Non-profit. International. Since 1979.

Advancing
dermatology.
Together.

Supporting research, sharing knowledge and connecting dermatologists across the world — from Münster, since 1979.

Explore our programmes Meet the society
Since 1979A lasting commitment
Münster, GermanyOur home. A global outlook.
Non-profitDedicated to dermatology
Our society

Knowledge grows
when we share it.

Registered German name
Gesellschaft zur Förderung der dermatologischen Forschung und Fortbildung e.V.

We are a non-profit association based in Münster, Germany, dedicated to advancing dermatological research, continuing medical education and international collaboration.

Founded in 1979 by Professor Egon Macher, our society brings dermatologists and scientists together to exchange ideas, strengthen clinical knowledge and support the next generation of researchers.

Our work spans scientific meetings, practical training, research support and opportunities for exchange — connecting scientific enquiry with the needs of dermatological practice.

Education & scientific meetings

Learning that brings
us closer.

Practical skills. Scientific discussion. Meaningful connections. Discover the activities at the heart of our society.

01 / HANDS-ON EDUCATION

Dermatopathology
microscopy courses

Microscopy courses are a distinctive part of our educational work, bringing focused, practical learning to dermatopathology.

02 / SCIENTIFIC EXCHANGE

The IDeA
Congress

One of our flagship scientific meetings, reflecting our commitment to education and exchange within dermatology.

03 / CONTINUING EDUCATION

Inflammatory
skin diseases

Scientific meetings devoted to inflammatory dermatoses, supporting continued learning and dialogue among dermatologists.

Research & international exchange

Supporting people.
Enabling progress.

Progress depends on people with the opportunity to learn, collaborate and pursue new questions. We place particular emphasis on supporting early-career scientists.

  • 01

    Early-career researchers

    Supporting the next generation through scientific exchange and opportunities to connect with the wider dermatological community.

  • 02

    Exchange across borders

    Promoting visits for lectures, collaborative work and scientific meetings, encouraging cooperation between dermatologists worldwide.

  • 03

    Research programmes

    Providing assistance with research programmes and helping scientific ideas develop through shared expertise and collaboration.

  • 04

    Knowledge for clinical practice

    Supporting continuing medical education for office-based physicians and organising scientific events.

Founding vision & scientific heritage

The people behind
a lasting commitment.

Professor Egon Macher and Professor Thomas Luger represent two generations of dermatological research and education in Münster.

Professor Egon Macher

Society founder · 1924–2008

Professor Egon Macher founded the society in 1979. As a professor of dermatology and venereology and director of Münster’s University Department of Dermatology, he helped shape the academic environment in which research, clinical practice and medical education developed together.

His standing within German dermatology was recognised through election to the Leopoldina in 1985 and the German Dermatological Society’s Karl Herxheimer Medal in 2003. His name also lives on in the ADF’s Egon Macher Award, established in 2003 to recognise outstanding work by early-career researchers in experimental dermatology.

  • 1979Foundation of the society
  • 1985Elected to the Leopoldina
  • 2003Karl Herxheimer Medal
Selected biographical sourcesLeopoldina · Membership record ↗German Dermatological Society · Karl Herxheimer Medal ↗ADF · Egon Macher Award ↗

Professor Thomas Luger

Skin immunology & international scientific exchange

Professor Thomas Luger directed Münster’s University Department of Dermatology from 1990 to 2018. His research has explored skin immunology, cytokines, immune tolerance and neuroinflammation, helping to connect experimental discoveries with the understanding of inflammatory skin disease.

Born and medically trained in Vienna, he undertook research at the US National Institutes of Health before returning to Vienna and subsequently moving to Münster. His international scientific work includes contributions to dermatological collaboration and education. He has been a corresponding member abroad of the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2001.

  • 1980–82Research training at the US National Institutes of Health
  • 1990–2018Director of Dermatology in Münster
  • 2001Elected to the Austrian Academy of Sciences
Selected biographical sourcesUniversity of Münster · Academic profile ↗Austrian Academy of Sciences · Thomas Luger ↗University of Münster · A tribute to Thomas Luger ↗
Society information

A shared commitment
to dermatology.

Our society supports researchers and dermatologists through scientific education, international exchange and assistance with research programmes.

Münster, GermanyGesellschaft zur Förderung der dermatologischen
Forschung und Fortbildung e.V.
Non-profit registered association · Founded in 1979
Education & scientific exchange

An activity of the Society for Dermatological Research and Education, Münster.