DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance

Strengthening Research Together

The strategic alliance between the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH) and the research programme "Cell Biology and Tumor Biology" of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) represents a new kind of institutionalised collaboration between a university and an external research partner. Research within the alliance focuses on understanding molecular processes and basic cell functions like cell growth and cell differentiation, and processes that contribute to the preservation or to the degeneration and devolution of biosystems.

Supported by Excellence funding, the alliance currently consists of more than 400 researchers from the ZMBH and DKFZ who work in a unique interdisciplinary research environment at the intersection between molecular, cell and tumour biology. Joint research and support programmes, executive committees and appointments, and the joint use of the scientific infrastructure allow the alliance members to better use scientific, human and financial resources and take optimum advantage of platform technologies.

The alliance allows Heidelberg University and the DKFZ to increase their attractiveness to outstanding scientists and excellent junior researchers, and to further strengthen Heidelberg's internationally leading position in the molecular life sciences. The alliance is an essential component of the "Heidelberg Molecular Life Science” (HMLS) initiative.