| Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics | |
|---|---|
| Name | Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics |
| Native name | Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Zellbiologie und Genetik |
| Caption | MPI-CBG main building in Dresden (architecture by Norman Foster) |
| Established | 1998 |
| Founder | Max Planck Society |
| Focus | Molecular biology, Cell biology, Genetics |
| Director | Jan Ellenberg; formerly Stephan Geley |
| City | Dresden |
| Country | Germany |
| Address | Pfotenhauerstraße 108 |
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) is a basic research institute of the Max Planck Society located in Dresden, Germany. The institute's mission is to investigate fundamental mechanisms of cellular organization, development and information processing at molecular and systems levels, bridging disciplines such as Molecular biology, Genetics, Biophysics and Systems biology. Its research seeks to generate conceptual frameworks and tools that impact biomedical research, biotechnology and advanced microscopy, contributing to Dresden's development as a life sciences hub.
MPI-CBG was founded in 1998 as part of a strategic expansion of the Max Planck Society into eastern Germany after German reunification. The institute was sited in Dresden to leverage regional strengths in microelectronics, precision engineering and emerging biotechnology clusters. Its establishment complemented prior institutions such as the German Cancer Research Center in other cities and co-located centers in Dresden like the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden and the research activities at TU Dresden. The architecturally distinctive building, completed in the early 2000s, became a visible symbol of scientific renewal in the former GDR region and contributed to Dresden's positioning as a center for life-science research and innovation.
Research at MPI-CBG is organized into independent research groups and thematic units covering areas including cytoskeletal dynamics, intracellular organization, tissue morphogenesis, stem cell biology and computational modeling. Key research themes include: - Mechanisms of cell division and mitotic regulation (cell cycle control and mitosis). - Principles of intracellular transport and organelle organization using advanced live-cell imaging. - Developmental processes and morphogenesis studied in model organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster and zebrafish (Danio rerio). - Systems and quantitative approaches integrating microscopy, single-molecule methods and computational analysis. Groups often combine experimental labs with technology-focused teams in super-resolution and light-sheet microscopy, microfluidics and computational image analysis. The institute hosts cross-disciplinary platforms such as bioinformatics cores and computational biology that interface with regional initiatives.
MPI-CBG occupies a purpose-built research complex in the Dresden-Rossendorf/Striesen area near central Dresden. Facilities include state-of-the-art imaging centers with super-resolution, two-photon and light-sheet microscopes, cell culture suites, molecular biology laboratories and microfabrication workshops. The institute maintains specialized support units for proteomics, genomics and quantitative image analysis. Shared infrastructure and proximity to the CRTD (Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden) and the Paul Langerhans Institute foster resource sharing. The building's design emphasizes collaborative lab layouts and core facilities to enable interdisciplinary projects linking molecular techniques to whole-organism studies.
MPI-CBG has close institutional ties with TU Dresden and local research partners. Collaborative doctoral training is provided through graduate programs such as the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) and joint PhD supervision with TU Dresden faculties in biology, physics and computer science. The institute participates in Dresden-wide networks including the Dresden University Alliance and collaborates with the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden and the Fraunhofer Society units in the region. Joint courses, shared seminars and translational projects connect MPI-CBG with clinical partners at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden and regional biotech companies, supporting technology transfer and workforce development.
MPI-CBG has been home to several prominent scientists who have advanced microscopy, quantitative cell biology and developmental genetics. Directors and group leaders have received national and international recognition including awards from the European Research Council, the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize and membership in academies such as the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Alumni have taken leadership roles at universities and research centers worldwide. The institute's technical innovations in imaging and computational analysis have been cited in high-impact journals and adopted widely in cell biology, contributing to methodological awards and prizes in the life sciences community.
Public engagement forms an active part of MPI-CBG's mandate in Dresden. The institute organizes open days, public lectures and school laboratory programs in partnership with TU Dresden's outreach offices and local museums such as the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum. Outreach initiatives include hands-on workshops for pupils, participation in Dresden science festivals and exhibitions that explain microscopy and developmental biology to non-specialist audiences. These activities aim to strengthen public understanding of science, encourage STEM education in Saxony and foster dialogue between researchers and Dresden citizens.
Category:Research institutes in Dresden Category:Max Planck Institutes Category:Biological research institutes