Successful evaluation of DRFZ
Leibniz Association recommends continued funding of the DRFZ
The Senate of the Leibniz Association has published its statement regarding the evaluation of the DRFZ, recommending that the federal and state governments continue their joint funding of the institute. This recommendation follows a comprehensive two-day on-site evaluation conducted in October 2025.
The statement highlighted the very high standard of scientific results being produced by the DRFZ, with the majority of research groups receiving ‘excellent’ or ‘very good to excellent’ ratings. The established scientific expertise in plasma and B cell biology, which has resulted in treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases, was highlighted alongside newer research in the field of systems immunology. Furthermore, technological developments were praised for their great clinical relevance to non-invasive diagnostic approaches and personalised therapies. The Senate also recognized the essential role of the DRFZ’s epidemiological research in providing a foundation for clinical guidelines and patient care, noting that future efforts should focus on even deeper collaboration between epidemiological and biomedical research groups.
The institute’s technological capabilities were also a point of praise. Reviewers commended the five technology platforms for providing expert analytical services essential to the research groups. Furthermore, the Senate noted the significant potential of the newest partnership with the Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB) in the field of artificial intelligence.
The report also celebrated the DRFZ’s scientific evolution, honoring the long-standing leadership of Andreas Radbruch (1996–2023) and praising the ambitious “lab-in-a-loop” vision introduced by Scientific Director Eicke Latz. The Senate highlighted that the leadership is driving a “highly promising strategic concept aimed at preventive strategies and personalised treatments for rheumatic diseases,” supported by an excellent administrative framework.
A cornerstone of the institute’s success remains its “liaison-group concept.” The evaluation panel described it as a “well-implemented structure that links research on immunological mechanisms with clinical translation,” noting that researchers cooperate closely across various affiliations to generate high-quality results for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
In response to the evaluation report, the DRFZ expressed its gratitude to the review panel: “The report affirms our strategic goal to move beyond symptom-based to mechanistic understanding of rheumatic diseases and to translate findings into personalised, potentially curative therapies. The DRFZ leadership remains committed to sustaining the strengths highlighted in the report.”
Evaluation by the Senate of the Leibniz Association
All Leibniz institutions undergo evaluation by the Senate of the Leibniz Association in regular (seven-year) cycles to ensure they continue to meet the highest scientific standards. The Senate’s funding recommendations are subsequently reviewed by the Joint Science Conference (GWK) to verify requirements for continued joint institutional funding.
