As the year draws to a close, we can look back on an eventful and research-intensive year for the German National Cohort (NAKO). Our study centres and central structures have also shown their creative side – they have designed individual gingerbread houses, which we would like to present here.
Thanks to its unique longitudinal design, the German National Cohort (NAKO) enables researchers to investigate changes in health over long periods of time. Since this year, the data from the initial examination and the 5-year follow-up have provided the essential basis for this for the first time. More about the NAKO data: www.nako.de/research
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the approximately 38,000 participants who have already taken part in the ongoing third study – they are making a decisive contribution to gaining new insights into health and disease.
In 2025, NAKO researchers once again focused on a wide range of questions: What clues does muscle composition provide about our health? What role does childhood play in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis? And what can we learn from other countries about physical activity in large cities? You can find the results at www.nako.de/results.
Special thanks also go to new and long-standing employers who support their employees in participating in the NAKO studies. You can find out more at www.nako.de/arbeitgeber.
Our NAKO study centres and central structures demonstrated a spirit of teamwork that was clear to see: whether colourfully decorated, classic or completely individual, each little house symbolises what unites us as NAKO e.V.: cohesion, diversity and the joy of working together.
We are eagerly looking forward to the coming year: on 3 and 4 September 2026, the International NAKO Conference will be held at the Helmholtz Munich Congress Centre under the motto “Health trajectories in a rapidly changing world”. Researchers from all over the world will gather there to exchange the latest findings, inspiring keynotes and practical sessions on data access. Further information: www.nako.de/conference2026.
As the year draws to a close, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season, relaxing moments and a great start to a happy new year!