Dear reader,

Curiousness drives humanity – it has taken us to the depths of the ocean and all the way into outer space. When it comes to our bodies, who are the people most compelled to explore how they work? At the Max Delbrück Center, we are opening a portrait exhibition called “Discoverers” to introduce you to our scientists. If you are in town during Berlin Science Week, you can visit the exhibition at the MDC-BIMSB, from Monday through Friday. You are also invited to the vernissage and the newest SPARK edition on November 1st.

Artificial intelligence cannot replace ideas – but it will make research much more effective and open up new perspectives. Together with our partners in the Helmholtz Association, we are developing foundation models for science. Join us at the Falling Walls Science Summit to learn more about the enormous potential of these complex applications. The Science Summit will also focus on how we can better promote biomedical innovation.

These are just some of the highlights of our  extensive Science Week program. See you in Berlin!

Your Insights Team

PS: If you want to know more about the Max Delbrück Center, just follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or X.

IN FOCUS

The innovator

As Scientific Director of Max Delbrück Center, Maike Sander is driving a bold shift toward interdisciplinary research to address the health challenges of our time. As a diabetes researcher, her next frontier is to use organ-on-a-chip technologies to build more accurate models of the human pancreas. Of course, her portrait is also featured in our 'Discoverers' exhibition.

Read more

Opening of our exhibition showcasing photographs by Pablo Castagnola

Falling Walls Science Summit: Biomedical innovation ecosystems – recipes for success

OUR RESEARCH

Beyond ChatGPT: Foundation models for research

Foundation models are complex AI applications with enormous potential. Trained on vast datasets from medicine, climate, or material science, they can uncover new relationships and make predictions. The Helmholtz Association is supporting this pioneering work, with €5.55 million going to the Max Delbrück Center.

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Falling Walls Science Summit: The potential of foundation models

 

Cancer risk linked to p53 in Ulcerative Colitis

Researchers in the lab of Michael Sigal at the Max Delbrück Center and the Charité have elucidated the role of the p53 gene in ulcerative colitis. The study, published in “Science Advances,” suggests a potential new drug target to stop disease progression to cancer. 

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Perspectives for the medicine of the future

What opportunities lie ahead for the future of medical research and healthcare? Scientists from the Helmholtz Association shared their ideas with decision-makers from science, politics, patient organizations, biotech, and the pharmaceutical industry at the first Helmholtz Health Summit in Berlin.

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OUR PEOPLE

From research to application

We proudly welcome Dr. Nevine Shalaby as the new Head of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department. With a rich background in genetics and industry, she aims to drive research impact, foster spin-offs, and strengthen industry partnerships, aligned with the Strategy 2030.

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INNOVATION

Navigating cancer treatment with the help of AI

Cancer treatment has become complex. An AI based online tool developed by Altuna Akalin at our center can already help oncologists and cancer patients find the most up to date personalized treatment.

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ON CAMPUS AND IN BERLIN

A dialogue between science and art

From November 1 to 10, 2024, researchers and science enthusiasts will come together during Berlin Science Week to discuss important questions about science and society. Kicking off the week, we will present our photo exhibition “Discoverers” for the first time.

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RECOMMENDED READING

What are you reading, Mr. Wanker?

Biochemist Erich Wanker studies neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. When we asked him for a reading recommendation, he was enthusiastic: He chose a dystopic novel from the 1950s, which later served as the basis for a film by François Truffaut.

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SAVE THE DATE

 

November 1 - 10

 

 


Berlin Science Week


From November 1 to 10, 2024, researchers and science enthusiasts will once again gather in Berlin to discuss current developments and challenges in science, business and society - with each other and with the public. The Max Delbrück Center will again be contributing exciting events. Join us! 
 

November 1

6 - 8 pm



MDC-BIMSB
Elsa Neumann Room 0.61
Hannoversche Str. 28
10115 Berlin


Spark: Creative processes in the arts and sciences


Join us for a highlight during Berlin Science Week: A concert with vibraphonist David Friedman and pianist SooJin Anjou; a lively discussion on improvisation in art, science and life; and portraits of discoverers by Pablo Castagnola.
 

November 1 - 10

 


MDC-BIMSB
Hannoversche Str. 28
10115 Berlin


Discoverers – Photo exhibition


Welcome to “Discoverers”! In our portrait exhibition, meet the scientists of Max Delbrück Center. Enjoy the intimate photographs taken by Pablo Castagnola.

