Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing
| Motto | Investing the nature of ageing and longevity |
|---|---|
| Type | Institute for basic biomedical research |
| Headquarters | Munich |
| Location |
|
| Adam Antebi, Nils-Göran Larsson and Linda Partridge | |
Parent organization | Max Planck Society |
Budget | Public funding (plus third party funding) |
Staff | 175, intended about 350 |
| Website |
www |
The Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Biology of Ageing, founded in 2008, is one of over 80 independent, non-profit-making institutes set up under the umbrella of the Max Planck Society. The overall research aim is to obtain fundamental insights into the aging process and thus to pave the way towards healthier aging in humans. An international research team drawn from almost 30 nations is working to uncover underlying molecular, physiological and evolutionary mechanisms.
Located on the campus of Cologne University Hospital, this MPI forms a substantial part of a regional Life Science Cluster of closely interlinked research organizations focusing on research into ageing and ageing-associated diseases. Regional partners include the MPI for Neurological Research and the Cluster of Excellence CECAD (both in Cologne) as well as the DZNE and caesar Research Center (both in Bonn).
Together with their regional, national and international partners, such as ERIBA, researchers at the MPI for Biology of Ageing are exploring how cells age throughout the course of their life, which genes are involved and to what extent environmental factors play a role. Underlying processes are being studied in so-called model organisms: The genes of the mouse Mus musculus, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans are known and the life expectancy of these organisms is relatively short. This makes them particularly suitable for research into the ageing process. Further model organisms in the form of the fish Nothobranchius furzeri and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are in use.
Since the beginning of the research work in 2008 Adam Antebi (USA), Nils-Göran Larsson (Sweden) and Linda Partridge (UK) are jointly directing the institute.
The foundation stone for the new research premises was laid in 2010 and the building was inaugurated in 2013.
As one of the youngest institutes of the Max Planck Society, the MPI for Biology of Ageing is expanding further and should eventually have a staff of about 350. At least ten research groups are planned as well as a fourth department under the leadership of a further director.
Departments
- Molecular Genetics of Ageing (Adam Antebi)
- Mitochondrial Biology (Nils-Göran Larsson)
- Biological Mechanisms of Ageing (Linda Partridge)
Research Groups
- Computational RNA Biology and Ageing (Christoph Dieterich/ Research Group)
- Effectors and Regulation of Autophagy During Ageing (Martin Graef/ Max Planck Research Group)
- Proteomics of Post-translational Modifications (Ivan Matic/ Research Group CECAD)
- Mitochondrial Mutations and Genome Co-evolution (Jim Stewart)/ Research Group)
- Chromatin and Ageing (Peter Tessarz/ Max Planck Research Group)
- Evolutionary and Experimental Biology of Ageing (Dario Valenzano/ Max Planck Research Group)
- Skin Homeostasis and Ageing (Sara Wickström / Max Planck Research Group)
The "Max Planck Research Groups" offer young postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to qualify for a further career in research. Their leaders are appointed by the President of the Max Planck Society and enjoy independent status within an MPI, similar to that of the directors.
Graduate School
Since 2013, the Cluster of Excellence CECAD and the MPI for Biology of Ageing together with the MPI for Neurological Research and the caesar Research Center offer exceptionally talented junior research scientists from all over the world the opportunity to obtain doctorates in the field of ageing research at their joint "Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research". The doctoral degrees are awarded by the University of Cologne.