Jump directly to the page contents

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:

Max Delbrück Center in figures

1.179

employees (as of 2023). Of these, 764 in science and 415 in administration with a 60,5 percent share of women.

88

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

26

European Research Council Grants (ERC Grants)

News

  • Information

    Foundation models are complex AI applications whose potential for science can hardly be overestimated. They require huge amounts of data, enormous computing power and expertise. The Helmholtz…

  • Health, Matter

    The successful development of the mRNA active ingredient highlights the vital role basic research plays in applications.

  • Health

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

  • Health

    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.

  • Health

    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…

  • Health

    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…

Contact

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft

Robert-Rössle-Straße 10
13125 Berlin

As curious as we are? Discover more.