Research

Key Focus: the Interaction of Genes, Environmental Factors and Lifestyle

The etiology and course of these diseases are influenced by the interaction of personal risk factors, lifestyle and environmental conditions. As the leading European research center specializing in Environmental Health, a discipline linking biomedical and environmental research, the scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum are investigating the fundamental processes of pathogenesis and the mechanisms of the organism’s defense and compensation capability.

Such studies can be carried out successfully on the basis of the Center’s broad competence and expertise, especially in the areas of genome research, cell biology, bioinformatics, biomathematics, chemistry, physics and medicine.

Translational Approach – Close Networking with Hospitals

Based on the excellent basic research conducted at Helmholtz Zentrum München, the Center is focusing on developing approaches for the prognosis and therapy of chronic diseases influenced by environmental factors. In close collaboration with hospitals, scientists are elucidating the molecular mechanisms of disease etiology and are developing new, individualized approaches for prevention, diagnostics and causal therapy. Synergy between research and applications plays a key role in the Center’s research strategy, which it pursues with a holistic, interdisciplinary research approach.

Translational research is an integral part of the research organization of Helmholtz Zentrum München. It enables the further development of knowledge to advance medical progress and to exploit the potential of theoretical insights for medical applications. The aim of the close collaboration with Munich’s university hospitals is to provide patients with new and improved therapies and diagnostic methods. (translational approach).

With our research, we are helping to create a medicine of the future. To achieve this goal, the researchers rely on internationally used experimental platforms and clinical cooperationgroups as well as centers for translational medicine such as the Comprehensive Pneumology Center. Numerous cooperative projects exist with Munich’s elite universities and with other leading national and international institutions.

As national competence center Helmholtz Zentrum München will also be responsible for important tasks in the area of radiation research and radiation protection.

Scientific exchange and value creation

Helmholtz Zentrum München encourages scientific exchange and value creation. We promote the commercial use of new technologies and the application of results, for example through spin-off companies.

Special emphasis is placed on promoting the young generation of scientists and on staff development. We have received several awards for our activities to promote equal opportunity.