Max Delbrück Center

Graphic with scientific image and text: The image features a dark, high-resolution microscopy view of a small organism shown from above, with green and red fluorescent signals highlighting internal structures against a black background. The scientific image is placed at the top and framed by a wide light blue background. Below the image, bold white sans-serif text appears inside dark magenta rectangular boxes reading, “HOW GUT MICROBES INFLUENCE THE HEART.” In the lower right corner is a dark blue “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER” logo.

Some gut bacteria talk to the heart – through the brain.

Researchers at the #mdcBerlin identified a gut–brain–heart pathway in zebrafish. A microbial metabolite (IAA) influenced specific neurons and heart function.

🔗 Full story: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/gu...

#CardiovascularResearch

Scientific image with text overlay: The image shows a grayscale MRI scan of a human head in profile, with the eye and surrounding anatomical structures clearly visible. A yellow arrow points to a bright, rounded area. The background is dark, emphasizing the contrast of the scan. Overlaid text appears in bold white sans-serif font within magenta and teal rectangular boxes at the top. It reads, “POWERFUL TOOL: METAMATERIAL BOOSTS MRI IMAGE QUALITY.” In the lower right corner is a white logo of the Max Delbrück Center.

Can engineered materials improve MRI performance without replacing scanners?

Researchers at #mdcBerlin and Rostock University Medical Center developed a metamaterial-based RF antenna tested at 7.0T, enabling high-resolution imaging of the eye and orbit.

🔗 More: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/press/n...

Scientific image with text overlay: The image shows a fluorescent microscopy view of brain tissue with blue-stained nuclei and green punctate signals scattered throughout a dark background. The cellular structures fill the frame, creating a dense, speckled pattern in blue and green tones. Overlaid text appears in bold white sans-serif font within blue rectangular boxes at the upper left. It reads, “SIMILAR KINASES PLAY DISTINCT ROLES IN THE BRAIN.” In the lower right corner, a blue box displays the white “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER” logo.

Two similar enzymes – distinct roles in the brain.

Researchers at the #mdcBerlin show that MNK1 and MNK2 regulate different behaviors and molecular pathways. The findings may help guide more selective therapies for neurological disorders.

🔗 Read more: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/press/s...

Scientific image with text overlay: The image shows the analysis of IRF4 (colored brown) in a form of lymphoma. The cellular pattern fills the entire frame. Overlaid text appears in bold white sans-serif font within red rectangular boxes across the center and lower left. It reads, “IMMUNOLOGY & INFLAMMATION SYMPOSIUM.” Below, smaller red boxes contain white text reading “BERLIN-MITTE” and “MAR 17, 2026.” Visible in the lower right corner is a white-on-blue logo of the “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER”.

Where is immunology heading next – and who will shape it?

On March 17, Berlin’s immunology community gathers for the I&I Symposium 2026.

🗣️ Keynote: Matteo Iannacone (Hospital San Raffaele, Milan)

📅 Abstract deadline: March 1

🔗 Info and registration: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/events/...

#mdcBerlin

New #WeAreEULIFE story: Martin Schaefer started his journey as a PhD student at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin – today he leads a lab at IEO in Milan.

@eu-life.bsky.social connects 17 European life science institutes committed to collaboration and research excellence.
More stories coming soon.

Photo with text overlay: The image shows a woman [SooJin Anjou] seated at a grand piano on a stage, lit by soft blue lighting. She is playing the instrument while facing slightly to the side, with audience silhouettes visible in the foreground. The piano bears the “Steinway & Sons” logo, and the background is a smooth, blue-toned wall. Overlaid text appears in white sans-serif font within teal rectangular boxes on the left side. It reads, “SPARK 12,” followed by “SEEKING THE MYSTERIOUS IN ART AND SCIENCE.” Below, additional text reads, “MDC-BIMSB” and “FEB 26, 2026.” In the lower right corner, the “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER” logo appears in white.

Einstein called the mysterious the source of all true art and science.

