What is CiPRESS?

The Chronic Infection Pathology Related Education and Science Society (CiPRESS) is a global alliance of researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients working together to transform the landscape of chronic infectious disease.

Our Aims

  • Advancing Knowledge

  • Empowering Patients

  • Enhancing Clinical Practice

  • Fostering Collaboration

  • Influencing Policy

Our Mission

  1. Fostering Collaboration

  2. Championing Patient Centered Care

  3. Driving Global Impact

  4. Pursuing Clinical and Research Excellence

  5. Leading Unified Advocacy

Our Board

Meet our board — diverse expertise in science, medicine, and patient engagement.

Dr. Sigrid Blehle

Dr. Sigrid Blehle

Board Member

Dr. Blehle held various management positions and worked as a consultant within and outside the German healthcare system. She has in-depth medical knowledge, particularly in rheumatology and in autoimmune diseases. Since 2017, she has been working exclusively in the field of tick-borne diseases, initially as Deputy Medical Director and as partner of Dr. Nicolaus at BCA. After Dr. Nicolaus retired from patient care, in April 2020 she founded the Alviasana Praxisklinik and continued to care for patients. 

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Board Member

Dr. Leona Gilbert is a Docent of Cell and Molecular Biology and the CEO of Te?ted Oy. This university spinoff company aims to get the patients tested so they can be treated and recover quicker. She has a doctorate in biotechnology and a very long experience in bio-innovation and bio-business.

Kunal Garg

Kunal Garg

Board Member

Kunal Garg is Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Tezted Ltd, a Finland-based IVD manufacturing company specializing in innovative diagnostic tools for infectious and chronic diseases. Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for his contributions to tick-borne disease diagnostics.

Markus Berger

Markus Berger

Board Member

Markus Berger graduated in 2012 with a degree in sports economics at the German University for Prevention and Health Management in Leipzig. Until August 2018 he worked as a health coach, nutritionist and rehabilitation trainer in a clinic for tick-borne diseases. Since September 2018, Markus Berger is Sales Manager of ArminLabs.

Dominic D. Smith

Dominic D. Smith

Board Member

Dominic D. Smith is Horticulturist, Dipl. Hort, landscape designer, qualified in IPM. Founder member and Board member, CiPRESS Chronic Infection Pathology Related Education and Science Society. Committee member, Lyme Global Coalition. Ambassador for Netherlands, GLA Global Lyme Alliance.

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