RIVM Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb) performs diagnostics, surveillance and scientific research in the field of infectious diseases. This knowledge is important to gain insight in the prevalence and spread of these diseases, to set up control measures and to get information concerning the response on the measures taken.

Control and preparedness

Based on our research, we support the control of public health related to infectious diseases in daily practice by providing:

  • reference diagnostics
  • guidelines and methods
  • feedback to the professional, based on surveillance
  • recommendations to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and other ministries

In addition we strengthen public health related research to bridge the gaps in knowledge and preparedness on the control of infectious diseases. 

Fields of interest

CIb performs public health related research and surveillance on the following subjects:

  • Vaccine related research
  • Enteral infections
  • Antibiotic resistance and healthcare related infections
  • Respiratory infections
  • Emerging infections, preparedness and response
  • Zoonoses
  • Sexually transmitted diseases

Expertise

Our scientific staff pursues suitable, innovative ideas and methods regarding public health research. To create the essential scientific balance, we have at least two PhD students/post docs, as well as students in training working on the different research subjects. Researchers from outside RIVM are part-time appointed to exchange ideas as well as research methods and to improve the cooperation with other research institutes and laboratories.

Collaboration

CIb works alongside with other (inter)national institutes and universities. The European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for example.

Dissemination of results

CIb disseminates research results actively and encourages the implementation of the research results in daily practice associated with the control and prevention of infectious diseases. The intellectual property rights related to the research results are respected.

It also ensures that the various parties have access to up-to-date scientific information, including municipal Public Health Service, medical microbiological laboratories, VWS and other relevant departments, Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, WHO and ECDC.

Scientific output

The output of the research acitivities on infectious diseases is high, especially the scientific output as result of collaboration with international partners.