Scientists at the Max-Plank-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine in Münster are re-progamming cells to behave like embryonic stem-cells, developing the ability to form each of the more than 200 different cell types found in the human body. Generating these so-called Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS) does not require the use of ovules or embryos.

The cutting-edge research approach of Medical Systems Biology especially opens new dimensions in the fight against cancer, when it comes to pathogenic research, drug development and new therapies.
The abundant data on individual cell components and functions, generated on different levels of life processes by means of the classical scientific research approach (“in vivo” and “in vitro”; genome, proteome, metabolome) is brought into a broader, more practical, and to some extent new coherence by Systems Biology’s use of computer-based modelling (“in silico”). The question to be answered is how complex biologic systems can operate by cross-linking their sub-processes. Only by this means can complex system characteristics, such as the regulation and control of biological systems and their system behavior, be understood and deciphered.
Medical practitioners, biologists, computer scientists working in bioinformatics and natural scientists from other fields collaborate across their disciplines. The function of the models obtained through their work is to facilitate the testing of hypotheses either experimentally or at the computer and thus to generate faster and more efficient research results. These simulations increasingly replace time-consuming laboratory experiments involving cell tissue and also enable predictions for further research activities possible.

Particularly in regard to preserving the quality of life of an increasingly aging society, problems of Bioethics will play an important role in the foundation’s work. It is of special concern to the MTZ®Foundation to determine to what extent modern cell and/or gene research already satisfies bioethical concerns and where possible limits to that research may be found. In this way, the foundation significantly contributes to the societal discussion of “a better future”. The MTZ®Foundation greatly appreciates the decision by the Albert-Ludwigs-University in Freiburg to declare ethics a mandatory subject in medical school, with a final examination on that topic (it is the only university in Germany that has done so). With the MTZ® Förderpreis 2007, a prize has been awarded in the field of applied bioethics for the first time in the 550 year history of the University of Freiburg. The MTZ®stiftung chose to make the award to a scientist at the University of Freiburg medical faculty in the hope that it will promote bioethical research in the field of molecular medicine.

MTZ®-SBambassadress
Frau Netta Or
The young soprano
“Star of opera of the new generation”


"I have a great respect of the achievement of the young scientists. By way of Systems Biology they take the research in the cellular and genetic domain into a new dimension."
(Zitat vom 12.02.2008)

MTZ®-Botschafterin
Frau Dr. Carolin Opgenhoff

"As a board member of the MTZ foundation it's a great pleasure for me to congratulate the award winners for the best three PhD theses in the field of System Biology at the SBMC 2008, Dresden. May they take this as an accelerating incentive for future achievements in this key field of biomedical research. For the MTZ foundation it's a pleasure to see our efforts and financial support so excellently rewarded."
(Zitat vom 07.03.2008)

Your involvement

You can make a valuable financial contribution toward the development of the individual MTZ®-Awards. Beyond that, you can also support us in the allocation of travel grants to support research projects. The latter are not available through external funding but are of crucial importance to the international networking of junior scientists. We welcome contributions and donations. The concept of appropriated allotment is important to us. Please state which area of the foundation work you would like to support. We will do our best to take your wishes into account.

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