Carolin Edler

Dr. Carolin Edler is a research scientist in the Department of Legal Medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf's Faculty of Medicine. With over 69 publications spanning from 2009 to 2024, she has established herself as a prominent researcher in forensic pathology, particularly in the areas of autopsy studies and infectious disease pathology. Her extensive work during the COVID-19 pandemic has positioned her as a key contributor to understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathology through systematic autopsy-based research.

Dr. Edler's research primarily focuses on forensic pathology with specialized expertise in autopsy studies of infectious diseases, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Her work spans forensic analysis of trauma patterns including stab wounds, toxicology investigations of substances like Kratom, and detailed pathological examinations of multiorgan involvement in viral infections. Her research methodology combines traditional forensic pathology with modern molecular techniques to understand disease mechanisms at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. She has been instrumental in establishing standardized protocols for COVID-19 autopsies and investigating unusual substances in forensic contexts.

Dr. Edler's publication record demonstrates consistent research productivity with significant contributions to high-impact journals in forensic medicine, pathology, and infectious diseases. Her work shows a clear trajectory from general forensic pathology topics toward specialized research on pandemic-related pathology, with particular emphasis on understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection across multiple organ systems. She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across Germany, contributing to national registry studies and cooperative research initiatives.

Her scientific contributions include methodological advancements in forensic toxicology, innovative approaches to understanding viral pathogenesis through autopsy studies, and practical guidelines for safe autopsy procedures during pandemics. Dr. Edler has been particularly active in translating autopsy findings into clinical and public health implications, especially regarding thromboembolic complications, multiorgan involvement, and unusual presentations of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Dr. Edler has demonstrated strong collaborative skills through her involvement in large-scale research initiatives including the German Registry of COVID-19 Autopsies (DeRegCOVID). Her work bridges forensic pathology with clinical medicine, providing critical insights into disease mechanisms that inform both death investigation practices and clinical management approaches. She has contributed to establishing standardized autopsy protocols that have been adopted across multiple institutions in Germany.