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.

Prof. Tomohisa Toda honored for his research on Neural Epigenomics with Joseph Altman Award

Tomohisa Toda, head of the research group ‘Neural Epigenomics’, is investigating how the physical nature of cell nuclei affects gene regulation and brain function. With his studies, Toda is making a significant contribution to our understanding of brain plasticity and neurodegenerative diseases. Now, the scientist is being honored with the 9th Joseph Altman Award in Developmental Neuroscience.

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Neighborhood dispute among cells: whichever successfully exerts force wins

Cells are in constant competition with each other and so eliminate diseased or unwanted cells. Cell competition is therefore a central principle for maintaining the health of tissues and organs. Researchers have discovered a previously unknown winning strategy in mechanical cell competition. With their results recently published in ‘Nature Materials,’ the research team challenges the classical interpretation of cell competition.

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Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann visits the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin

Joachim Herrmann, Bavarian State Minister of the Interior, Sport and Integration, visits the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin in Erlangen to learn about the new era of research culture marked by its opening.

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New research group at MPZPM studies mucosal immune responses in chronic inflammation and tumor development

The range of research at MPZPM continues to grow: the research group “Mucosal Immunology” brings a new and promising field of medical research to the collaborative research center in Erlangen. Prof. Maximilian Waldner, Medical Clinic 1 of the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and his team are conducting research into mucosal immunology in chronic intestinal inflammation and intestinal tumors.

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Experience science up close – Girls’ Day 2025 at MPL and MPZPM

Experimenting, tinkering, researching: On April 3, 2025, the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) and the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM) will open their doors for Girls' Day. Schoolgirls from the 5th grade onwards are invited to discover the fascinating world of the…

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Prof. Tomohisa Toda honored for his research on Neural Epigenomics with Joseph Altman Award

Tomohisa Toda, head of the research group ‘Neural Epigenomics’ at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM), is investigating how the physical nature of cell nuclei affects gene regulation and brain function. With his serial studies on the importance of long-lived cellular components to…

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Neighborhood dispute among cells: whichever successfully exerts force wins

Trial of strength at the cellular level: cells are in constant competition with each other and so eliminate diseased or unwanted cells. Cell competition is therefore a central principle for maintaining the health of tissues and organs. Researchers have investigated the success factors of superior…

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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

Girls´ Day 2025

MPL and MPZPM are each inviting 15 girls interested in science as part of Girls´ Day 2025 on April 3 to offer them exciting insights into [...]

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Graduate Program

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