Research focus of the institute

The scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology conduct basic research with the aim to gain a better understanding of the development, structure and workings of the nervous system.

The brain and the nervous system process and control all vital body functions. Yet how does such a system develop that not only masters complex tasks such as the processing of sensory impressions, the control of movements and thought, simultaneously, but also gives us our individuality? How does a nerve cell find its correct partner cell among millions of other cells? After all, only when the correct contact has been made will it be possible to move a certain muscle or to learn a certain piece of information. How are the nerve cells within a network connected in order for this to happen? How does the system function, from the molecular level right up to entire neuronal networks? And what happens if the nervous system is damaged or attacked by diseases or viruses?

These are only a few of the questions to which the scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology are seeking answers. Their research goes to and beyond the very edge of present-day knowledge. And so the scientists avail themselves of the latest methods from the fields of genetics, molecular biology, computer simulation and microscopy. If these methods are not sufficient, the scientists develop them further.

The mainstays of the institute are the departments, whose research is complemented and augmented in various ways by the independent research groups. The emeritus groups, as well, contribute to the high standard of the institute.