rki

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is Germany’s central federal institution for public health and disease control. It operates under the Federal Ministry of Health and is headquartered in Berlin. Named after the pioneering microbiologist Robert Koch, the institute has a long-standing mandate to monitor infectious diseases, provide scientific advice, and support national health security.

RKI conducts national disease surveillance, analyzes epidemiological data, and develops risk assessments to guide public health actions. It coordinates outbreak response at the national level and issues guidelines and recommendations, including vaccination guidance produced in conjunction with the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). The institute also runs or coordinates national reference laboratories and supports a network of public health laboratories across Germany.

In addition to infectious disease work, RKI engages in epidemiological research, laboratory science, and environmental and population health monitoring. It publishes regular reports and surveillance updates to inform health authorities, clinicians, and the public. The institute maintains dashboards and situation reports during health crises and collaborates with international partners on global health security.

RKI collaborates closely with European and global health organizations, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Through these partnerships, it contributes to international data sharing, methodological standards, and coordinated responses to emerging threats. As a key component of Germany’s public health infrastructure, RKI aims to prevent disease, protect population health, and support evidence-based health policy.