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Explore our latest highlights.

Explore our latest highlights.

Predicting cell fate trajectories

AI, New Research Findings, Computational Health, ICB, May 11, 2026

AI Model Makes Developmental Paths of Biological Cells Traceable

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, and the University of Oxford, have developed an AI-based model that not only traces the developmental paths of individual cells,…

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Until now, studying the genetic processes in cells required destroying them - making it impossible to observe these processes over extended periods of time. A team from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed a new…

Screenshot pancreas für research area "type 1 diabetes pathology" (Teresa Rodgriguez-Calvo)

Dr. Teresa Rodriguez-Calvo from Helmholtz Munich has been awarded two prestigious grants from Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. The funding will support two innovative projects at the…

Institut für Diabetesforschung Studienzentrum

As part of the Fr1da study, “Early detection and early treatment of type 1 diabetes”, led by researchers at the Institute of Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Munich, families can have their children aged two to ten tested for an early stage of type 1…

“Your Start to an Active Everyday Life” on diabinfo.de – Start Moving Today

Regular exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle and is particularly important for preventing type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Nevertheless, many people find it difficult to incorporate sufficient exercise into their…

glucagon like peptide 1 glp1 7 36 molecule the glucagon like peptide 1 receptor has a strong effect on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

A team led by metabolism researcher Prof Timo D. Müller at Helmholtz Munich has developed a new approach for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes: a hybrid molecule uses the well-known GLP-1/GIP signalling pathway as a “door opener” and delivers an…

Porträt Marcus Conrad_KI_Erweiterung für Typo3

Prof. Marcus Conrad, Director of the Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death at Helmholtz Munich, has been honored with the 54th Fondation ARC Léopold Griffuel Award for Translational and Clinical Research. The award recognizes his pioneering…

Portrait Anette Gabriele Ziegler, Querformat;

Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler from Helmholtz Munich has been named the recipient of the 58th Claude Bernard Prize, the highest honor awarded by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). The prize recognizes her outstanding leadership…

Electron micrograph of apoptotic cells showing the formation of membranebound apoptotic bodies a hallmark of programmed cell death

A new review in Cell by Helmholtz Munich researchers and international collaborators reframes regulated cell death as a roadmap for the next generation of precision oncology. Publication coincides with the 25th anniversary of the seminal Hallmarks of…

Mitarbeiterin-/PI-Foto Antje Körner

Physician and researcher Prof. Antje Körner has been elected as a new member of the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Leipzig. On April 10, 2026, she was officially admitted to the Academy’s Mathematical and Natural Sciences Class during…

Translation - Science to Hospital

The project “2036 – Healthy with AI?” explores how artificial intelligence will shape healthcare in the future – from prevention and diagnosis to therapy. The goal is to make the potential, limitations, and societal impacts of AI applications in…

Porträt Marcus Conrad
Hochformat
Background: HDC Indoor

Prof. Marcus Conrad, Director of the Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death at Helmholtz Munich was awarded the German Cancer Award 2026 in the category “Experimental Research”, together with Prof. José Pedro Friedmann Angeli of the University of…

Doctor drawing man's blood sample in clinic, closeup AdobeStock_1937412501

A population-based cohort study provides new data on the prevalence of early-stage type 1 diabetes in young adults, addressing a gap in epidemiological research. Using samples from the LISA and GINIplus cohorts and methodologies established in the…

Nanotechnology in Cholesterol Research AdobeStock_822311587

A team at Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed a new microscopy technique that can distinguish lipid species in living cells – in particular cholesterol and sphingomyelin – and map them without the need for…

Helmholtz Munich Expert Hour at German Bundestag

How can scientific breakthroughs reach the people more quickly? This question was the focus of the Helmholtz Munich Expert Hour on March 25 in the German Bundestag. Under the title “From Research to Patients – Translation and AI in Medicine”,…

12.07.2023, Neuherberg: Helmholtz Pioneer Campus Opening. Foto: Matthias Balk/Helmholtz Zentrum München

At its most recent plenary session, the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) elected 13 distinguished scholars as new members. Among them are three researchers from Helmholtz Munich: Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla, Prof. Fabian Theis,…

All Transfer Public Engagement Awards & Grants Diabetes Stem Cells Environmental Health Computational Health Bioengineering Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Pioneer Campus

Translation: Where Medical Research Reaches People

How can we bring new scientific insights to patients more quickly? At Helmholtz Munich, we work hand in hand with leading…

