Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces

The institute was founded in 1992 as one of the first Max Planck Institutes in East Germany and soon became one of the leading research institutions worldwide.

Colloid and interface science deals with very small structures within the nano- and micrometer range. On the one hand this domain represents a “world of hidden dimensions”, on the other hand these tiny structures define the properties of materials and biosystems on the mesoscopic and macroscopic level.

Current research topics include complex carbohydrate molecules, molecular force sensors and motors, mesoscopic hybrid systems, biomimetic membranes and vesicles as well as the development of carbohydrate-based vaccines and intelligent biomaterials.

Our mission statement is: Bridging the gap between molecules and multiscale materials and bio-systems through excellence in science and via the support of young scientists. In fact, more than 50 former associates have taken up professorships at universities in Germany and abroad.