Florian Elected to the Leopoldina

Florian has been elected as a new member of the Leopoldina – the German National Academy of Sciences. Admission to this oldest scientific society is considered a special recognition of scientific excellence and honors Florian’s outstanding contributions to virological and immunological infection research.

The Leopoldina brings together researchers with high expertise from many different disciplines. It represents German science abroad and advises policymakers and the public on important scientific issues. To this end, it addresses both current and long-term topics and develops well-founded statements and recommendations – independent of political and economic interests. In this way, the Academy fosters dialogue between science, the public, and political decision-makers. New members are elected in a multi-stage process based on strict excellence criteria. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good and sees itself as the voice of science in an open, democratic society. Its work is voluntary, independent, and open-ended.

Florian’s scientific focus is on the development of human B lymphocytes and their production of antibodies. His team studies immune responses against viral pathogens such as HIV, HCV, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2. In this context, they develop broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that can be used for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Together with his team and collaborating groups, Florian translates these fundamental discoveries into clinical applications.