DZNE Participates in Three “Clusters of Excellence”

DZNE is involved in three research networks that will continue to receive funding for seven years starting in 2026 under the umbrella of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. Within these “clusters of excellence”, experts from universities and other institutions cooperate across disciplines. These initiatives were selected on the basis of an international review, as the Excellence Strategy aims to promote first-class science.

Through its various sites, DZNE participates in these clusters of excellence:

Berlin: NeuroCure

Founded in 2007, this cluster aims to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric diseases and to catalyze the development of new therapies. Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin are leading the cluster. The speaker is Prof. Dietmar Schmitz, a researcher at DZNE and Charité.

Bonn: ImmunoSensation3

Since its establishment in 2012, this cluster has provided new insights into the innate immune system. Its scientific approach is on linking immunological processes with other domains, such as metabolism and the nervous system. In the coming funding period, the spotlight will be on “immune diversity”: This involves investigating how and why the immune system differs between people and across life stages. The University of Bonn is leading the cluster. Speakers include Prof. Anja Schneider, a scientist at DZNE, University of Bonn and University Hospital Bonn.

Munich: SyNergy - Cluster for Systems Neurology

Since 2012, this cluster has been researching complex neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Although these conditions differ in their symptoms, overlapping mechanisms are involved in their development. The LMU Munich and the Technical University of Munich are leading the cluster. Principal investigators include Prof. Christian Haass, a scientist at DZNE and LMU Munich.

^{May 2025}