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.

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

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.

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…

Read more

The opening ceremony of the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin in pictures

On 20 September 2024, the new Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen was opened in the presence of The Bavarian Minister-President Dr.…

Read more

New impetus for medicine: interdisciplinary research center opening ceremony takes place on 20 September

Numerous guests of honor including Dr. Markus Söder (Minister President of Bavaria), Hubert Aiwanger (Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional…

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

© Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light

Data Collection

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Get more info about used cookies
Cookie optin by Olli machts