SPARK 12 explores what that means today – through music and discussion.

🎶 Messiaen’s "Complete Preludes for Piano" & video by "Lillevan"

💬 “Seeking the Mysterious in Art and Science.”

👉 More: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/events/...

Photo with logo: The image shows four people standing on a stage behind a white podium in a large auditorium. One person is speaking while the others stand beside them, all wearing name badges on blue lanyards. A vertical banner in the background reads “MINTec” with additional smaller text. The audience appears in shadow in the foreground. In the lower right corner, a blue logo with reads “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER.”

🏆 The student-led podcast scienceCLASH, developed at Gläsernes Labor (Life Science Learning Lab) on #CampusBuch, has won a MINT-EC School Award.

Season 2 is already in the works – focusing on #AI and neurobiology.

🔗 More: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/sc...

#mdcBerlin | 📸 © David Heitz / MINT-EC

Graphic with photo and text: The image is framed by a magenta border and shows individual portraits of two people standing in a modern, enclosed walkway with repeating metal beams and glass panels. Both face the camera and smile; one stands with arms crossed, the other with hands relaxed at the sides. Overlaid text appears in bold white sans-serif font within dark blue rectangular boxes near the center. It reads, “A JUMP-START FOR TWO SPIN-OFFS.” Below, smaller white sans-serif text on the magenta background states: “Pre-GoBio supports two new ventures in oncology and neuromuscular research. Normally, the program can only fund one idea per year, but additional support from the Helmholtz Association freed up resources to fund another project for one year as well.”

Two research projects at #mdcBerlin are taking the next step toward the market.

Through Pre-GoBio, Paul Schöpe is advancing a colorectal cancer drug candidate, and Ines Lahmann is developing NMJCare to test therapies for neuromuscular diseases.

🔗 More details: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/ju...

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we introduce another voice shaping research and career development at the #mdcBerlin: Katja Simon, group leader and Associate Director for Scientific Talent Management.

🔗 More: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/pi... #WomenInScience #February11 #STEM

Portrait photo with text overlay: The image shows a woman [Mina Gouti] with long blonde hair against a black background, facing the camera with a slight smile and resting her chin on her hand. She is wearing a black blazer and a ring on her finger. The lighting is focused on her face, with the background fading into dark tones. Overlaid text appears in bold white sans-serif font inside red rectangular boxes near the lower left. It reads, “CHARITÉ AWARDS PROFESSORSHIP TO MINA GOUTI.”

Bringing complex organoid research closer to clinical practice: #CharitéBerlin appoints #mdcBerlin researcher and group leader Mina Gouti as W3 Professor, strengthening collaboration between organoid research and clinical practice.

🔗 Read more: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/pr...

Group photo Text: Immunology & Inflammation Symposium Berlin Mar 17, 2026

Registration now open for the I&I Berlin Symposium 2026!
Are you part of Berlin’s immunology community or planning to become one?

On March 17, 2026, the symposium bringing together researchers, clinicians, & early-career scientists working on immunology and inflammation.

Photo with text overlay: The image shows a close-up photograph of a small dark-furred animal [Bavarian vole] nestled in dry grass, straw, and plant debris. The animal’s face is centered and partially framed by the surrounding vegetation, with textures of hay and soil filling the background. Overlaid text appears in bold white sans-serif font set in dark blue rectangular boxes across the upper half of the image. It reads, “Sebastian Diecke's platform receives €200k grant” followed by “A second chance for an endangered species.” In the lower right corner is a dark blue logo of the “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER.”

A mammal once thought extinct is getting a second chance.

Researchers at the #mdcBerlin are using genomics and stem cell research to support conservation efforts for the Bavarian pine vole.

🔗 More about the project: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/he...

