Welcome to the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics!
The Max Planck Institute of Biophysics focuses on investigating the structure and function of proteins which regulate vital cellular processes – from sustainable waste disposal and efficient energy metabolism to highly complex immune responses. Our researchers use a wide methodological repertoire including electron cryo-microscopy, advanced light microscopy, mass spectromery, and proteomics.
How the HIV-1 Capsid Cracks the Barrier of the Human Nucleus
Researchers at our Institute and Heidelberg University have observed largely intact HIV-1 capsids as they enter the cell nucleus through specialized channels called nuclear pores.
We are taking part in Girls’ Day 2025!
Girls’ Day is all about breaking stereotypes and encouraging young women to explore careers where women are still underrepresented. With us, participants can step into the shoes of a scientist for a day! They’ll get hands-on experience in the lab, conducting experiments to discover what the tiniest building blocks of our bodies look like and how they work.Join us for an exciting day of science and exploration!
Bonnie Murphy wins Clara Immerwahr Award
Congratulations to our Research Group Leader Bonnie Murphy! The award recognizes outstanding young women scientists in the field of catalysis. Dr. Murphy uses cryo-EM and biochemical, molecular, and electrochemical techniques to elucidate the structure and function of proteins critical to bioenergetic processes.
Science for All
At our Night of Science, we offered a diverse program to showcase our institute and our research. Scientists presented exciting and engaging hands-on experiments, and visitors could test their knowledge in “The Great Biophysics Quiz”. Guided tours of our electron microscope facility and talks provided insights into our methods and the latest research projects!
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Employees
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Research Groups
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Publications in 2024
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High-end Instruments
Latest Publications
1.
Passage of the HIV capsid cracks the nuclear pore. Cell (2025)
2.
Structural pathway for PI3-kinase regulation by VPS15 in autophagy. Science (2025)
3.
Nuclear pore permeability and fluid flow are modulated by its dilation state. Molecular Cell 85 (2025)
4.
Conformational dynamics of a multienzyme complex in anaerobic carbon fixation. Science 387 (6733), pp. 498 - 504 (2025)
5.
Ferroptosis triggers mitochondrial fragmentation via Drp1 activation. Cell Death and Disease 16, 40 (2025)
