Detailed 3D model of a cell highlighting organelles like nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum in vibrant colors.

Welcome to the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics!

We study the structure and function of proteins which regulate vital cellular processes using a wide methodological repertoire including advanced light and electron microscopy and as well as computational biology.

Our Research


Emeritus Group Prof. Ernst Bamberg.
Detailed molecular assembly. Text ' Martin Beck, Molecular Sociology' .
Molecular structure showing protein complex and detailed H-transfer interaction. Text 'Ulrich Ermler, Enzyme Mechanism' .
Graphic of the interior of a molecule, featuring the text "Ana Garcia, Membrane Dynamics."
Detailed visualization of a molecular structure. Text ' Gerhard Hummer, Theoretical Biophysics'.
Complex molecular structure. Text ' Werner Kühlbrandt, Structural Biology' .
A white-lit chromosome featuring the text "Eugene Kim, Structure and Dynamics of Chromosomes."
Illustration of hands manipulating a blue protein helix above a lipid bilayer structure. Text ' Melanie McDowell, Membrane Protein Biogenesis' .
Detailed 3D molecular structure featuring yellow, blue, and orange atoms, interwoven with a blue mesh overlay on a black background. Text ' Hartmut Michel, Molecular membrane Biology' .
Graphic of a protein, featuring the text "Bonnie Murphy, Redox and Metalloproteins."
Beata Turoňová – Image Processing
Molecular arrangement with purple clusters surrounding a central yellow ring. Text' Florian Wilfing, Mechanisms of Cellular Quality Control.

Overview

Scientific Facilities


https://brain.mpg.de/imaging
Professional English version: A woman looking into an electron microscope in a room illuminated with blue light.
Colored brain with colorful patterns.

News

Angela and Eva wearing white lab coats stand back to back in a modern laboratory. Both are smiling and holding up a scientific device that looks like a gun with both hands. The scene looks like a poster for a spy movie. Laboratory equipment and work surfaces can be seen in the background.

When Science Meets Creativity

People
A behind‑the‑scenes look at the day‑to‑day of technicians Eva Kaindl and Angela Burkart
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Els Kuiper smiles into the camera while holding a flask filled with chocolate coins and bills in one hand.

From Grant Writing to Grant: Els Kuiper’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship

December 15, 2025

Grants People Postdoctoral Researcher
Lessons on effective grant writing for early-career researchers
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3D animation of a ribosome attached to SND3 on the ER surface. The backgroud of the illustration shows heat marks, referencing the hot environment in which Chaeomium thermofilum thrives.

SNDing Proteins into the Membrane

October 29, 2025

Research News
Recent structural study reveals a new route for membrane protein insertion in fungi.
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Four scientists look at the camera, while working in a wet lab.

Work with us

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Latest Publications

1.
Seifert, M.; Kollenkirchen, T.; Ernst, A.; Rasoulinejad, S.; Koellner, S. M. S.; Schneider, A.-K.; Luzarowski, M.; Lübbehusen, N.; Wu, D.; Kannt, A. et al.; Safarian, S.: Glycan-based biological degraders targeting the cytokine immune axis. Communications Biology 9, 530 (2026)
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2.
Bulankina, A. V.; Richter, R. M.; Nettles, J. H.; Yamane, D.; Grimm, C.; Karami, Y.; Stanton, R. A.; Introini, B.; Hermann, J.; Charif, H. et al.; König, M. S.; Stroß, C.; Ortiz, C.; Kraus, N.; Wood, D.; Galceran, F.; Abele, R.; Maigret, B.; Schinazi, R. F.; Zeuzem, S.; Biondi, R. M.; Yi, M.; Tampé, R.; Kudryashev, M.; Welsch, C.: Phospholipid-driven conformational switching of HCV NS5A links protein folding to replication membrane remodeling. Science Advances 12 (14), eaeb8863 (2026)
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3.
Shin, J.; Baek, D.; Kim, J.; Park, J.; Jeong, E.; Kim, Y.; Kim, Y. J.; Cho, Y.: Structure of the melatonin-related orphan receptor, GPR50. Molecules and Cells 49 (4), 100331 (2026)
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4.
Neuhaus, A.; McLaren, M.; Isupov, M. N.; Gaines, M.; Buzzard, E.; Sikora, M.; Hanus, C.; Daum, B.; Averhoff, B.; Gold, V. A. M.: Structural insights into the Thermus thermophilus type IV pilus machinery assembling two distinct pili. Communications Biology 9, 474 (2026)
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