About us

Fundamental research for healthy ageing

We are one of the world's leading ageing research institutes. Our mission is to understand the natural ageing process and how we can intervene to mitigate or even prevent age-related diseases.

Since our “birthday” on 28 June 2007, our scientists have been dedicated to unravelling the mystery of ageing: Why do organisms age at all? How can we influence our ageing and longevity? And how can we ensure that our bodies stay fit and healthy as we age? They use model organisms such as nematodes, fruit flies and mice, as well as samples from patients in the clinic and conduct studies on long-lived families. Experimental work at the institute takes place in an interdisciplinary environment and is supported by several Core Facilities.

The picture shows a scientist pipetting.
Our overall mission is to make fundamental scientific discoveries about the ageing process. We aim to elucidate the molecular, physiological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying ageing. The long-term research goal is to pave the way for healthier human ageing. more

Bridging the gap between basic and clinical research

Our aim is to link our basic research findings to the causes and processes of age-related diseases that affect a growing proportion of people in our ageing society. Researchers with clinical backgrounds at our institute, as well as collaborations with local university hospitals, enable us to bridge basic and clinical research, establish and share joint facilities, and promote translation for the benefit of our society.

Collaborative research activities

We are an integral part of a local network focused on ageing research, consisting of the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, the CECAD Cluster of Excellence at the University of Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior and DZNE (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases). Our institute is centrally located on the campus of the University of Cologne and the University Hospital Cologne.

Unique building

The building was designed by the award-winning architects Hammes-Krause from Stuttgart, and our researchers moved in in 2014. The unique triangular shape of the inner atrium and the transparent character of the building connect the different laboratories and foster a shared and collaborative spirit. The large, open foyer allows for an open dialogue and exchange of ideas between the scientific community and the public.

The Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society is the largest non-university research organization in Germany, with currently eighty-six institutes conducting basic research in the natural, human, and social sciences. As an independent, non-profit association of research institutes, it is largely publicly funded by the federal and state governments, with additional funds coming from memberships, donations, project grants, and its own revenues.

Knowledge is everything. And basic research is the most important process for understanding our world and expanding our horizons. Of all the organisations that conduct basic research, the Max Planck Society is the best address for top researchers, because it has the optimal conditions. How do we do it? Here we explain it to you -- in 75 seconds. 

The Max Planck Society in 75 seconds

Knowledge is everything. And basic research is the most important process for understanding our world and expanding our horizons. Of all the organisations that conduct basic research, the Max Planck Society is the best address for top researchers, because it has the optimal conditions. How do we do it? Here we explain it to you -- in 75 seconds. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adsa4eEOzN0
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