Nurse and patient in hospital bed with medical monitors

How Foundation Models Are Shaping Biomedical Research

AI-powered foundation models like GPT have evolved from everyday tools for simple tasks to powerful systems capable of…

An AI powered system automating remote patient monitoring by analyzing real time health data and vital signs, futuristic AI-driven healthcare platform_AdobeStock_1366228679

Science Through an Artistic Lens

In a world where scientific innovation is increasingly interconnected, the RepliFate-Artist in Residence program seeks to…

Cellular Reprogramming Necklace by Anna Dumitriu photo credit Audrey Rose Mizzi large_QUER

Tracing the First Building Blocks of Life

What connects Helmholtz Munich with space research? The globally unique analytical methods developed by Prof. Philippe…

Bennu polycam mosaic obtained before spacecraft arrival

Ali Ertürk’s Journey in Transformative Biomedical Imaging

Imagine a world where the most intricate networks and processes within whole bodies are visible – down to the level of…

Ali Ertürk with transparent mouse

Ferroptosis: Controlling Life or Death of Cells

Cell death is indispensable to life, as it ensures the removal of damaged or unnecessary cells. Among the many ways a cell can…

Apoptosis process in a cell

Germany’s Largest Biorepository

The largest repository of human biosamples in Germany is located at the Helmholtz Munich campus. It features cutting-edge…

Nako Eröffnung 2018; weltweit größten Stickstofftanks für Gesundheitsproben

Staple Foods With Reasons for Concern

How researchers from Helmholtz Munich are making wheat, oats, barley, and co. fit for the future.

Wheat field

The Light that Listens to Health and Disease

The research of Prof. Dr. Vasilis Ntziachristos and his team leads to novel, groundbreaking medical imaging tools. Their…

Artificial intelligence creation concept. In a certain space, neon lines create a human shape, a connection between man and machine.

Science is better when everyone is included. Yet, only about a third of researchers worldwide are women. It’s time to change that. On this page, Helmholtz Munich celebrates inspiring careers and female leaderhip.

Woman posing under neon lights with blue and purple background

An apple a day..." is not enough. Prevention starts with research.

Kampagnen Banner Prävention SoMe

Discover how new technologies like AI, and Bioengineering are accelerating the future of personalized medicine.

Thanks to excellent basic research, groundbreaking innovations against obesity as well as in the field of diabetes prevention and therapy are emerging at Helmholtz Munich.

Screenshot Diabetes Campaign Video

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the exceptional potential to improve human health: Advanced data analysis and machine learning methods developed by our experts are revolutionizing medical research.

AI Key Visual

K1DS ARE HEROES

is a heroic campaign to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and inform parents abour early detection options. Find out how you can be a part of the campaign at hero-k1ds.de

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Take a look at our past and upcoming events.

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Helmholtz Pioneer Campus Opening

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and lowering blood lipids is a central strategy to reduce risk. Bempedoic acid, a recently approved cholesterol-lowering drug, has now been shown by researchers at Helmholtz Munich to…

A team of researchers from the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), an institute of Helmholtz Munich at the Leipzig University, in collaboration with the University Hospital of Leipzig Medical Center and the…

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and international partner institutions have generated one of the most detailed cellular maps of carotid artery plaques to date. Their work shows how different cell types and…

A research team at Helmholtz Munich has uncovered a previously unknown “cool-down” signal within body fat. Led by PD Dr. John Heiker and Inka Rapöhn from the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) at Helmholtz…

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have found that the body begins signaling the risk of type 2 diabetes many years before the disease is diagnosed. In a long-term study, the team examined hundreds of blood metabolites – small molecules that reflect…

A new study reveals how two key molecular players – the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) and TRAF6 – work together to fine-tune immune signaling in T cells. Published in Nature Communications, the research from the group of Prof.…

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich, together with Harvard Medical School and international collaborators, have developed TITAN, an artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of analyzing and describing digital pathology slides. By combining information…

When nanoparticles enter the lungs, the immune system reacts within minutes. Researchers from the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) at Helmholtz Munich have now revealed how alveolar macrophages – immune cells located in the lung’s air sacs…

Two new studies published in Nature show that metastatic melanoma and lung adenocarcinoma rely on the protein ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) for survival – identifying a metabolic dependency that may inform the development of new cancer…

In the fight against disease, programmed cell death – also known as apoptosis – is a key protective function of the body. It breaks down cells that are damaged or have undergone dangerous changes. However, cancer cells often manage to override this…

