Physics and Medicine

Our research focuses on fundamental questions in medicine from a completely new physical perspective. The aim is to use this perspective to contribute new insights into the understanding of living systems, biological processes and their pathological changes, and to transfer these insights into diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM) is an interdisciplinary joint research center of the Max-Planck-Institute for the Science of Light (MPL), the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER). The MPZPM is home to several research groups covering different research areas at the interface of physics and medicine. In addition to five permanent groups (Franze, Guck, Ladoux, Sandoghdar, Zaburdaev), there is room for a further five independent research groups who find excellent research conditions: two W2-level groups from MPL and UKER, and three further groups with their own funding through ERC Starting Grants, ERC Consolidator Grants, or DFG Emmy Noether grants (please contact us if you are interested). Research is supported by central facilities for advanced microscopy, in vivo models, and lab-on-chip systems.

Jochen Guck awarded Leopoldina's Greve Prize

Three of the world's leading scientists in the field of cancer physics are to receive the 2024 Greve Prize from the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina for their outstanding research. They examined the physical properties of cells in interaction with their surrounding tissue in order to develop completely new treatment concepts for cancer.

Read more

Physics directed towards the medicine of tomorrow: the new Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin was officially opened

The three-day celebrations to mark the opening of the new Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin in Erlangen culminated in a ceremony on September 20th, 2024, attended by around 120 invited guests. Addresses from politicians, talks from sciententists and two Nobel Prize winners, as well as a symbolic handing over of the keys, marked the official opening of the interdisciplinary research center.

Read more

How bacteria actively use passive physics to make biofilms

Bacterial cells often coalesce into complex heterogeneous communities called biofilms. Within a group, bacteria in the biofilm are extremely robust in resisting various environmental stresses – a crucial feature making biofilm-associated infections extremely difficult to treat with antibiotics. Vasily Zaburdaev, among others, published a work that highlights how biophysical interactions play an important role in bacterial life cycles and infection.

Read more

For a new understanding of life: young international scientists present their pioneering visions

At a distinguished science symposium, 14 young international scientists presented their current research at the interface of physics and medicine.

Read more

Jochen Guck awarded Leopoldina's Greve Prize

Three of the world's leading scientists in the field of cancer physics are to receive the 2024 Greve Prize from the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina for their outstanding research in the fields of natural sciences, medicine and engineering. Among them is Prof. Dr. Jochen Guck, Director…

Read more

MPZPM opens doors for young visitors: Insights into fundamental research at the interface between physics and medicine

After its festive opening in September, the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin has begun its scientific work. The first visitors have been able to form their initial impressions of the pioneering research facility in Erlangen. Tomohisa Toda, associated with the MPZPM in his role as Professor…

Read more

Markéta Kubánková honored with “For Women in Science” award

Markéta Kubánková from the Guck Division at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light / Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin is one of four outstanding young female scientists to be honored with this year's “For Women in Science” award.

Read more

MPZPM press team

To get in contact with our Communications & Marketing Team please feel free to make your request at: presse@mpzpm.de.

For further information about specific press enquiries or the latest press releases and pictures, please visit our Press Page.

Contact

Spokesperson of the Scientific Board
Prof. Dr. Jochen Guck

Please contact:
guck-office@mpl.mpg.de
Staudtstraße 2
91058 Erlangen
Email:
Phone: +49 9131 7133-501

Head of Infrastructure
Dr. Dorothe Burggraf

Please contact:
Lisa Spann (PA)
Staudtstraße 2
91058 Erlangen
Email: lisa.spann@mpl.mpg.de
Phone: +49 9131 7133 801

Upcoming Events

There are no events in the current view.

Cooperation partners

Graduate Program