Welcome Message: Let me express my warm welcome to everyone participating in the fourth international Biophilia Rehabilitation Conference! The German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ) is honoured to host this important conference. As the only national research institute devoted to rheumatology research in Germany our institute has two major aims: on the one hand to detect the causes of autoimmune rheumatic diseases and to develop curative, cell-based therapies through experimental research and, on the other hand, to improve knowledge about the epidemiology, burden of illness and health care impact of rheumatic diseases in Germany. We share this new building with the Max-Planck-Institute of Infection Biology and take advantage of a number of joint facilities. The building is located in the heart of Berlin on the traditional campus of the Charit medical school which underlines the close links between experimental science, clinical research and patient care. Several of our group leaders are also professors at the Charit, and many more are involved in teaching.
