The Ernst Strüngmann Institute is dedicated to basic neurobiological research. Its work focuses on analyzing the neural basis of higher cognitive brain functions, with a particular emphasis on visual perception, memory functions, attention control, spatial orientation, language, and consciousness.
The research aims to understand how neurons in the brain interact to process sensory signals, store knowledge, retrieve memories, and control attention.
To investigate these questions, researchers are looking for connections between neural activity and corresponding behaviors in animals and humans.
In addition to publishing new findings and methods, a significant part of ESI’s mission is the academic education of students and postdoctoral researchers.
Furthermore, ESI supports the transfer of findings and methods from basic research to application, especially for clinical practice.
In honour of their father, his inspiration and guidance, Dr. Andreas and Dr. Thomas Strüngmann established the Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI).
Organisation
The Ernst Strüngmann Institute is an institute of the Max Planck Society (MPG).
The research institutes of the Max Planck Society conduct basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities in the public interest. The Max Planck Society primarily opens up new innovative fields of research that cannot be adequately addressed by German universities. The wide range of topics covered by the Max Planck Institutes in the natural and social sciences complements the work of universities and other research institutions in key areas.
A Scientific Advisory Board nominated monitors the quality of the Institute’s work. A Consultative Board ensures that ESI is embedded in the public sphere.
Research – 7 labs / 7 visions
Research at ESI pursues the overarching goal of gaining deeper insights into the organization and functioning of the human brain and, in cooperation with researchers working in clinical settings, such as Goethe University in Frankfurt, using this knowledge to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Such collaborations exist here, for example, with the Clinic for Psychiatry and the Epilepsy Center of the Clinic for Neurology.
So our research also helps to understand what causes neurological and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. In the long term, the knowledge gained from basic research could help develop therapies for brain diseases.
