Funded Clusters and Graduate Schools of the Excellence Initiative (2006 until 2019)

Neurodegenerative, inflammatory and vascular diseases are mostly researched separately. The Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), on the other hand, takes an integrative approach to deciphering the interaction of different pathomechanisms in the development of neurological diseases. The participating researchers are investigating how inflammatory reactions influence neurodegenerative processes, which interactions unfold microvascular and degenerative mechanisms of damage, and finally how immune cells interact with the blood-brain barrier. The SyNergy cluster, which can now be set up as part of the Excellence Initiative, is creating a network of basic researchers, clinical scientists and system analysis experts. more

The Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, or CIPSM for short, is today regarded as the leading institution for protein research in Germany. The aim of the Cluster of Excellence, which was established in 2006 and funded until 2019, is to provide a detailed and comprehensive picture of proteins - as isolated, cellular and molecularly networked substances. While the main focus has so far been on research into the molecular properties of proteins, the focus will now be more on their cellular functions and the chemical functionalisation of proteins for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. A broad spectrum of current chemical, biochemical, genetic and biophysical methods will be used for this purpose, with the cluster also aiming at the further and new development of methods. more

At the Munich Centre for Advanced Photonics (MAP), physicists, chemists, biologists and physicians are developing pioneering light and laser-driven particle sources. Since its foundation in 2006, the Cluster of Excellence has been regarded as one of the leading institutions in the laser sciences. Light is now perfectly controlled - from its temporal propagation to the control of frequencies. With their new light sources, the MAP researchers gain detailed insights into the microcosm of animate and inanimate matter; they elicit their secrets from the quantum world. In combination with innovative imaging techniques, the light sources will make it possible to significantly improve the diagnosis of diseases, some of which are still incurable, and to implement new therapeutic approaches. Laser-driven particle sources have the potential to significantly increase the chances of cure for many types of cancer. more

Since its foundation in 2006, the Nanosystems Initiative Munich, or NIM for short, has established itself as a leading international nanocenter. The design and control of artificial and multifunctional nanosystems are the cornerstones of the scientific programme of the Cluster of Excellence, which brings together scientists from the fields of nanophysics, chemistry and the life sciences. The use of these functional nanosystems in complex and realistic environments became a central research aspect in the second funding phase of the Excellence Initiative. Artificial nanosystems have a broad application potential in areas such as information technology and biotechnology, but also in living cells. more

The Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences offers a clearly structured and intensively supervised integrated international Master's and PhD program for a new generation of neuroscientists. Based on a solid knowledge of the molecular and cellular foundations of neurobiology, participants will gain deeper insights into neuron-neuron interactions, the dynamics of neuron-glia interactions, information transfer in individual brain centers, and the interaction of different brain centers. more

In July 2012, the German Research Foundation (DFG) approved the funding of the Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences Munich (QBM). The official preparations for the establishment began on 1 November 2012. Starting in October 2013, the first 25 doctoral students will start their doctorates, funded with scholarships and integrated into a modern and innovative training concept. What do the students have to bring with them? A scientific course of study with outstanding results. Above all, however, a burning interest in interdisciplinary questions in the life sciences. more