The Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology
The Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology (MPIN) is situated in Martinsried, at the southwest border of Munich. The institute is devoted to basic research and investigates the basic functions, structure and development of the brain and the nervous system.
The area of research covered by scientists at the institute can be illustrated by way of the following example: While you read this text, your brain monitors and controls the function of your organs, calculates and coordinates even the minutest movement, particularly of the eyes, and analyses the incoming information from your various senses. But how does the brain manage to process all this information at once? How are its nerve cells connected in order to enable this? How does such a complex system develop? What happens on the molecular level right up to the level of the system as a whole?
These are only some of the questions occupying the scientists at our institute. Since their research takes them to the very boundaries of human knowledge, such questions are studied not on human beings, but by employing computer simulations, cell cultures and animal models instead.
The main research areas
The pillars of the institute are the six departments. These pursue – in very simple terms – the following questions:
- How do neuronal networks influence behavior?
The focus lies on the development and function of neuronal networks. Their influence on behavior is investigated in the optical system of zebra fish. -
What happens in the brain when it learns or forgets something?
The focus lies on the processing of optical and acoustic stimuli, information storage, the development of functional maps as well as on the plasticity and function of the cortex. -
Can we develop new methods to see the so-far invisible?
The focus lies on the development of new microscope techniques in order to visualize biological processes on the molecular and cellular level within the surrounding tissue. -
How does the brain of a fly process optical information?
The focus lies on the brain's methods of processing and storing of information. Theory and modeling of neuronal networks in the visual system of flies supplement the experimental data. -
What are the basics of cell communication in the nervous system?
The focus lies on unraveling the mechanisms of signal transmission between nerve cells, explicitly during development. Results show, however, that the signaling pathways are also relevant during the development of the blood and lymphatic systems. -
What happens, when the immune system attacks the nervous system?
The focus lies on the investigation of autoimmune diseases, especially of Multiple Sclerosis. The close cooperation with the Institute for Clinical Neuroimmunology of the University Clinic Grosshadern eases the transfer of results from the institute's basic research onto clinical studies.
The institute's independent Research Groups complement with their wide range of topics on the development, function and mechanisms of the nervous system the research area covered by the institute. The departments and research teams cooperate on a broad spectrum of projects.
Although applied research is not one of the primary goals of the institute, the results of a number of studies have provided the basis for clinical studies or have resulted in patents.
