Overview of the Institute

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology.

Immunobiology is concerned with the ways multicellular organisms defend themselves against pathogens. We study the evolutionary origins and the development of lymphoid organs and immune effector cells, the function of antigen receptors, and the genetic basis of host-pathogen interactions. This information underpins efforts to better diagnose and treat immunodeficiency and inflammatory diseases.

Epigenetics is the study of inheritable traits that are not caused by changes in the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for the organization and utilization of our genetic information. Since the susceptibility to diseases can be promoted by epigenetic dysfunction, epigenetic research has far-reaching implications for diagnosis and therapy of human disease.

The MPI-IE with its more than 300 employees currently hosts 11 research groups, which are supported by state-of-the-art scientific facilities. For the training of young scientists, we offer an international PhD program, the »International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics, and Metabolism (IMPRS-IEM)«.

Foundation of the institute in 1961 male-femal ratio at the MPI-IE Over 700 Publications since 2010 Female-Male-Gender-Ration at the MPI-IE 12 ERC Grants The institute hosts members from more than 40 countries

employee data as of spring 2021

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