100 Jahre MPI

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  • 1912
  • 1916
  • 1917
  • 1922
  • 1924
  • 1926
  • 1928
  • 1931
  • 1933 – 1945
  • 1952
  • 1954
  • 1961
  • 1962
  • 1964
  • 1965
  • 1966
  • 1967
  • 1972
  • 1977
  • 1978
  • 1984
  • 1988
  • 1989
  • 1991
  • 1994
  • 1998
  • 2001
  • 2008
  • 2011
  • 2013
  • Ausblick
  • 1912
    The idea: An interdisciplinary brain research institute

    Psychiatrist and professor at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich Emil Kraepelin formulates his vision of founding one of the first interdisciplinary and university-independent brain research institutes in Germany.

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    Emil Kraepelin

    German Psychiatrist
    1856 – 1926

  • 1916
    Financial support

    James Loeb, an American banker and classical scholar, who was of German-Jewish origin and a patient of Emil Kraepelin, makes a significant donation towards the funding of the future Institute. Loeb‘s further financial support allows the Institute to operate until after 1930.

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    James Loeb

    1867 – 1933

    The American philanthropist made Munich his home in 1906. He financially supported not only the German Research Institute of Psychiatry, but many other social and cultural projects. His belief was that “fortune is obtained, so that one may abundantly distribute it to the worthy”.

  • 1917
    Foundation of the German Research Institute of Psychiatry

    On February 13, King Ludwig III establishes the public Foundation „The German Research Institute of Psychiatry in Munich“ (DFA). The institute is initially housed in the Psychiatry Department of the University Hospital in Munich‘s inner city. Particularly unusual at this time: The institute concept integrates both biological-scientific and empirical-clinical approaches.

    In its first years, the German Research Institute of Psychiatry was situated within the University Psychiatric Clinic in Nussbaumstreet.

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    Franz Nissl

    Head of the Department of Histopathology I
    1917 – 1919

    Developed “Nissl staining”, which allowed many individual nerve cells to be visualized simultaneously with light microscopy for the first time. Described “Nissl bodies” and “Nissl cells” (microglia).

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    Walther Spielmeyer

    Head of the Department of Histopathology II
    1917 – 1935

    Founder of neuro-histopathology.

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    Emil Kraepelin

    Head of the Department of Experimental Psychology
    1917 – 1926

    Founder of modern, science-based psychiatry. Devised a still largely valid classification system for psychiatric diseases using observations of disease progression.

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    Ernst Rüdin

    Head of the Genealogical and Demographic Department
    1917 – 1945

    Investigated the inheritance of psychiatric disorders. Held different offices for the National Socialists’ health policy. Contributed decisively to the “Law for the Prevention of
    Hereditarily Diseased Offspring”

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    Korbinian Brodmann

    Head of the Department of Histotopography
    1917 – 1918

    Divided the cerebral cortex into “Brodmann” areas according to histological criteria.

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    Felix Plaut

    Head of the Department of Serology
    1917 – 1935

    A pioneer of modern neuro-immunology. Detected antibody formation in nervous tissue. Developed a serological test for syphilis.

  • 1922
    In the middle of Schwabing

    The Clinical Department of the German Research Institute of Psychiatry opens in the municipal hospital in Munich-Schwabing. The scientific departments remain at the University Hospital until 1927.

    The Clinical Department is initially housed in the Schwabing Municipal Hospital as a „Psychiatric admission ward for female patients“.
    Städtisches Klinikum, München

  • 1924
    Kaiser Wilhelm Society

    The Institute becomes affiliated to the Kaiser Wilhelm Society, the predecessor organization of the Max Planck Society.

  • 1926
    The Institute grows

    The Rockefeller Foundation donates $325,000 to fund its own building for the Institute. Construction begins on what is today‘s Kraepelinstreet 2.
    The Institute begins a close collaboration with the so-called „district mental asylum“ in Eglfing-Haar in the outskirts of Munich. Eglfing-Haar became infamous during the course of the murderous T4 action during the National Socialism era.

    1926 sees the Institute move into its own building in Kraepelinstreet.

  • 1928
    A building for the institute

    In summer, the new institute building at Kraepelinstreet 2 is inaugurated. The scientific departments and the administration move in. The Clinical Department remains part of the hospital in Munich-Schwabing.

