Torgelow News
Strong Role Models – Strong Children: Leading Virologist Visits Schloss Torgelow
On December 16, 2024, we had the great opportunity to host Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas C. Mettenleiter, the former president of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI).to welcome them to our boarding school. In an exciting and informative lecture, he provided our students with insights into the work of the FLI, virology, the significance of Riems Island, and the forward-looking “One Health” movement.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Mettenleiter began his lecture with a brief introduction to the historical significance of the island of Riems, which has served as a site for groundbreaking research in animal health for over 100 years.
Furthermore, the students learned how the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, as a federal research institute, plays a key role in combating animal diseases and how this contributes to securing the food supply. The virologist placed particular emphasis on the fascinating world of viruses. With illustrative examples, he explained the mechanisms by which viruses can infect animals and humans, and highlighted why interdisciplinary research is so important. He presented the “One Health” movement, which considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as inextricably linked. This concept, Prof. Mettenleiter emphasized, is essential to address global challenges such as pandemics or antibiotic resistance.
Afterwards, our students took the opportunity to ask questions. Prof. Mettenleiter answered them patiently and encouraged the young listeners to take an interest in science and global health issues.
Thomas C. Mettenleiter studied biology in Tübingen from 1977 to 1982 and received his doctorate in 1985. After postdoctoral positions in Tübingen and Nashville, USA, he directed the Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), on the island of Riems from 1994 to 2019.
From July 1996 to June 2023, he was the president of the FLI. His research field focuses on viral infections of animals and viral zoonoses. He is a member of various scientific academies and national as well as international commissions, and from 2021 to 2023, he was co-chair of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel established by WHO, WOAH, FAO, and UNEP.
For his work, he was awarded, among others, two honorary doctorates in veterinary medicine (Hannover, Gießen), the Gold Medal of the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Professor Niklas Medal from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class.
We sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Mettenleiter for his inspiring visit and valuable insights into the world of research!
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