Max Planck Institute Dortmund becomes part of the Stem Cell Network.NRW

Joining the stem cell network opens up a variety of opportunities for transdisciplinary exchange in biomedical research for scientists at the MPI Dortmund

September 08, 2020

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology (MPI) was accepted as a new member of the Stem Cell Network.NRW . The network has been funded by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) since 2002 and pursues a transdisciplinary approach that aims to ensure responsibility and transparency of stem cell research while at the same time making developments in this field accessible to society.

Stem cell research plays an important role in the development of biological research and medicine. It is regarded as a great source of hope, especially in the investigation of degenerative diseases. In the face of these great societal expectations, the Stem Cell Network.NRW focuses on ethical, legal and social science studies in addition to the promotion of actual research.

At the MPI stem cells are used in search of new biologically active substances or as a model system to investigate fundamental questions of developmental biology. Embryonic stem cells, for example, are used to investigate how cells decide during the early development of the embryo which specific tasks they want to perform. "In the medium to long term, results of this research could help to improve the application of stem cells in medicine," says stem cell researcher Dr. Christian Schröter from the Department of Systemic Cell Biology. "In this respect, joining the stem cell network is of great importance to us, as it opens up a wide range of opportunities for transdisciplinary exchange with researchers in various fields of biomedical research.”

The Stem Cell Network.NRW

The Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia has existed since 2002 and is comprised not only of biomedical institutes and clinics but also ethical, legal, and social science institutions. This composition reflects the transdisciplinary approach of the network: In addition to promoting biomedical stem cell research in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), ethical, legal, and social science studies are intended to ensure a responsible approach to the topic, especially in view of the high expectations placed on this research area in the future. A total of 70 institutions in NRW form the network.