    Lab work

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    Johannes Lange

    Head of the Department of Experimental Psychology
    1928 – 1931

    Studied hereditary factors of criminality. Worked on the National Socialists’ sterilization law.

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    Franz Jahnel

    Head of the Department of Research on Spirochetes
    1928 – 1951

    Researched the basis and therapy of bacterial-inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Discovered spirochetes in the brain in syphilis.

    A director’s room in the style of the period with a desk and sofa.

  • 1931
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    Kurt Schneider

    Head of the Clinical Department
    1931 – 1946

    Founder of psychopathology. Classified mental disorders into symptomatic groups – which forms the basis of today‘s diagnostic system. Described the symptoms of schizophrenia.

  • 1933

    -

    1945
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    Wilibald Scholz

    Head of the Department of Neuropathology
    (from 1954 onwards: Brain Pathology)
    1936 – 1960

    Researched metabolic disorders of the central nervous system and effects of epilepsy, hypoxia, and x-rays on the brain. Investigated brains of “euthanasia” victims.

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    Misuse of research and hospital

    The discovery that genetic factors play a role in the development of many psychiatric diseases becomes the basis for racial hygiene. Politically abused, it is used to justify National Socialism’s systematic “extermination of life unworthy of living”.

    Advocate of racial hygiene
    As a devoted proponent of racial hygiene, Ernst Rüdin, Director of the German Research Institute of Psychiatry (DFA), played a central role in National Socialism’s eugenics policy. From 1935 to 1945, he was chairman of the Society of German Neurologists and Psychiatrists and a central figure in the hereditary biological basis of psychiatry. He was instrumental in generating the National Socialists’ “Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring”, which came into force in 1934. The law formed the basis for the forced sterilization of 400,000 people with supposedly hereditary diseases or disabilities. From the 8th to 16th January 1934, Rüdin ran a training course named “Hereditary Biology and Racial Hygiene in the National State”. The course was held in the lecture theatre of the DFA and was crucial for the smooth implementation of the new law. In addition, Rüdin spoke numerous times at national and international congresses supporting the Nazi’s forced sterilization program. Furthermore, as chairman of the Society, he actively suppressed any protest made by courageous psychiatrists who were against involuntary “euthanasia”.

    The “Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring” formed an important preliminary step for the later systematic capture and killing of mentally ill and mentally handicapped people from 1939 onwards. The “Action T4” killed more than 70,000 people in 1940/41. In its later phases, this involuntary “euthanasia” program, murdered many more people or left them to die as a result of systematic neglect. Between 5,000 to 10,000 minors were killed under the children’s involuntary “euthanasia” program. The total number of victims of the Nazi’s involuntary euthanasia program is estimated at 300,000.

    Rüdin initiated and supported the involuntary “euthanasia” research of his pupil and co-worker Julius Deussen. Later, Deussen was made the coordinator of the “euthanasia” Research Department at the University of Heidelberg, which was financed from the DFA’s budget. The aim of the research was to clarify a central question of eugenics psychiatry: According to which criteria are patients with and without inherited affliction different? Deussen visited facilities under Heidelberg Hospital’s jurisdiction​​ to select children. At least 21 children were murdered for this “research project” alone.

    Research on criminally attained specimens

    The Neuropathology Department of the DFA obtained hundreds of brain specimens between 1940 and 1944. Most specimens came from the Eglfing-Haar mental asylum under the framework of involuntary “euthanasia”, some were from DFA patients who had been referred to Eglfing-Haar. Although the DFA employees must have been aware that the specimens came from patients who had been murdered by involuntary “euthanasia”, they still used them for neuropathological research. The specimens continued to be used as objects of research way beyond the end of the Nazi era, into the 1960s.

    Willibald Scholz, head of the Department of Neuropathology, remained at the Institute until his retirement in 1960.

    Re-evaluation of history

    The future professor of psychiatry Gerhardt Schmidt was resident physician during the nazi dictatorship at the DFA. After the war Schmidt became temporary director of Eglfing-Haar mental asylum. He was one of the first who dealt critically with the mass murder of mentally ill and mentally handicaped human beings. In favour he was hostiled for decades by his colleagues.

