News from the Institute  

Findings of the historical research project now available more

The Max Planck Institute for Brain Research has been awarded the 2026 Quality Seal for Exemplary Communication of Animals in Research by the German science initiative “Understanding Animal Experimentation” (Tierversuche verstehen). The annual quality seal honors scientific institutions that are particularly committed to open, transparent, and clear communication of animals in research.  more

New study finds extensive mRNA localization and local protein synthesis in cortical layer 1, a key site for synaptic plasticity, perception and learning more

Philipp Brand receives an ERC Starting Grant  more

Nine Max Planck Society researchers, including four women, have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants more

Three Weeks of Science, New Perspectives and Discoveries for the Max Planck Junior Scholars 2026 more

The FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE) has announced its new cohort of 15 FENS-Kavli Scholars for 2026. The programme recognizes outstanding early-career neuroscience researchers in Europe for their scientific excellence, originality, and leadership. Among those selected is Vanessa Stempel, independent Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt. more

Moritz Helmstaedter, Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research was elected new EMBO Member in recognition of his seminal contributions to the field of Connectomics  more

The director of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research is among the winners of the internationally renowned Kavli Prize. The scientist is being honored for her discovery of local protein synthesis in neurons, which is of great importance for brain development and plasticity. more

Highlights will included the presentation of the Max Planck Startup Award of the Stifterverband and the plenary assembly featuring an expert dialogue on the future of democracy
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Gilles Laurent, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his pioneering studies of neural coding and information processing in the central nervous system. more

Twenty girls explore brain research on Girls’ Day 2026 more

On March 10, 2026, Frankfurt once again demonstrated how much brain research is being conducted in the city: At ‘Frankfurt hat Hirn (Frankfurt has brains) – live!’, scientists captivated the audience with short, engaging presentations on all aspects of the brain. Organised by the non-profit Hertie Foundation in collaboration with Frankfurt's neuroscience institutions, the event offered an entertaining and informative evening for anyone interested in learning more about current brain research. more

Scientists discover RNA-driven mechanism that helps neurons endure prolonged starvation more

In 2025, the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research welcomes two new Research Group Leaders: Dr. Philipp Brand and Dr. Gregor Schuhknecht. Their arrival expands the institute’s research scope, introducing new perspectives and model systems to study how brains and behaviors evolve and function. more