International Center for Infectious Disease Research

The Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI) is a research center dedicated to the study of infectious diseases. Created in 2013, CIRI was established through the collaboration of Inserm, CNRS, ENS de Lyon, and the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, in partnership with the Institut Pasteur and the Hospices Civils de Lyon. It is located in Lyon, France, within the Lyon Gerland biodistrict.

CIRI's research focuses on understanding the host-pathogen interactions for major infectious agents like viruses, bacteria, and parasites to develop new prevention and treatment strategies. The center's structure promotes an interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in immunology, virology, bacteriology, and oncology. The research is organized into three main scientific departments: bacteriology and virology; immunology; and a transversal department focused on emerging and re-emerging infections, oncogenesis, and immunotherapies. The center houses 24 research teams.

The institution serves the broader scientific and medical community by advancing fundamental knowledge of infectious diseases. Its business model is that of a publicly funded research institute, relying on grants and institutional support from its founding members. CIRI also plays a significant role in academic training, welcoming students and young researchers, and is involved in public health through its partnerships with clinical institutions like the Hospices Civils de Lyon.

Keywords: infectious diseases, immunology, virology, bacteriology, host-pathogen interactions, public health, biomedical research, Lyon, pathogen, immunotherapy