Pancreas development in pigs resembles humans much more closely than does the established mouse model. An international team headed by Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) has now produced a comprehensive evolutionary…

A research team at the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), an institute from Helmholtz Munich at the University of Leipzig and the University of Leipzig Medical Center, has identified that microRNAs derived from…

A recent study led by Prof. Eleftheria Zeggini, Director of the Institute of Translational Genomics at Helmholtz Munich, provides new insights into how genetic risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) can influence a wide range of health conditions beyond…

When immune system killer cells detect signs of infection, some of them rapidly multiply, forming a large defensive force to fight the pathogen. However, this response does not occur in every killer cell. What determines whether a cell will…

A new study, led by Helmholtz Munich and the Earlham Institute as part of a global collaboration, has generated the first wheat pan-transcriptome – a comprehensive map of gene activity across multiple wheat varieties.

Until now, weight reduction has been the primary therapeutic goal for people with prediabetes. An analysis shows that patients who bring their blood sugar levels back within the normal range through a healthy lifestyle but do not lose weight, or even…

The harmless skin bacterium Staphylococcus hominis may play a key role in protecting the skin barrier in neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis). Researchers from University Medicine Augsburg and Helmholtz Munich, together with colleagues from Freiburg,…

Researchers have identified insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) as a key regulator of adipose tissue expansion during early postnatal development. This study, led by Dr. Siegfried Ussar from Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Diabetes…

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich, Roche Diagnostics, and the Technical University of Munich have developed the most comprehensive single-cell atlas to date of human atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques, which form in the arteries and can lead to…

In recent biomedical research, attention is increasingly turning to the amount of drug that actually reaches lung tissue, known as the “lung-deposited dose”. A new comment in Nature Reviews Bioengineering highlights the importance of this measure for…

A research team at Helmholtz Munich and Helmholtz AI, led by Prof. Lara Urban, has demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to distinguish between living and dead microorganisms by analysing raw data signal from nanopore DNA…

A joint study by Helmholtz Munich, the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), and Goethe University Frankfurt reveals how a novel drug may help prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D) by restoring immune balance. The findings were published in Molecular…

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have uncovered a signaling mechanism in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana that allows roots to warn and prime the shoots for potential microbial threats. Central to this root-to-shoot communication is a small…

The skeletal muscles of men and women process glucose and fats in different ways. A study conducted by the Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases at Helmholtz Munich, the University Hospital of Tübingen and the German Center for…

Researchers led by Dr. Joel Schick at Helmholtz Munich, in collaboration with Dr. Cathryn Haigh from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have identified a key mechanism driving brain cell death in prion diseases – a group of rare but fatal…

A new study conducted by researchers at Helmholtz Munich and collaborators reveals a significant association between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and impaired odor identification, a possible early indicator of neurodegenerative…

A new study highlights the role of circadian rhythm, cortisol regulation, and dopamine signaling in the development of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. By using detailed genetic analyses at the exon level, researchers uncovered common…

An international study led by Helmholtz Munich and Forschungszentrum Jülich has identified genetic factors that influence the shape of subcortical brain regions – advancing beyond previous research that focused primarily on brain volume. The findings…

A new international study led by Helmholtz Munich and the University of Rostock reveals that emissions from modern gasoline cars – despite meeting the currently strictest European emission standards EURO 6d – can become significantly more harmful…

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, HistoGPT, is set to transform the field of dermatopathology by automating the process of generating high-quality pathology reports from histology images. Developed by a multidisciplinary team led by Helmholtz…

Prof. Carolin Daniel, Forschungseinheit Type 1 Diabetes Immunology

As the Director of the newly established Institute for Metabolism and Immunology, Prof. Carolin Daniel strives to cultivate an environment that promotes curiosity-driven research while ensuring a clear focus on translational impact and long-term…

Porträt von Steffen Schneider

How to Harness Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Dr. Steffen Schneider explains the opportunities that AI technologies like machine learning offer – especially when this know-how is taught as early as school. For example, AI can help…

Develop a protocol for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells in the in vitro laboratory

Stem cells are transforming the way we think about treating disease, repairing damaged tissues, and even regenerating entire organs. As a cornerstone of regenerative medicine, they offer hope for conditions previously thought untreatable. In their…

Scientific vector illustration quantum computer technology. Plexus fiction effect. Deep learning artificial intelligence. Big data algorithms visualization. Quantum explosion background

The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) into scientific workflows is growing. Diverse groups of scientists reflect and engaged in debate on the question „How should the advent of large language models affect the practice of science?”

