M1 specifically promotes cross-institutional collaboration. A prerequisite for funding is the involvement of researchers from at least two of the three M1 partner clusters: Helmholtz Munich, TUM Medizin, and LMU Medizin. Through this approach, the alliance strengthens connections across Munich’s biomedical research ecosystem and fosters exchange between basic research, translational science, and clinical practice.
Four Funded Projects with Helmholtz Munich Participation
- Among the selected projects are four initiatives with significant involvement from Helmholtz Munich:
- Neuronal Repair in Cerebrovascular Disease (Principal Investigator: Prof. Magdalena Götz)
- M1 Cachexia Center (M1CC) (Principal Investigator: Prof. Stephan Herzig)
- VISTA – Vision Restoration via Synthetic Enhancers and Targeted AAVs (Principal Investigator: Dr. Boyan Bonev)
- MIRAGE – Multimodal Imaging Resource Platform for Accelerated Gene Therapy Evaluation (Co-Principal Investigator: Prof. Ali Ertürk, Dr. Christoph Gruber)
The projects address diseases of major medical and societal importance, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and vision loss. At the same time, they reflect the breadth of Munich’s biomedical research landscape, spanning innovative therapeutic strategies, advanced imaging technologies, and novel diagnostic approaches.
„As a research center, our task is to further strengthen the bridge between the laboratory and the clinic. Only then can personalized medicine realize its full potential and lead to tangible improvements for patients. The M1 Munich Medicine Alliance is an outstanding example of the successful collaboration between leading institutions in Munich. I am therefore particularly pleased that the funded projects have been announced and that the implementation of concrete innovations is now being advanced,” says Prof. Martin Hrabě de Angelis, member and spokesperson of the executive board (acting) at Helmholtz Munich, member of the board of the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), and founding member of the M1 Munich Medicine Alliance.
Driving Translation
The “Innovations for Patients” funding line combines two complementary funding formats: Flagship Projects, which support highly ambitious research initiatives with strong innovation potential, and Translational Groups, which advance patient-oriented research towards clinical application. In this way, the program supports both established investigators and researchers at early and mid-career stages.
In addition, the alliance is investing in new research infrastructures, including a Munich Clinical Studies Center and a Munich Medical Data Center. These initiatives aim to further strengthen the integration of research and clinical practice and enhance Munich’s position as a leading biomedical research hub. With the first funding period, the alliance is also laying the foundation for a long-term translational research structure that will further strengthen Munich’s position as an internationally recognized medical hub.
Further Information
- M1 Munich Medicine Alliance: https://m1.bayern/
- Photo gallery: https://www.stmwk.bayern.de/ministerium/bilder.html
