Bioengineering Center

Biological and Medical Imaging

The Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) of Helmholtz Munich, Germany, is a multi-disciplinary academic research structure strongly integrated with the Chair of Biological Imaging at the Technical University of Munich. 

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We invent innovative imaging and sensing technologies at Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI). We drive their clinical translation by developing bioengineering solutions for the life sciences and medicine to benefit patients and society.

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About our Research

Research Groups

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Imaging to Sensing

The I2S group aims to advance and adapt established optoacoustic (OA) imaging analysis techniques to streamline the translation of new sensing technologies into clinical settings for improving individualized healthcare.

Ntziachristos/Curren Lab
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Cell Engineering

The research group for Molecular Engineering focuses on enabling this rich variety of tools for opto-acoustic (OA) imaging. OA is an emerging methodology bridging light excitation and ultrasound detection towards deep tissue imaging.

Stiel Lab
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AI in Optoacoustics

At the group for "AI in Optoacoustics" of IBMI, we design innovative algorithms for biomedical imaging modalities based on sophisticated mathematical models.

Jüstel Lab
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IBMI Biology Central Support

The group „IBMI Biology Central Support“ is centered around provision and development of cell lines and animal models for optoacoustic imaging.

Bengel Lab
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Fluorescence Imaging

The Laboratory develops advanced fluorescence imaging methods for pre-clinical and clinical imaging, leading in 2011 to the first clinical translation of a targeted fluorescent agent for optical molecular imaging of patients.

Gorpas Lab

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Mechanobiology

Our group’s primary research interest is to understand the mechanobiology of the airway epithelium.

Nawroth Lab
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Optoacoustic Mesoscopy

Our group conceives, designs and develops multispectral optoacoustic technology that allows performing non-invasive anatomical, functional and molecular optical imaging of the skin in the clinics.

He Lab

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Medical Sensors

Our research innovates hybrid methods combining thermoacoustic, optoacoustic and fluorescence imaging.

Köhler Lab
Translational Optoacoustics

Translational Optoacoustics

Our group focuses on developing technology and applications on the combination of optical and optoacoustic microscopy in order to deliver contrast and imaging abilities not available in optical microscopes today.

Pleitez Lab

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Nanomedicine and Biomarkers

The Nanomedicine and Biomarkers Group studies preclinical models of disease with label-free MSOT imaging to develop working pipelines for in vivo detection and quantification of biomarkers, such as lipid content, blood perfusion, and tissue oxygenation.

Gujrati Lab
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Biochemical and Environmental Sensors

We are developing methods and devices to measure health-related parameters non-invasively. Just imagine getting your blood work done without any needles, but by using light and by sensing the resulting ultrasound waves on your skin surface. Chemical contrast is achieved label-free by the wavelength-specific absorption of relevant molecules.

Stahl Lab
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Mathematical Imaging and Data Analysis

The research group focuses on advancing mathematical methods on Harmonic Analysis and its application to Inverse Problems related to image reconstruction, and Data Analysis.

Filbir Lab

Our projects and clinical studies

Logo Optimics Project

OPTOMICS

Combining optoacoustic imaging phenotypes and multi-omics to advance diabetes healthcare

ESOHISTO Logo

ESOHISTO

Hybrid endoscope for ESOphageal in vivo HISTOlogy and histochemistry

GLUMON Project

GLUMON

Next generation in-blood glucose monitoring using non-invasive optoacoustic sensing

msGUIDE Project

msGUIDE

Insight into drug distribution and local concentration using multispectral imaging of fluorescent drugs in inflammatory bowel diseases

SWOPT Project

SWOPT

Breaking the penetration limit of microscopy – Photoswitching Optoacoustics

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iMAGO

Non-invasive imaging technologies for the personalized treatment of people with obesity

Project MOSAIC

MOSAIC

Multivariate optoacoustic sensor for longitudinal diabetes monitoring

Past Projects

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RSENSE

Revolutionizing disease and environmental detection with portable optoacoustic sensing

Logo Winther Project

WINTHER

Using the skin as a window for therapeutic monitoring of local and systemic disease

Logo Innoderm

INNODERM

Innovative dermatology healthcare based on label-free spectral optoacoustic mesoscopy

Past Project: Escend

ESCEND

Detection of early esophageal cancer by near-infrared fluorescence molecular endoscopy (Phase II study)

ESOTRAC Project

ESOTRAC

Hybrid optical and optoacoustic endoscope for esophageal tracking

News

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A dynamic web of entities and people working together to foster and advance new ideas, technologies, and solutions.

Transfer, Bioengineering, IBMI, Pioneer Campus,

From Lab Bench to Startup: New Doctorate Program Offers Scientists a Venture-Building Path

Helmholtz Munich is partnering with Deep Science Ventures (DSV) and SPRIND, Germany’s Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, to support the Venture Science Doctorate (VSD) – a novel doctoral program designed to train scientists to build…

Esophageal Cancer

New Research Findings, Bioengineering, IBMI,

New Endoscopy Technology Enables Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and the Medical University of Vienna have developed an advanced imaging technique called "O2E" that allows clinics to detect cancerous lesions in the esophagus with…

A vibrant abstract composition shows interconnected blue dots and lines in a dark environment

Awards & Grants, Computational Health, ICB, Bioengineering, IBMI, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics, MCD,

Three ERC Proof of Concept Grants for Helmholtz Munich

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have secured three prestigious Proof of Concept Grants from the European Research Council (ERC). This funding will enable them to advance innovative projects across diverse areas of biomedical research. With a total of…

Multiple Myeloma

New Research Findings, Bioengineering, IBMI,

New Label-Free Imaging Tracks Cancer Treatment in Single Cells

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich have developed a novel method to track cancer treatment responses in individual cells – without the need for dyes or labels. Their mid-infrared optoacoustic microscopy (MiROM)…

