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.

Since March 2025, the institute has been represented at two locations. In addition to its founding site in Heidelberg, it now also has departments on the 'Bildungscampus' in Heilbronn thanks to long-term funding from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. These departments expand the institute's pioneering work to include research into artificial intelligence in biomedicine. The aim is to accelerate the transfer of scientific findings into practice. more

News

Woman in business attire
Dr. Johanna Jobst has joined the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research as Head of Administration with effect from March 1st 2026. 
Three microscopy images: The functionality of the new far-red markers compared in STED, PALM, and MINFLUX microscopy techniques with colorful cellular structures.

Seeing cells in a new light

October 15, 2025
Illuminating the tiniest details of living cells just got a major boost: Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research have developed new markers that glow in the far-red range and are activated by light.
Photo of Kevin Jahnke
In March 2026, Kevin Jahnke will establish a research group on ‘Biomembrane Engineering’ at the new Heilbronn site of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.

Departments of the Institute

protein crystals
Ilme Schlichting
lipid vesicles
Joachim Spatz
microscopy image of a cell
Kai Johnsson
STED image of neurons
Stefan W. Hell

Events and Media

On site and online

Rudolf Mößbauer Colloquium with Anna Erzberger (EMBL)

Mar 16, 2026 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
MPI for Medical Research, Room: Seminar Room A/B

Rudolf Mößbauer Colloquium with Andreas Bock (Universität Mainz)

Apr 13, 2026 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
MPI for Medical Research, Room: Seminar Room A/B

Rudolf Mößbauer Colloquium with Erick M. Carreira (ETHZ)

May 11, 2026 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
MPI for Medical Research, Room: Seminar Room A/B

Education and Careers

flyer on the Max Planck School program
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.
grafic on 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.
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