News & Events

The founding director of the Max Delbrück Center, physician and pharmacologist Detlev Ganten, celebrates his 85^th birthday on March 28, 2026. Without his commitment, our research center would not exist as we know it today. Once again, we say thank you and offer our heartfelt congratulations! 

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin show that adipose tissue amplifies gut inflammation in Crohn’s disease. The study, published in the ​“Journal of Clinical Investigation,” also reveals how genetic changes in immune cells may contribute to the disease. 

Checkpoint inhibitors help fight cancer but increase the risk of heart disease. An interdisciplinary team, including researchers from the Max Delbrück Center, is investigating how the therapy can be made safer. The Hector Foundation is supporting the project with €1.3 million. 

Researchers have uncovered the molecular details of how ancient viral DNA controls a gene linked to preeclampsia. The study, published in ​“Genome Biology,” builds on previous research and may lead to a diagnostic test to identify preeclampsia risk much earlier. 

Marking International Women’s Day, Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär met with female researchers at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin-Mitte to discuss advancing equality in science. 

From pond water probes to pesticide impact and chili-infused soil: 85 young researchers presented 43 projects at the ​“Jugend forscht” regional science competition at Campus Berlin-Buch. Under the theme ​“Maximum Perspective,” students tackled real-world challenges with curiosity and creativity. 

Since August, Lilly Spalt has been heading Occupational Health Management at the Max Delbrück Center. Her goal is to create a supportive and healthy work environment for all staff. This year, her focus is on mental health – a wide range of measures are planned. 

On February 18, the new Helmholtz President Martin Keller met with the Max Delbrück Center staff Berlin-Buch and exchanged ideas. He is currently visiting all 18 Helmholtz Centers to gain first-hand insight into the wide range of research conducted across the association. 

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center have uncovered how a bacterial metabolite produced in the gut regulates heart function through specific brain cells. The findings, published in ​“Circulation Research,” reveal a new gut-brain-heart axis and point to potential therapies for hypertension and heart failure.