Max Planck Institute For Biology Of Ageing
Template:Infobox Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing
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 ageing process and thus to pave the way towards healthier ageing 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, 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. A further model organism in the form of a short-lived species of fish will become available in 2013.
Founding Director of the MPI for Biology of Ageing is the British Research Scientist Linda Partridge. Since taking up the post in 2008, she has directed the institute jointly with Nils-Göran Larsson (Sweden) and Adam Antebi (USA).
The foundation stone for the new research premises was laid in 2010 and the building is due to be completed in 2013. Until the move goes ahead, the various departments will remain spread out over different parts of the Cologne University Hospital campus.
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 eight junior research groups are planned as well as a fourth department under the leadership of a further director.
Read more about Max Planck Institute For Biology Of Ageing: Departments, Junior Research Groups, Graduate School
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