The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is a joint research center of the Julius Maximillians University of Würzburg and the Helmholtz Institute for Infection Research. It will be the first institute of its kind in the world to combine the field of ribonucleic acid (RNA) biology with infection research.

The construction site is located on the campus of the Würzburg University Hospital and is surrounded by four to five-story, historic and listed buildings from the early days. The design envisages a narrow, lengthwise building, which, in terms of its orientation and scale, will be integrated into the existing structure of the existing campus development. In terms of its shape and external appearance, the new building as a contemporary research building deliberately creates a contrast to the existing historical facades in terms of material and design.

By swiveling the facade lines, an appropriately proportioned space situation is created between the new building and the existing opposite building D.15, which was completed in 2009. The main entrance with the adjoining central staircase is also located at this place with its meeting areas.