Tuberculosis (TB) has long been recognized as a disease of poverty, yet most TB research does not measure poverty in a meaningful way. A new review in the journal BMC Global and Public Health examines existing methods for assessing socioeconomic status in TB studies and highlights their shortcomings. The authors call for better, standardized poverty metrics to improve research and policy.

At a ceremony in Halle (Saale)/Germany to mark the transfer of office, economist Bettina Rockenbach assumed the office of President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina today. Her predecessor, climatologist Gerald Haug, is stepping down after five years in office. In his speech, the Federal Minister of Education and Research as well as Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir commended Gerald Haug’s services during challenging times. Özdemir referred to the independence of science as a precious asset and wished Bettina Rockenbach a successful start to her leadership of the Academy. Thomas Wünsch, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment of Saxony Anhalt, gave a welcome address.