HMGU_Icon_Bioengineering

Featured Publication, Bioengineering, IBMI,

Harnessing Nonlinearity in Optoacoustic Imaging for Enhanced Tissue Visualization

Helmholtz Munich researchers have introduced a new imaging method that exploits light, sound, and temperature-induced material changes. This approach uncovers a novel contrast mechanism in optoacoustic imaging, driven by tiny temperature-based shifts…

Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos erhält Mitgliedschaftsurkunde der Leopoldina

Awards & Grants, Bioengineering, IBMI,

Vasilis Ntziachristos is a New Member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

Since March 2024, Vasilis Ntziachristos has been a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. This esteemed recognition stands as one of the highest honors for scientists and is awarded through a thorough multi-stage selection…

IBMI Directorate and Management Team

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Prof. Dr. Vasilis Ntziachristos

Director of the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Director of the Bioengineering Center

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Dr. Andreas Hillmair

Deputy Director - Operations

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Dr. Ivy Curren
Dr. Ivy Savannah Curren

Deputy Director - Research

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Dr. Corinna Lieleg

Executive Scientific Coordinator

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Dr. Heiko Ott
Dr. Heiko Ott

MedTech Director

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Doris BengelP1088688_DxO_bearbeitet
Dr. Doris Bengel

Lab-Manager

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Noora Al-Naimi, Ing.

IT Administrator

Ines Baumgartner

Assistant

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Karla Buortmes

Assistant

Somik Chakravarty P1100591_DxO_bearbeitet
Dr. Somik Chakravarty

Scientific Fundraising Manager

Dr. Ute Chambers

Scientific Fundraising Manager

Mary Gazea
Dr. Mary Gazea

Project Manager

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Dr. Serene Lee

Scientific Writer

Stephanie Montag
Stephanie Montag

Assistant

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Dr. Juliana Valle

Project Manager

Our Staff at IBMI

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Porträt Vasilis Ntziachristos, tuerkis Version 2
Prof. Dr. Vasilis Ntziachristos

Director of the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Director of the Bioengineering Center

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Andreas Hillmair_Portrait_20230228_bearbeitet
Dr. Andreas Hillmair

Deputy Director - Operations

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Dr. Ivy Curren
Dr. Ivy Savannah Curren

Deputy Director - Research

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Dr. Heiko Ott
Dr. Heiko Ott

MedTech Director

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Dr. Frank-Dieter Filbir

Group Leader Mathematical Imaging and Data Analysis

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Dr. Dimitris Gorpas

Group Leader Fluorescence Imaging

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Dr. Vipul Gujrati

Group Leader Nanomedicine & Biomarkers

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Dr. Hailong He

Group Leader Optoacoustic Mesoscopy

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Dominik Jüstel
Dr. Dominik Jüstel

Group Leader AI in Optoacoustics

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Dr. Philipp Köhler

Group Leader Medical Sensors

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Porträt Janna Nawroth
Dr. Janna Nawroth

Principal Investigator

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Prof. Dr. Miguel Angel Rafael Pleitez

Affiliated Professor, Group Leader Translational Optoacoustics

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Dr. Uli Stahl_
Dr. Uli Stahl

Group Leader Biochemical and Environmental Sensors

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Prof. Dr. André C. Stiel
Prof. Dr. André C. Stiel

Group Leader Cell Engineering

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IBMI Responsibles and Safety Officers

Institute Director Vasilis Ntziachristos (089) 3187-3852 Email
Responsible for Animal Experiment Doris Bengel (089) 3187-4138 Email
Deputy André C. Stiel   Email
Animal Husbandry Doris Bengel (089) 3187-4138 Email
Chemicals Uwe Klemm (089) 3187-4703 Email
Equal Opportunities Officer Andreas Hillmair (089) 3187-2846 Email
Occupational Safety Doris Bengel (089) 3187-4138 Email
  Uwe Klemm (089) 3187-4703 Email
Lab & Genetic Safety Doris Bengel (089) 3187-4138 Email
Biological Safety Representative Peijian Zou   Email
Laser Safety Johannes Kunz   Email
Animal Welfare Doris Bengel (089) 3187-4138 Email
First Aid Andreas Hillmair (089) 3187-2846 Email
  Sarah Glasl (089) 3187-4703 Email
  Pia Anzenhofer (089) 3187-1595 Email
  Hans-Ulrich Stahl (089) 318749340 Email

IBMI Alumni

Eleni Andreadaki

Working Student

Laura Baillie

Working Student

Dr. Paul Catala

Postdoc

Christoph Dehner

Alumni (Ph.D. Student) - Image Reconstruction and Processing

Dr. Chiara Fischer

Visiting Scientist

Anna Gawehn

Student Assistant

Dr. Alexa Hasenbach

Postdoc

Hauer Isabella

Student Assistant

Sebastian Herr

Ph.D. Student

Claudia Hofmann

HiWi

Aleksandra Kolbasnikova

Student Assistant

Elena-Kriukowa
Elena Kriukova

Ph.D. Student

Porträt Delin Li
Delin Li

Ph.D. Student

Dr. Antonia Longo

Ph.D. Student)

Linnea Luoma-Aho

Student Assistant

Susanne Stern

Assistant

Dr. Barbara Stiller
Mariia Stankevych

Ph.D. Student

Dr. Nike Tsalas

Project Manager

Tao Yuan

Ph.D. Student

Alexandra Dillinger

Student Assistant

Dr. Julia Thomas

Project Manager

Shilpa Tayal
Dr. Shilpa Tayal

Postdoc

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Bernadette Scherer

Scientist