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
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Colored brain with colorful patterns.

News

A waffle with a cloud against a blue background, Night of Science, June 12, 2026.

Night of Science on June 12

May 18, 2026

Events
Nitrogen ice cream, DNA challenge, tours and lectures – and much more!
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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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Meet us

Meet us virtually or in person at our upcoming events
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Four scientists look at the camera, while working in a wet lab.

Work with us

You are looking for an inspiring job in a diverse environment? Check our job offers!
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Latest Publications

1.
Anastasia, C. M.; Paul, S.; Kim, H.-I.; Cui, Q.; Fairbrother, D. H.; Giraldo, J. P.: Size and Cross-Linking Dependent Gold Nanoparticle Interactions with Dynamic Pectin Model Plant Cell Walls. ACS Nano (2026)
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2.
Gestal-Mato, U.; Lascaux, P.; Poveda-Cuevas, S. A.; Cristiani, A.; Camp, B.; Aghapour, M.; Ammanath, A. V.; Bhaskara, R. M.; Dikic, I.; Herhaus, L.: TBK1 restricts IRGQ-mediated autophagy. Nature Communications 17, 4335 (2026)
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3.
Cheng, Y.-L.; Mello-Vieira, J.; Covarrubias-Pinto, A.; Gonzalez, A.; Kumar Kuncha, S.; Kew, C.; Zhang, K.; Awais Afzal, M.; Diab, N.; Borchert, S. et al.; Hong, S.-Y.; Huang, T. C.; Chen, W.; Mato, U. G.; Hornef, M. W.; Hübner, C. A.; Hensel, M.; Dikic, I.: Intracellular lipopolysaccharide binds RETREG1/FAM134B to regulate ER remodeling upon bacterial infection. Autophagy (2026)
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4.
Lapenta, F.; Palacio Rodríguez, K.; Cruz-León, S.; Marrancone, S.; Aupič, J.; Marechal, N.; Durand, A.; Moussaoui, D.; Covaceuszach, S.; Gangupam, B. et al.; D'Ercole, C.; Parra, C.; Cotugno, D.; Tomaino, G.; Tortora, P.; de Marco, A.; Cassetta, A.; Magistrato, A.; Hummer, G.: Structural flexibility of the human vault particle revealed by high-resolution cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations. Nature Communications (2026)
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