Science Talk with
When researching zoonoses, we ask ourselves: Why are some viruses completely harmless to certain animals, whilst they can be fatal to humans? And how can we understand the immune systems of the animal kingdom in order to prevent future outbreaks before they even occur?
At the next Science Talk on 30 July 2026, infectious disease biologist Prof. Dr. Max Kellner will discuss precisely these highly topical questions.
In his lecture, the expert will shed light on the complex interactions between viruses and their hosts. As head of the ‘Virus-Host Co-Evolution’ (VICO) laboratory, he focuses primarily on the mystery of why natural carriers – such as bats – can live with dangerous pathogens without falling ill themselves.
Why the immune systems of some wild animals are so resilient to dangerous pathogens remains one of the most fascinating mysteries of modern biology. The answer to this question provides infection researchers with valuable insights into how to detect future outbreaks more quickly.
This evening, Prof. Dr. Kellner will give us exclusive insights into this fascinating field and clearly demonstrate why nature’s mechanisms can serve as our best early-warning system for global public health protection.
In our Science Talk, we create a space where highly complex science does not remain abstract, but becomes understandable and tangible. Take the opportunity to broaden your perspective beyond the traditional lecture format: questions from the audience are expressly encouraged, and you can address them directly to the expert.
The Science Talk is organised in partnership with the Volkswagen Group and will be held in a hybrid format – both in person and via a live YouTube stream – 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
Prof. Dr. Max Josef Kellner studied biology and molecular biology in Vienna, supplemented by research stays in the USA and the UK.
Since 2025, he has been a research group leader at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig and was appointed as a W1 professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) in 2026.
His research focuses on zoonoses and cellular immunity. He has been honoured for his pioneering work with awards including the Vienna BioCenter PhD Award.