#mdcBerlin

Portrait photo with text overlay: The image shows a woman [Maike Sander] standing indoors against a softly blurred modern background, facing the camera. She wears glasses and a dark blazer over a light top, with a calm, confident expression. The composition is centered on her upper body, with neutral gray tones in the background. Overlaid text appears in white sans-serif font within a large dark magenta box covering the lower half of the image. A quotation mark icon appears at the top left of the box. The text reads: “Helmholtz Health, the Health Research Field of the Helmholtz Association, is ready to actively help shape the decade of post-infectious diseases – through research that identifies causes and develops solutions for those affected.” Below, smaller white text reads: “Maike Sander” and “Vice President Helmholtz Health & Scientific Director, Max Delbrück Center.”

Post-infectious diseases like Long COVID remain poorly understood.

Germany launched the National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases to improve research, diagnostics, and care.

The #mdcBerlin contributes through #Helmholtz Health and the NAKO Health Study.

🔗 www.bmftr.bund.de/SharedDocs/D...

🧠 How do brain organoids help researchers study the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease?

#mdcBerlin's Agnieszka Rybak-Wolf explains what drives her and how advanced brain organoid models help her team explore how the disease may be initiated.

🔗 Full article: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/ag...

Portrait photo with text overlay: The image shows a woman [Tabea Rauscher] standing centered in a modern, enclosed walkway with repeating metal beams and a glass roof, creating a symmetrical corridor effect. She faces the camera with arms crossed, wearing a black blazer over a red-and-black patterned top. The background is softly blurred. Overlaid text appears in white sans-serif font within light blue rectangular boxes across the lower half of the image. It reads, “TABEA RAUSCHER JOINS AS THE NEW HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS.”

How research reaches society depends on who tells the story.

At the #mdcBerlin, that story is now shaped by Tabea Rauscher, our new Head of Communications. She joins us from @embl.org, bringing years of experience at the intersection of science, strategy, and design.

📷 Felix Petermann

Portrait photo with text overlay: The image shows a person [Maike Sander] standing indoors in a modern architectural setting, leaning lightly on a railing. She wears a light blue suit with a white top and glasses, and looks slightly to the side, away from the camera. The background is softly blurred, showing stairs and glass elements in neutral tones. Overlaid text appears in bold sans-serif fonts. A red rectangular label near the lower right reads “TABLE.FORUM” in white all-caps text. Below, white all-caps text in dark magenta boxes reads “MAIKE SANDER’S VIEW ON INNOVATION HUBS.”

🧪 During the COVID-19 pandemic, research in Germany moved at exceptional speeds.

Maike Sander argues this experience shows how innovation can be sustained beyond a crisis – especially in hubs where research, talent, and capital come together.

MORE: 🔗 table.media/forum/die-kr... #mdcBerlin

„Berlin kann Boston, es muss es nur wollen“: Ist die Hauptstadt-Wissenschaft international auf Augenhöhe? Deutsche Pessimismus-Reflexe, deutlich mehr Anfragen aus den USA: Ein Gespräch mit FU-Präsident Ziegler und MDC-Chefin Sander über Stärken und Schwächen des Forschungsstandorts Berlin.

"Berlin could be like Boston, it just has to want it", our Scientific Director Maike Sander (@sanderlaberlin.bsky.social) states in an interview with @tagesspiegel.de:

www.tagesspiegel.de/wissen/berli...

woman, text: "Agnieszka Rybak-Wolf wins Alzheimer’s research grant"

🎉 Congratulations to Agnieszka Rybak-Wolf on winning a €200,000 Alzheimer’s research grant from the Stiftung Alzheimer Initiative!

👉 Detailed insights: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/ag...

We mourn the sudden unexpected loss of Peer Bork who helped shape our commitment to innovative life science.

Read the full obituary by Detlev Ganten: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/me...

Photo: Jeff Dowling/European Bioinformatics Institute | @ebi.embl.org

Scientific image with text overlay: The image shows a high-magnification histological image of multiple myeloma in bone marrow. Overlaid near the bottom is white, all-caps sans-serif text set inside dark blue rectangular boxes. It reads, “DUAL-TARGET CAR T CELLS IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA.”

When cancer cells stop responding, immune cells need another way in.