    In 1990, under pressure from the German Federal Government, specimens from involuntary euthanasia victims were buried at Munich’s “Waldfriedhof” cemetery. However, in 2015, it became clear that involuntary euthanasia specimens still existed at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry. As a result, the Max Planck Society is under investigation. The aim of the current investigation is to seize all remaining involuntary “euthanasia” specimens still archived at Max Planck Institutes, determine the identities of the murdered victims as unambiguously as possible and finally give them a dignified burial.

    Known Jewish employees:

    • • Felix Plaut, Director of the Serological Institute, released in 1936, emigrated to Great Britain but sadly took his own life in 1940.
    • • Karl Neubürger, Director of Pathology in Eglfing-Haar, released in 1936, emigrated to the USA.
    • • Lydia Leonidovna Pasternak (Slater), scientific assistant in the Chemistry Department, left Germany in 1935 emigrating to Great Britain.
    • • Franz Kallmann, guest scientist, emigrated to the USA in 1936.
    • • Karl Stern, guest scientist, emigrated to Great Britain in 1936/37.

    The Clinical Department of the German Research Institute of Psychiatry in the Schwabing Municipal Hospital has to be closed.
    Städtisches Klinikum München

  • 1952
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    Werner Wagner

    Director of the Clinical Department
    1952 – 1956

    Examined clinical-psychological brain pathology. Explored methodological and philosophical questions in psychiatry.

  • 1954
    Max Planck Society

    The Institute affiliates with the Max Planck Society (MPG) and becomes the “Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (DFA)”. The formation of the Max Planck Society in 1948 corresponded to the new democratic beginning of Germany after the end of National Socialism. The Max Planck Society succeeded the Kaiser Wilhelm Society, which was dissolved at the request of the Western Allies due to the collaboration it had had with the Nazi regime.

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    Feodor Lynen

    Director of the Department of Cellular Chemistry
    1954 – 1956

    Led pioneering work on the mechanism and regulation of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism (Nobel Prize in 1964, with Konrad E. Bloch). Made basic discoveries for the clinical research of diabetes mellitus (among others).

  • 1961
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    Gerd Peters

    Director of the Department of Neuropathology
    1961 – 1974

    Investigated the neuropathology of traumatic brain damage.

  • 1962
    Two distinct subdivisions

    The Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry splits into two subdivisions: The Clinical and the Theoretical Institute. This internal split reflects the different directions of the scientific
    research.

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    DETLEV PLOOG

    Director of the Department of Experimental Behavioral Research
    1962 – 1988

    Created the first German laboratory for investigating the neurobiological principles of behavior in primates.

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    Dietrich Schneider

    Director of the Department of Comparative Neurophysiology
    1962 – 1964

    One of the pioneers of modern olfactory research and chemical ecology.

  • 1964
    Separate management

    The Clinical and Theoretical Institutes get their own directors and statutes.

  • 1965
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    Otto Creutzfeldt

    Director of the Department of Experimental Neurophysiology
    1965 – 1971

    Led fundamental work on the structure and function of the brain.

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    Johannes C. Brengelmann

    Director of the Department of Psychology
    1965 – 1988

    Established cognitive behavioral therapy and further
    developed psychotherapy procedures.

  • 1966
    Own hospital building

    In the immediate vicinity of the Institute, the first hospital building at Kraepelinstreet 10 opens with 120 beds.

    The founding idea is implemented: In addition to the research building, the Institute now has its own clinic.

  • 1967
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    Horst Jatzkewitz

    Director of the Department Neurochemistry
    1967 – 1977

    Led fundamental work on memory disorders and enzyme metabolism. Discovered metachromatic leukodystrophy and Sandhoff-Jatzkewitz disease.

  • 1972
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    Hans Dieter Lux

    Director of the Department of Neurophysiology
    1972 – 1992

    Developed methods for measuring intra- and extracellular ion concentrations in the nervous system. Revealed functions of ion channels.

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    Albert Herz

    Director of the Department of Neuropharmacology
    1972 – 1989

    Investigated functions and mechanisms of action of opiates. Made important contributions to opioid, pain and addiction research.

  • 1977
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    Hans Thoenen

    Director of the Department Neurochemistry
    1977 – 1996

    Pioneered in the investigation on the occurrence, importance and mechanisms of action of nerve growth factors.

  • 1978
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    Georg W. Kreutzberg

    Director of the Department of Neuromorphology
    1978 – 2000, MPI of Neurobiology

    Investigated neuronal regeneration and repair mechanisms, glia and microglia cells. Found blocking effect of colchicine on dendritic and axonal transport.

