Facade view of the Center for Physics and Medicine with sky and clouds

Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin – A milestone in the research landscape

Research on medical issues from a physical perspective

In biomedical research, the quantitative understanding of physical phenomena in living systems is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, the Max-Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin and the Institute for the Science of Light in Erlangen are working closely together.

Building view with glazed connecting corridor over natural stone paved path and adjacent lawn at the Max-Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin — Building view with glazed connecting corridor at the Max-Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin

Building view with glazed connecting corridor at the Max-Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin

The researchers also collaborate with the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) and the University Hospital Erlangen (UK) to apply cutting-edge physical and mathematical research to patient-relevant medical questions. The Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin specializes in basic scientific research in the field of the structure, organization, dynamics and function of cells and their interactions in tissues and organs.

The Free State of Bavaria provided special funding for the construction of a building on the research campus to be used jointly by the partners and for the procurement of initial scientific equipment.

Entire ensemble - ZPM — **Entire ensemble** - ZPM

**Entire ensemble** - ZPM

In 2009, an architectural competition for the urban development of the entire campus, TRC I to TRC V, was held under the auspices of the State Building Authority of Erlangen-Nuremberg. The goal was to create a future-oriented, patient-oriented, translational research campus on the northern grounds of the university hospital, in close proximity to clinical medical and other research facilities. This followed international models such as the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, enabling optimum research from bench to bedside.

The Medical Faculty welcomed the opportunity for close collaboration on a campus. In coordination with the University Hospital and the Free State of Bavaria, the Max Planck Society can now build an additional 7,000 m² of research facilities. In the future, the new buildings for TRC II-IV and the Center for Applied Microbiology and Physiology (ZPM) will complete the research campus ensemble.