Researchers at the #mdcBerlin developed CAR T cells that target two markers in multiple myeloma – including cells that lose BCMA during treatment.

👉 Read the full study: www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/do... 👈

Photo with text overlay: The image shows the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin photographed from below, with its sandstone columns and the quadriga statue silhouetted against a pale sky. The composition centers the upper section of the monument, with architectural details clearly visible. Overlaid text appears in bold sans-serif fonts within dark teal and teal rectangular boxes. At the top, white all-caps text reads “A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR EARLY DISEASE PREVENTION.” Across the lower half, white all-caps text in teal boxes reads “EINSTEIN CENTER FOR EARLY DISEASE INTERCEPTION RECEIVES €6 MILLION.”

1️⃣2️⃣ top institutions. One goal: advance early disease interception in Berlin.

The Einstein Center for Early Disease Interception brings new technologies together to detect disease long before symptoms occur. We sat down with two of its speakers.

Full interview: 👉 www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/ne... 👈

Graphic with illustration and text: The image shows a beige, paper-textured background featuring detailed black-and-white vintage-style illustrations of human hands in different gestures. A continuous red line weaves and loops across the entire image, intersecting and wrapping around the illustrated hands. Overlaid text appears in bold sans-serif fonts. At the top, white all-caps text in a dark blue rectangular box reads “MORE INFORMATION ↑.” Near the bottom, white all-caps text in a dark blue box reads “SALON SOPHIE CHARLOTTE,” and directly below it, white text in a light blue box reads “JANUARY 17, 2026.”

Artificial intelligence raises new responsibilities for science and society.

At Salon Sophie Charlotte, #mdcBerlin researcher and group leader Uwe Ohler and Mathijs Vleugel (#Helmholtz Open Science Office) discuss data ownership, AI models, and data sovereignty.

More info: 👉 salon.bbaw.de/start 👈

Photo with text overlay: The image shows the exterior view through large windows of a modern building, revealing an interior stairwell and two people in white lab coats standing together and looking at a tablet. Vertical blinds, radiators, stair railings, and indoor plants are visible, with reflections of trees on the glass. Overlaid text appears in bold sans-serif fonts. At the top, white all-caps text in a red box reads “MORE INFORMATION ↑.” Across the lower center, white all-caps text in a dark magenta box reads “PARTICIPATE IN THE THERMAL BASE STUDY.”

❄️ Why does a cold shower sometimes feel amazing – and other times unbearable?

Researchers at #mdcBerlin and #Charité are studying how we perceive temperature through the skin – and you can help: We are looking for healthy study participants!

More information:
👉 www.mdc-berlin.de/research/inf... 👈

Graphic with background image and text: The image shows a photograph of a modern conference room seen through glass, with people and desks faintly visible in the background. The color overlay is teal, giving the background a muted, semi-transparent look. Overlaid white sans-serif text is left-aligned and large, reading “Science Strategy Manager for Bioengineering & Precision Prevention.” In the upper left corner, smaller red sans-serif text reads “JOBS.” At the bottom left, smaller white text states “Apply by January 20, 2026,” and below it, “Max Delbrück Center (Berlin-Buch).” In the lower right corner, a white logo of the “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER.”

🚀 We’re hiring – join us at the #mdcBerlin!

We are looking for a Science Strategy Manager in Bioengineering & Precision Prevention to help connect people, ideas, and disciplines across biology, AI, and medicine.

🗓 Apply by Jan 20, 2026

More:
👉 www.mdc-berlin.de/career/jobs/... 👈

✨ Happy New Year 2026!

Here’s to curiosity, bold ideas, and Discovery for tomorrow's medicine.

Warm wishes from all of us at the #mdcBerlin! 💙

The image shows a large group of people gathered in an indoor space, standing around tall cocktail tables. Two individuals wearing red and blue caps appear to be addressing the group. The setting includes decorations, food, and informational booths, suggesting a social or year-end gathering.