Further information
 

November 4

3:30 - 7:30 pm


Rahel Hirsch Center
for Translational Medicine
Luisenstr. 65
10117 Berlin


Diversithon: A Wikipedia-edit-a-thon

We all use Wikipedia, so why not help it grow and become more diverse? By participating in our event, you can contribute to and improve Wikipedia. It is easy to learn and can be done from wherever you are. Less than 19% of biographies in English and German in Wikipedia are about women. Furthermore, there is also an underrepresentation of certain ethnicities and people of color in the life science in Wikipedia. Our Diversithon is looking to change this imbalance – and we need your support! 

No experience in editing or writing Wikipedia entries is required. You will receive an introduction and support from experienced Wikipedians from the WomenEdit Group Berlin.

Please register via e-mail to equal.opportunity@bih-charite.de

Further information
 

November 5

8 - 9:30 pm


Movie theater, Zeiss planetarium
Prenzlauer Allee 80
10405 Berlin


Sex and gender in mental health: Why sex matters

Berlin Brains on tour

More and more people are suffering from stress and depression. To effectively help them, studies using animal models are indispensable. But how can mental health be studied in animals? And what influence does sex have on the course of the illness and its treatment? Hanna Hoernberg and Tobias Pohl provide insights into the biology of the psyche. Their research illustrates how significantly sex can impact mental health and well-being, and what new therapeutic options might result from it.

Further information
 

November 5

7:30 pm



Urania Berlin e.V.
An der Urania 17
10787 Berlin


Global Goal 03 – Gesundheit und Wohlergehen


Berlin genießt als Wissenschaftsstandort für Medizin einen hervorragenden Ruf. Wie gut geht es uns in der Stadt, heute und in Zukunft?

Bis 2030 hat sich die Weltgemeinschaft 17 ambitionierte globale Nachhaltigkeitsziele (Sustainable Development Goals) gesetzt. Der Verein „Global Goals für Berlin“ will diese Ziele in Berlin bis 2035 umsetzen. An diesem Abend steht das Global Goal 03 auf der Agenda: Ein gesundes Leben für alle Menschen jeden Alters gewährleisten und ihr Wohlergehen fördern.

Further information

Tickets
 

November 7

6 - 7:30 pm


MDC-BIMSB
Elsa Neumann Room 0.61
Hannoversche Str. 28
10115 Berlin


Unlocking the future: AI revolution in biomedical imaging

Ever wondered how AI is shaping the future of biomedical imaging? In today’s biomedical research, images are at the heart of discovery - from microscopy to CT scans, researchers collect vast amounts of complex visual data every day. These images contain a wealth of information, but extracting meaningful insights can be overwhelming for the human eye alone. That’s where AI comes in. In this talk, we’ll explore how computers learn to analyze images, how AI is already empowering researchers, and what exciting possibilities lie ahead for the future. Last but not least, you’ll have the chance to dive into a virtual world and explore a fruit fly brain through an immersive VR experience!

Further information

Registration
 

November 8

6 - 10:30 pm


Falling Walls Science House
Karl-Marx-Allee 34
10179 Berlin



The potential of foundation models


The Helmholtz Foundation Model Initiative will host moderated tandem discussions on foundation models, exploring their potential, challenges, applications, and necessity in solving current problems. Each session will pair a representative from the initiative with an expert from industry or academia, and the audience. The discussion will be recorded as podcasts.

Further information

Tickets
 

November 9

4 - 4:50 pm


Falling Walls Science House
Karl-Marx-Allee 34
10179 Berlin


Biomedical innovation ecosystems: Recipes for success


An innovation ecosystem in biomedicine requires collaboration between research institutions, industry, funders, and healthcare providers. Key factors include funding mechanisms, access to advanced technologies, strong regulatory support, and a culture of knowledge sharing and entrepreneurship. This Round Table will examine the essential components of such an ecosystem, explore key drivers and challenges, and offer actionable recommendations for building and sustaining it.

Further information

Livestream

Tickets
 

December 6

9 am - 5 pm

Max Delbrück Center
MDC.C Axon
Robert-Rössle-Straße 10
13125 Berlin


Farewell symposium for Thomas Sommer


Targeted proteolysis: From basic discovery to clinical application


Join us for a special scientific symposium as we celebrate the remarkable career of Professor Thomas Sommer.