Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (Max Delbrück Center) is one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. Max Delbrück, a Berlin native, was a Nobel laureate and one of the founders of molecular biology. At the Max Delbrück Center’s locations in Berlin-Buch and Mitte, researchers from some 60 countries analyze the human system – investigating the biological foundations of life from its most elementary building blocks to systems-wide mechanisms. By understanding what regulates or disrupts the dynamic equilibrium in a cell, an organ, or the entire body, we can prevent diseases, diagnose them earlier, and stop their progression with tailored therapies. Patients should benefit as soon as possible from basic research discoveries. The Max Delbrück Center therefore supports spin-off creation and participates in collaborative networks. It works in close partnership with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in the jointly run Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today employs 1,600 people and guests and is funded 90 percent by the German federal government and 10 percent by the State of Berlin.

Research Program:

1.250

employees (as of 2021). Of these, 833 in science and 420 in administration.

88

research groups at the MDC work in four main research areas.

26

European Research Council Grants (ERC Grants)

Research programs

Systems medicine and cardiovascular disease

Health, Matter
How basic research creates a launchpad for innovations

The successful development of the mRNA active ingredient highlights the vital role basic research plays in applications.
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How salt weakens the power plants of our cells

Five questions for Sabrina Geisberger, biochemist at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC).
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The power of the rings

The cells in our bodies are full of small, circular RNA molecules. Researchers have now discovered that these molecules impact the ways in which we think and learn.
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Naked Survival Artist

Naked mole rats have been developing protective mechanisms against cancer, strokes and heart attacks for millions of years. Without oxygen, they can survive for up to 18 minutes. All of this makes…
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Time equals brain cells

After a stroke has occurred, every minute counts. The new ray of hope is a so-called micro-catheter, with which doctors manually remove the dangerous blood clots from the blocked vessel. But it will…
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Criminological disease research

Looking for a treatment for hereditary Huntington's disease , a research team at the Berlin Max Delbrück Center demonstrates criminological serendipity.