Press Releases

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Gregori Aminoff Prize to the director at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen. The academy honors his groundbreaking research on how RNA is formed in cells. more

Once again this fall, the lecture series Wissenschaft beim Göttinger Literaturherbst offers impressive insights into the world of cutting-edge science. From October 29 to November 6, nine internationally renowned researchers will present their latest findings on current scientific topics in the Paulinerkirche. (in German) more

Scientists at the institute have determined the molecular mechanism of the first step of RNA processing in human mitochondria. Their findings reveal for the first time how mitochondrial RNAs are cut, and explain why mutations in the involved proteins lead to disease in humans.  more

The institute receives no less than four awards from the Max Planck Society. Three trainees are acknowledged for their excellent performances. In addition, the entire institute was honored as an outstanding training center in 2021. (in German) more

Researchers at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry and the University of Würzburg show that the antiviral agent incorporates RNA-like building blocks into the viral genome. This leads to mutations when the pathogen replicates. This way, it can no longer spread.  more

Researchers have developed mini-antibodies that efficiently block SARS-CoV-2 and its dangerous new variants. These so-called nanobodies bind and neutralize the virus up to 1000 times better than previously developed mini-antibodies. In addition, the scientists optimized their mini-antibodies for stability and resistance to extreme heat. This unique combination makes them promising agents to treat COVID-19. more

The union has named three Honorary Fellows this year, including two scientists at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry: Nobel laureates Stefan Hell and Erwin Neher. Both were honored for their groundbreaking research of great importance to the field of physiology. more

The campaign initiated by the German Research Foundation and Tierversuche verstehen advocates for transparent information and open communication about animal experiments in research. The MPI for Biophysical Chemistry is one of the first 53 research institutions to sign the campaign. more

The MPI for Biophysical Chemistry and for Experimental Medicine will merge. On March 12, the decision-making bodies of the Max Planck Society approved this plan. Formally, both institutions will be closed and a new MPI will be founded. The future institute will bring together natural science and basic medical research. more

The Max Planck Society awards the postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for her outstanding achievements in her PhD thesis. Schmidt examined how cells mark and dispose of defective components. The award ceremony will take place at the MPS Annual General Meeting on June 22. more

Researchers at the institute in collaboration with the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics in Mariensee and other international colleagues, developed a new model system for studying early embryonic development. With the help of this system, they discovered that the process when genetic material from each parent combines immediately after fertilization is remarkably inefficient. more

With Jäckle’s election, the Academy recognizes the outstanding scientific achievements of the emeritus director. His basic research on the fruit fly model brought new insights on the general understanding of genes and molecular mechanisms that control organ formation and energy metabolism. more