Helmholtz Virtual Institute (HVI) “Multifunctional Biomaterials for Medicine”

Partners

Core Institutions


  • Freie Universität Berlin (FUB) Freie Universität Berlin is one of nine German universities that were selected in 2007 in the first round of Germany's Federal and State Excellence Initiative. The FU Berlin was chosen for its conceptual development of a future "International Network University." In 2007 Freie Universität set up a Focus Area called "NanoScale – Functional Materials at the Nanoscale" as a research platform for scientists from the fields of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, pharmacy, medicine, and veterinary medicine for collaborative work on such themes as supramolecular interactions, biomembranes, hybrid materials, and nanomedicine. The close cooperation of scientists at FU Berlin's research campus in Dahlem, clinical researchers at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin's Benjamin Franklin Campus, local nonuniversity research institutes like the Helmholtz Association, as well as other regional institutions is further strengthening the already lively research activity in Southwestern Berlin.
  • Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) The Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) operates two large research infrastructures, the neutron source BER II and the synchrotron light source BESSY II. Both facilities serve an international user community from many scientific disciplines, hosting more than 3,000 external users per year. HZB has strong expertise in accelerator research and development of synchrotron radiation methods in the VUV and soft X-ray regime as well as in science-driven design of instruments and precision optics. The research on structure, dynamics, and function of matter, and on energy conversion & storage combine with in-house expertise and methodical engineering to build and operate state-of-the-art, and in some cases, the world’s leading instruments. Energy research at HZB focuses on renewable energies, specifically on photovoltaics and solar fuels, and on fundamental research in electrochemical energy storage and energy efficiency. HZB has established the PVcomB centre to support the transfer of knowledge and technology. User service for energy research at BESSY II and a strong position in materials research will be strengthened further with the establishment of the “Energy Materials In-Situ Laboratory” (EMIL). HZB is located Campus Lise-Meitner in Berlin-Wannsee and at Campus Wilhelm-Conrad-Röntgen in Berlin-Adlershof and has approximately 1,100 employees.
  • Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Research at the Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon at Teltow is focused on multifunctional, polymer-based biomaterials for novel therapies in Regenerative Medicine. It is of particular concern to bridge the gap between fundamental research and the translation of the results into clinical applications. Hereon therefore pursues an interdisciplinary approach, working in close cooperation with clinics and industries. All requirements of future medical products can this way be considered early on in the development chain. With its future-oriented technologies Hereon contributes significantly to preventative research.
  • Universität Freiburg Already a comprehensive university at its founding in 1457, the University of Freiburg still offers undergraduate and graduate studies as well as professorial qualification in all important disciplines today: the humanities, natural and engineering sciences, medicine, law, and theology. This diversity also provides an ideal environment for innovative interdisciplinary studies. Many famous philosophers, top researchers, and 10 Nobel laureates have taught and researched at the University of Freiburg.

    The university’s recent success in the “Excellence” competitions, 2007 for research and 2009 for instruction, testifies to its position as one of the leading universities of the 21st century. Numerous former students as well as benefactors and sponsors intensify a culture of dynamic exchange with the city, the region, and the international scientific community. All of these groups work to give the University of Freiburg the vitality that will continue to provide fertile ground for outstanding achievements in the future. We are always eager to welcome more intelligent minds to our university.

International Partners


  • Harvard University, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (Cambridge MA, USA)
  • University of Tokyo, Centre for NanoBio Integration (Tokyo, Japan)
  • Sichuan University, National Centre for Biomaterials (Chengdu, China)

Industrial Partners


  • mivenion GmbH (Berlin, Deutschland)
  • Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH (Bad Homburg, Deutschland)