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Welcome to the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research!

At our institute, physicists, chemists and biologists create knowledge of long-term relevance to basic medical science. The unifying theme of our research is to observe and manipulate the vastly complex molecular and cellular interactions that are the basis of life. more

News

SNAP-tag2 can be seen in comparison to the previously frequently used SNAP-tag. Markings made with SNAP-tag2 are significantly brighter, even with super-resolution microscopy techniques.

Faster and brighter protein labeling: new tool SNAP-tag2

July 14, 2025

The protein SNAP-tag is a powerful tool for labeling proteins with synthetic fluorophores for bioimaging. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg have engineered a much improved version named SNAP-tag2 as well as optimized substrates for faster labeling in live cells.

New molecular recorder called Kinprola (green) with split Halotag (magenta) for recording and investigating kinase activities

Investigating kinase activity in living cells

July 10, 2025

The ability of protein kinases to transfer a phosphate group to target proteins plays an important role in many cellular processes. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg have now developed a novel molecular tool that can monitor these kinase activities both spatially and temporally.

Jonas Wilhelm awarded Otto Hahn Medal 2025

Otto Hahn Medal for Jonas Wilhelm

June 25, 2025

For his outstanding achievements in his doctorate at the interface between chemistry and biology, Jonas Wilhelm is awarded an Otto Hahn Medal 2025 by the Max Planck Society. He wrote his doctoral thesis in the department Chemical Biology of Kai Johnsson at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.

Further News

Departments of the Institute

Biomolecular
Mechanisms

Ilme Schlichting

Cellular
Biophysics

Joachim Spatz

Chemical
Biology

Kai Johnsson

Optical
Nanoscopy

Stefan W. Hell

Research Groups

Events and Media

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Education and Careers

Max Planck Schools

Our institute is the initiator and speaker of the new Max Planck School MATTER to LIFE that wants to educate a new generation of scientists. Curious? Find all the information here.

outside view of the institute main entrance

Apply now!

August 14, 2023

We are always looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic members for our institute. With the attractive city of Heidelberg and its surroundings and an excellent research environment we can offer an optimal combination of high living standards and first-class research.

Mentoring and Career Development

Talent, creativity, and passion – these are the qualities that count at our institute. As a researcher joining the MPI for Medical Research, you will work alongside scientists who are world leaders in their field. We value a culture of respect, openness and strong support for emerging talents, irrespective of background. We look forward to your contribution to our efforts towards understanding nature.