The Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) is a Leibniz Institute of national standing dedicated to research in the field of experimental virology. Following the aims and statutes of the foundation, its basic and applied research focuses on human pathogenic viruses that impact current and future public health. The institute applies basic experimental research to develop new approaches for contemporary treatments of viral infections such as AIDS, influenza and hepatitis but also of emerging viral diseases. "The LIV investigates human pathogenic viruses. The aim of our research is to understand virus-induced diseases and to develop new therapeutic approaches." (The Institute’s mission statement)