The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is an institution of the Federal Ministry of Health. It was founded in 1891. The Institute carries out bio-medical research, disease monitoring and prevention on behalf of the Federal Government. The identification and control of infectious diseases and long-term health trends in the population are among the most important tasks of the institute. Thus, it can make recommendations regarding health risks and help to make health policy decisions. Its advisory function at federal level includes both ministries and the professional public.
