZ conducts research across several programme areas, including pathophysiology of rheumatic inflammation, epidemiology and health services research, and regenerative rheumatology. It uses nationwide data and large patient cohorts to assess disease burden, identify risk factors, uncover gaps in healthcare, and evaluate the real-world effectiveness of therapies. The institute is known for its expertise in flow cytometry and intravital microscopy, and it maintains close collaboration with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. As a Leibniz Association institute since 2009, the DRFZ receives core funding from the German federal and state governments, supplemented by third-party funding from industry, the German Research Foundation (DFG), and foundations. In 2017, its total income was €16.1 million, with 60% core funding and 40% third-party funding. The institute is actively involved in public science communication, participating in events such as the Long Night of Science and World Arthritis Day. The DRFZ is led by Scientific Director Eicke Latz (since May 2023), following Andreas Radbruch's tenure from 1996 to 2023. It continues to shape the future of rheumatology research, with a focus on preventive, personalised, digital, and participatory medicine.

The German Rheumatism Research Centre (Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, DRFZ) was founded in 1988 as a foundation under civil law by the State of Berlin and Immanuel-Krankenhaus GmbH. From its inception, the institute was dedicated to the interdisciplinary investigation of the causes and epidemiology of rheumatic diseases, with the goal of contributing to the development of effective therapeutic approaches and improving patient care. In 1996, Andreas Radbruch became Scientific Director, a position he held until 2023. Under his leadership, the DRFZ expanded its research activities and gained international recognition. Angela Zink served as Deputy Scientific Director from 1996 to 2020, contributing significantly to the institute's epidemiology and health services research. A major milestone occurred in 2009 when the DRFZ became an institute of the Leibniz Association, joining a network of renowned German research institutions. This affiliation provided greater stability and visibility, and underscored the institute's national importance. In 2015, the DRFZ established a third programme area, Regenerative Rheumatology, reflecting the evolving focus of rheumatology research towards repair and regeneration. The institute underwent evaluation by the Leibniz Association in 2018, which affirmed its scientific quality and societal relevance. In 2017, the DRFZ reported total income of €16.1 million, with 60% from core funding by the federal and state governments and 40% from third-party sources, including industry, the German Research Foundation (DFG), and foundations. This diversified funding base supports its broad research portfolio. On 1 May 2023, Eicke Latz became Scientific Director, succeeding Andreas Radbruch. Under Latz's leadership, the DRFZ continues to advance research in immunology, experimental rheumatology, and rheumatology epidemiology, with a strong emphasis on translational and data-driven approaches. The DRFZ maintains a close collaboration with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, a partnership that is a cornerstone of its research. The institute is also actively engaged in public outreach, participating in events such as the Long Night of Science and World Arthritis Day, and contributing to the Science Year 2026 theme 'Medicine of the Future'.

• 2023

  Eicke Latz becomes Scientific Director on 1 May.

• 2018

  Evaluated by the Leibniz Association.

• 2015

  Third programme area, Regenerative Rheumatology, established.

• 2009

  DRFZ becomes an institute of the Leibniz Association.

• 1996

  Andreas Radbruch becomes Scientific Director; Angela Zink becomes Deputy Scientific Director.

• 1988

  Founded as a foundation under civil law by the State of Berlin and Immanuel-Krankenhaus GmbH.

Internationally leading institute in immunology, experimental rheumatology, and rheumatology epidemiology.

Product categories. Basic research in immunology and rheumatology · Epidemiological studies and patient cohorts · Health services research · Translational research · Flow cytometry and intravital microscopy technologies

1. 1Home - DRFZdrfz.de
2. 2Programme area 2 - DRFZdrfz.de
3. 3German Rheumatism Research Centre - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org