Heidelberg Molecular Life Science (HMLS) (Archive)

Overcoming Disciplinary and Institutional Boundaries

The molecular life sciences are an outstanding research area of Heidelberg University that enjoys high visibility both in Germany and abroad. The Heidelberg Molecular Life Sciences (HMLS) initiative was developed in order to intensify collaborations within the University and with strong non-university institutions in Heidelberg. Within the framework of this initiative, the University has established strategic networks in eight different research areas of the molecular life sciences; the resulting interdisciplinary and inter-institutional projects make an important contribution to modern biology and molecular medicine.

A Research Council serves as a cross-institutional platform that bundles and coordinates research developments in the life sciences and optimises the flow of information between all parties. The council consists of representatives of all institutions involved in the Excellence Initiative: besides the University, these include the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). The Research Council also coordinates its activities closely with the "Cellular Networks" Cluster of Excellence and the "Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology“, both of which were established under the Excellence Initiative.

HMLS Investigator Award

With the annual HMLS Investigator Award, the Heidelberg Molecular Life Sciences initiative helps establish and ensure the visibility of the Heidelberg life sciences among the top international research universities. The award has been presented since 2008 to researchers of the partner institutions to honour their scientific achievements and their special commitment to the Heidelberg life sciences.