Home | Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen

Staff photo taken from above in the institute's entrance area on the occasion of the institute's Diversity Day

Welcome to the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen

Learn more about us and our organisation.

Close-up of a researcher in blue gloves using tweezers and thread to adjust samples under a microscope.

Research overview

Find out more about the scientific research areas.

Researchers in lab coats examine plant specimens on display at the MPI for Biology's Diversity Day

Interested in joining us?

Plan your career at the Institute.

Director Andrei Lupas in a lab meeting with department colleagues

Latest Research News and Events

Stay up to date on all scientific seminars, lectures, and news.

Female doctoral researcher working at a microscope, surrounded by green lighting and lab equipment

Scientific Facilities and Services

The Institute has a wide range of specialized high-end instrumentation in our dedicated research facilities.

News

Ruth Ley receives IFF Science Award

October 16, 2026

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Recognition for her work to understand how humans and our microbiomes interact.

Gut microbes help set the body’s response to vaccination

October 08, 2026

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The human gut microbiome may help determine how strongly the immune system reacts to vaccination, with bacterial flagellins contributing to inflammatory responses.

On your marks: Tübingen Max Planck Campus takes on the ERBELauf

October 07, 2026

For the first time, the three Max Planck Institutes in Tübingen joined forces to take part in the city’s ERBELauf as one campus team – bringing together experienced athletes, first-time racers and plenty of runners somewhere in between.

More news

Talks and Events

DSSS - Evolutionary novelty across scales: from genes to germ lines

Nov 12, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

MPH lecture hall, Max-Planck-Ring 6

DSSS - The unique physiology of calcifying phytoplankton

Nov 26, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

MPH lecture hall, Max-Planck-Ring 6

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Dec 3, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

MPH lecture hall, Max-Planck-Ring 6

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Videos

The Origin of Life

Youtube-Video

Introduction into the key research fields of the Department of Protein Evolution, led by Andrei Lupas.

On the Trail of Gut Microbes

Youtube-Video

Get to know the Department of Microbiome Science which is headed by Ruth Ley.

The Evolution of Sexual Systems

Youtube-Video

Dive into algal research and the science behind the evolution of the sexes at the Department of Algal Devolopment and Evolution, directed by Susana Coelho.