Welcome

Dear Sir or Madam, dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to welcome you to Ulm in September 2026 for the 21st Annual Meeting of the German Society for Epidemiology (DGEpi e. V.). Our motto ‘Epidemiology for the challenges of today and tomorrow’ is deliberately programmatic. Climate change, digital information ecosystems, disinformation, new exposure patterns and growing health inequalities are changing risk and disease profiles fast. Health is increasingly influenced not only by biological factors, but also by social, economic and algorithmic factors.

This is precisely where epidemiology is called upon: to identify risks early, generate reliable evidence, examine causality and derive effective prevention measures. At the same time, science-based measures are confronted with economic interests, political pressure and targeted disinformation. This makes methodological excellence, independent research and a strong, networked professional community even more important.

The annual conference provides the central space for new data, innovative methods, critical discussions and interdisciplinary exchange.

And even beyond the scientific programme, Ulm is well worth a visit: from climbing the cathedral tower to exploring the fishermen’s quarter and seeing the lion man in the museum.

With warm regards,

Dietrich Rothenbacher, MD, MPH
Conference President