Sepsis – the challenges of science, politics and society

Sepsis continues to cause millions of deaths worldwide, of which at least two million fatalities could be avoided each year by preventive measures, such as vaccination of at risk populations, better sanitation and clean care, as well as by early recognition and most basic elements of care. In addition, at least 2 million sepsis survivors per year suffer from significant long term complications of the syndrome. Currently, adequate treatment facilities for most of these patients are missing. Despite its high and increasing incidence sepsis is poorly recognized by health authorities, health care workers, policymakers, lay people and media. The implementation of effective measures for sepsis control and the development of improved infection and sepsis diagnostics, effective antimicrobials and sepsis specific therapies are urgently needed.

The Leopoldina Symposium brings together highly ranked policy makers, representatives of national and international health care authorities, most renowned clinical scientists, basic researchers, representatives of highly innovative diagnostic and pharmaceutic companies, media and communication experts and sepsis survivors to learn from each other about the most effective ways to:

•     Increase vaccination rates and adherence to hygienic standards
•     Improve preparedness in case of further pandemics
•     Increase awareness for sepsis among lay people and health care providers
•     Foster quality improvement projects in the hospital and outpatient setting
•     Implement antibiotic stewardship programs and stop the misuse of antimicrobials
•     Overcome the gap between resistance, novel and effective antimicrobials
•     Encourage the development of cost-effective diagnostics and sepsis-specific therapeutics
•     Develop and provide adequate treatment concepts for sepsis sequelae

The symposium aims at increasing the understanding of the need for national and international efforts, action plans and resolutions to fight life-threatening infections and sepsis.

Scientific Organizers

Prof. Dr. Michael Bauer
Center for Sepsis Control and Care
Jena University Hospital

Prof. Dr. Axel Brakhage, member of the Leopoldina
InfectControl2020
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research  and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute

Prof. Dr. Konrad Reinhart, member of the Leopoldina (Coordinator)
Department of Anesthesiology and  Intensive Care Medicine
Jena University Hospital Foto: George Schröder, Universitätsklinikum Jena