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.

With Benoit Ladoux, the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin wins an additional Humbold-Professor and expands the scope of its research

Since May, physicist Professor Benoit Ladoux and his reaserach group 'Tissue mechanobiology' have been investigating the role of mechanical constraints and force transmission in multicellular systems at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM). With Ladoux, the MPZPM not only gains a world-leading researcher in the field of biophysics, but now has a fourth Humboldt Professor on its Scientific Board alongside Prof. Franze, Prof. Guck (spokesperson of the MPZPM) and Prof. Sandoghdar.

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Grand Opening Symposium 2024 | Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin

On 18 and 19 September 2024

Renowned international speakers from the scientific fields of physics, medicine and biology will give keynote and cutting-edge insights into their latest studies, highlighting the extraordinary potential of the MPZPM.

 

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Microkiss-and-tell: A new method for precision delivery of nanoparticles and small molecules to individual cells

19.02.2024

A research team at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen led by Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar has now successfully shown how small molecules and single nanoparticles can be applied directly onto the surface of cells. In the study recently published in the journal Nature Methods, the scientists describe their technique as a “µkiss” (microkiss) – an easy and cost-effective new method, unlocking new possibilities in single-cell science with a view towards next generation therapeutic applications.

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From an idea to an application: Nano Innovation Award for MPL doctoral student Cornelia Holler

The Center for NanoScience (CeNS) at the Ludwigs-Maximilian-Universität in Munich (LMU) has honored Cornelia Holler, PhD student at the Max Planck…

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Physicist Markéta Icha Kubánková awarded Hermann Neuhaus Prize

The Max Planck Society (MPS) has awarded the Hermann Neuhaus Prize to Markéta Icha Kubánková, a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute…

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"What is a physicist doing in biology and medicine?" – Jochen Guck gives the opening speech at the annual meeting of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

On June 27th and 28th, the annual meeting of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation will take place. Professor Jochen Guck, Director at the Max Planck…

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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

Grand Opening Symposium 2024 | Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin

GRAND OPENING SYMPOSIUM on the occasion of the new Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin in Erlangen 18-19 September 2024.  [...]

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Cooperation partners

Graduate Program