Grußwort

In her opening remarks, Federal Minister for Research, Technology, and Space Dorothee Bär stated that the plight of those affected touches not only her personally but the entire Ministry. Bär underscored the importance of targeted research—research that has the potential to save lives. This, she noted, was the very reason behind the launch of the National Decade Against Post-infectious Diseases (NDPE)—a 500 million euro funding programme with a clear and specific focus on these conditions. Through the NDPE, the efforts of policymakers, researchers, and health scientists are being pooled. Bär announced that the first call for proposals for clinical trials would be issued within a few weeks. Moreover, plans are in place to collect additional data and biological samples already in 2026, with the aim of generating new insights into diagnostics, therapies, and disease mechanisms. Bär concluded her address by announcing the launch of a new exchange forum designed specifically for patient organisations.