  • 1984
    New building in Martinsried

    In early April, the Theoretical Institute relocates to a new building in Martinsried. The three-wing structure shares its reception area and service facilities with the neighboring Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry.

    The Theoretical Institute moves to Planegg in the southwest of Munich.

  • 1988
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    Hartmut Wekerle

    Director of the Department of Neuroimmunology
    1988 – 2011, MPI of Neurobiology

    Interaction between the immune and nervous system in
    autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS).

  • 1989
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    Florian Holsboer

    Director
    1989 – 2014, MPI of Psychiatry

    Regulation of Stress and depression. Personalised
    therapies in psychiatry.

  • 1991
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    Yves Alain Barde

    Director of the Department of Neurobiochemistry
    1991 – 2000, MPI of Neurobiology

    Discovery and characterization of brain-derived neuro-
    trophic factor (BDNF).

  • 1994
    More space for research and teaching

    The renovation work on the hospital as well as the historical Kraepelin building is completed. In addition, the new research building and auditorium, which connects both buildings, opens.

    A lecture hall with space for 175 students is opened.

  • 1998
    Independence: Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology

    The Theoretical Institute of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry is recognized as the independent Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology. The Clinical Institute retains the name Max Planck Institute of
    Psychiatry.

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    Tobias Bonhoeffer

    Director of the Department Synapses – Circuits – Plasticity
    since 1998, MPI of Neurobiology

    Cellular basis of learning and memory. Development and plasticity of the cerebral cortex.

    The Theoretical Insitute of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry gave rise to the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology.

  • 2001
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    Rüdiger Klein

    Director of the Department Molecules – Signaling – Development
    since 2001, MPI of Neurobiology

    Development of neural networks and mechanisms of axon navigation.

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    Alexander Borst

    Director of the Department Circuits – Computation – Models
    since 2001, MPI of Neurobiology

    Information processing in the visual system of the fly.

  • 2008
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    Bert Sakmann

    Head Emeritus Group Cortical Column in Silico
    since 2008, MPI of Neurobiology

    Function and detection of ion channels in cell membranes. Developed patch clamp technique (Nobel Prize in 1991,
    together with Erwin Neher).

    Until the end of the 1960s, this area was dominated by green meadows. Today, the Life Science Campus Martinsried is one of Europe’s biggest centers for basic scientific research, teaching, clinical research and technological innovation.
    Fördergesellschaft IZB mbH

  • 2011
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    Herwig Baier

    Director of the Department Genes – Circuits Behavior
    since 2011, MPI of Neurobiology

    Control of behavior by neural networks. Genetic basis of brain development.

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    Winfried Denk

    Director of the Department Electrons – Photons – Neurons
    since 2011, MPI of Neurobiology

    Functional and structural microscopy of the brain.

  • 2013
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    Elisabeth Binder

    Director of the Department Translational Research in Psychiatry
    since 2013, MPI of Psychiatry

    Gene-environment interactions in psychiatry.

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    Alon Chen

    Director of the Department Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics
    since 2013, MPI of Psychiatry

    Neurobiology of stress: molecular and behavioral aspects.

  • Ausblick
    New construction projects in Schwabing: The Preclinical Center and hospital

    The new Preclinical Center of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry is set to open in 2019. It will replace obsolete buildings and enable state-of-the-art research.

    Commencing in 2018, a new research hospital will be built on Kraepelinstreet. As envisioned in the founding concept for the Institute, the new building will enable patient treatment to be unified with clinical and basic research.

    More informations:
    www.psych.mpg.de
    www.neuro.mpg.de

    Psychiatry 2.0: The new clinic will set standards in psychiatric care – against discrimination and stigmatization

    Apart from research laboratories, the preclinical center will utilize state-of-the-art facilities for the breeding and housing of laboratory mice according to the revised animal protection law.

  • 1912
  • 1916
  • 1917
  • 1922
  • 1924
  • 1926
  • 1928
  • 1931
  • 1933 – 1945
  • 1952
  • 1954
  • 1961
  • 1962
  • 1964
  • 1965
  • 1966
  • 1967
  • 1972
  • 1977
  • 1978
  • 1984
  • 1988
  • 1989
  • 1991
  • 1994
  • 1998
  • 2001
  • 2008
  • 2011
  • 2013
  • Ausblick
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