The image captures a joyful moment as a group of six people pose together, smiling and holding certificates or folders. The backdrop features bright colors, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The image shows three women on stage in a presentation setting, two wearing reindeer antler headbands and one in a Santa hat. A lectern with the Max Delbrück Center logo is visible, and audience members are seen clapping in the foreground.

The image depicts a lively networking or social session. Groups of people are chatting and enjoying food and drinks around cocktail tables. Holiday decorations and a warm, festive environment contribute to the cheerful tone of the event.

🎄 Science, community, and a little winter magic at the #mdcBerlin!

Our “Winter Encounters” brought colleagues together for hands-on activities, a science slam, talks, games, and charity initiatives – a great way to close the year.

Check out some impressions. 👇

📸 © David Ausserhofer

The image shows five people standing in front of a dark blue event backdrop with text and the Max Delbrück Center logo. They are dressed in business attire, posing for a group photo in a conference venue.

The image captures an audience seated in an auditorium, attentively watching a presentation. Their expressions are focused, and the environment suggests a formal or academic setting.

The image shows a person holding up a publication titled “Life Sciences Report 2024” featuring a colorful image of the Brandenburg Gate. The HealthCapital, Land Brandenburg, and Berlin logos are visible. The background includes other attendees and networking tables.

The image features a large screen displaying headshots and names of members of the “I&E Team” from the Max Delbrück Center, including job titles. Two people stand in the foreground in silhouette, seemingly engaged in conversation.

Yesterday's Predictive Systems Medicine Partnering Event at #mdcBerlin brought together leaders from science, industry, investment, and innovation.

Pitches, 1:1 matchmaking, and networking set the stage for new collaborations in diagnostics, therapies, AI-driven medicine, and more.

Take a look! 👇

Graphic with photo and text: The image shows a teal-framed event poster with a large white text area and a portrait of a person on the right. The person is smiling, wearing glasses and a yellow jacket, standing in front of a neutral background. The layout includes teal sidebars and a white border. Overlaid text is in blue and teal sans-serif fonts. At the top left, it reads “MAX DELBRÜCK CENTER.” Below, the main heading reads “DISCOVERY FOR TOMORROW’S MEDICINE,” followed by bold text with a speaker’s name and affiliation. The event title appears in large blue text: “ENGINEERING IMMUNOLOGICAL TOLERANCE USING ANTIGENS, CYTOKINES AND METABOLITES.” A white box at the bottom includes details: “Monday December 8, 2025, 15.00–16.00 h, BIMSB, Elsa Neumann conference room & Online,” along with a registration link, host and contact information. The bottom left corner reads “HELMHOLTZ.”

Join us on December 8 for an MDC Lecture with Jeffrey Hubbell | @nyutandon.bsky.social at #mdcBIMSB!

His lecture on "Engineering Immunological Tolerance using Antigens, Cytokines, and Metabolites" is part of the MDC Afternoon for Immunology. Register now!

👉 www.mdc-berlin.de/news/events/... 👈

Portrait photo with text overlay: The image shows a person in a white lab coat working inside a laboratory safety cabinet, pipetting samples with gloved hands. The background includes lab equipment and a window with natural light. Overlaid white sans-serif text appears in magenta boxes reading “LENA FÜRST,” and in a red box at the bottom reading “BERLIN’S BEST LAB TECHNICIAN.”

🎉 Congrats to Lena Fürst, Berlin’s best biology lab technician – trained at #mdcBerlin!

Honored by IHK Berlin, she now supports research in Annette Hammes-Lewin’s lab.

Read her story:
👉 www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/be... 👈

Become one of us:
👉 www.mdc-berlin.de/careers/join... 👈

You are a early-career researcher in AI/ML? Apply for our AI Fellowship Program, a joint initiative of Charité, BIH, MDC and BIFOLD.

karriere.charite.de/stellenangeb...

@mdc-berlin.bsky.social @bihatcharite.bsky.social @tuberlin.bsky.social
#PhD #EuropeJobs #EarlyCareerResearcher #PhDPosition