Welcome to the SFB1551!
Did you spot us at the Rosenmontag parade? 🎉 Welcome! We are the Collaborative Research Center 1551 (SFB 1551), an international research network based at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, where groundbreaking research on polymer concepts in cellular functions is being conducted. What sets us apart? Our international scientists come from diverse disciplines and collaborate not just on paper, but side by side!
What do we research?
At SFB 1551, it’s not about plastics – while polymers are known from plastic, here we focus on natural molecules that play a vital role in living cells. Using the latest technologies, we investigate these processes to gain new insights for fundamental research and medicine. Our work could contribute to a better understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.
Who are we?
The project has been running since 2023, spans twelve years, and brings together around 130 international researchers from biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in Mainz. Around 40 group leaders work with PhD students, postdocs, and other scientists in interdisciplinary teams. Here, biologists team up with physicists, mathematicians brainstorm with chemists, which sparks entirely new perspectives and innovative solutions.
And the best part? It’s not just about research, but also about real team spirit! SFB 1551 isn’t just a research group; it’s a creative, international community. It’s not just about brilliant ideas – there’s also a lot of fun! If you thought science was dry, think again. Here, innovation is combined with joy!
Recent outreach activities
- 14 February – Jugend forscht – Regional competition – Cornelius Spichtinger from Otto-Schott-Gymnasium in Mainz awarded 1st place in Biology
- 3 March – Carnival in Mainz
- 3 April – Boys & Girls day at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- 19-21 May – Pint of Science Mainz
Videos & Social Media
Follow us on our social channels for the latest updates, more insights into our interdisciplinary approach, and a peek behind the scenes.
Maybe you’ll be inspired to write your doctoral thesis with us!