Machine learning algorithms with an illustration of data AI models predicting future trends

The project FUTURE-AI aims to bridge the gap between AI research and clinical adoption in healthcare. It provides guidelines for developing trustworthy AI tools, built on six guiding principles and 30 best practices.

Professors Stephan Herzig and Alexander Bartelt take a closer look at chronic intermittent fasting: What role does age play, and how do targeted fasting periods impact the long-term maturation and function of β-cells?

Dr. Alexandra Schneider

Interview with Dr. Alexandra Schneider about the effects of extreme weather conditions on cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. med. habil. Katharina Lechner, Medical Lead of the KORA Digital-Fit Intervention Study, Helmholtz Munich

Katharina Lechner's goal is to help people age healthily. That's why she focuses on personalized prevention strategies. Find here how she plans to implement these and make them accessible to everyone.

Microscopic image of a brain organoid, cross section.

In a novel international study, researchers have created the Human Neural Organoid Cell Atlas (HNOCA). This atlas integrates 1.7 million single-cell transcriptomic profiles, offering a powerful tool for studying brain development, disease mechanisms,…

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Prof. Zeynep Akata is selected as one of the leading "Top 40 Under 40". Read her compelling interview!

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Prof. Stefan Bauer advocates for the democratization and transparency of machine learning research. Read more in this Interview with the AI-expert and Senior PI.

Prof. Matthias Tschöp

Interview with Prof. Matthias Tschöp about health research and prevention with cutting-edge tools.

Five prestigious Starting Grants from the European Research Council have been granted to researchers with Helmholtz Munich as the host institution. The funding will enable scientists at Helmholtz Munich to advance innovative projects across various…

In this interview, Dr. Vincent Fortuin explains their new approach for reliable AI.

High-Salt Diet

Knowledge bites about the impact of high-salt diet on allergic asthma and the driving force of these new insights on personalized medicin. Learn about the latest findings in an interview with Prof. Francesca Alessandrini.

The research results…

Michael Sattler / 2014

Prof. Michael Sattler on exploring the impact of understanding molecular disease mechanisms and advancing personalized therapies.

Prof. Dr. Annette Peters

Interview with Prof. Annette Peters about how to protect yourself better against heat.

Prof. Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann

Interview with Prof. Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann about healthcare and resilience to heat and other effects of climate change.

Eric Schulz

An Interview with Dr. Eric Schulz about Foundation Models and Machine Psychology.

Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler

Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler about her contribution to novel therapies for type 1 diabetes.

Prof. Önder Yildirim

Interview with Prof. Önder Yildirim about nutrition and COPD.

Prof. Markus Diefenbacher

An interview with Prof. Markus Diefenbacher, new Principal Investigator (PI) at the Helmholtz Munich Institute for Lung Health and Immunity

Portrait Prof. Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann

Prof. Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann explains how climate change affects our health. The environmental medicine specialist focuses on the prevention of allergic diseases such as hay fever and neurodermatitis.

Theis_Eskofier

An interview with Prof. Fabian Theis, Head of the Computational Health Center, and Prof. Bjoern Eskofier, Group Leader for Translational Digital Health. The researchers hosted the first Munich Health Foundation Model Symposium on April 10, 2024, at…

Prof. Stephan Herzig

Prof. Stephan Herzig explains why intermittent fasting with conscious breaks of eating helps to bring the metabolism into harmony with the body's internal rhythm and thus improve health and prevent diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,…

Götz Header

Prof. Magdalena Götz about the fascinating research on reprogramming glia cells and cell replacement therapy in the field of brain injuries

Eleftheria Zeggini Portrait

Prof. Eleftheria Zeggini about equity, diversity and inclusion in science

Porträt Maja Funk_Banner

How do ageing and environmental stress promote chronic inflammatory diseases? Maja Funk, new PI at the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) at Helmholtz Munich is getting to the bottom of this question. Together with her team, she investigates…

Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla im Interview

Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla about empowering a team and her enthusiasm for epigenetics.

Siegfried Ussar

Dr. Siegfrid Ussar, Head of the new research unit “Adipocytes & Metabolism” at Helmholtz Munich, is researching ways to decouple obesity and its metabolic complications. This is particularly important given the significant health problems caused by…

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