SCIENCE TALK: Tricks from the Animal Kingdom

free of charge

Science Theatre

In July, Prof. Dr Max Josef Kellner will be a guest speaker at the Science Talk at phaeno. In his talk, ‘Harnessing the animal kingdom’s tricks for our benefit – What we can learn from animals to prevent pandemics’, he will explain how viruses jump from animals to humans and why this research is so important for preventing future pandemics.

Zoonotic diseases such as SARS or COVID-19 demonstrate just how closely humans and the animal world are interconnected. Prof. Dr Kellner’s research focuses in particular on bats and their unique immune defences against dangerous viruses. The aim is to gain new insights into the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.

Prof. Dr Kellner currently heads the “Laboratory for Virus-Host Co-Evolution” (VICO) research group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research. Further information: Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research

The Science Talk is organised in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and will be held in a hybrid format – both in person and as a live stream on YouTube – to make it accessible to a wider audience of interested people outside the region.

• Thursday, 30 July 2026

• at 6.30 pm, doors open at 6.15 pm

• at the phaeno Science Theatre 

Admission is free. No registration is required. 

 

Science Talk: Tricks of the Animal Kingdom