Friends of the Max Delbrück Center

The Friends of the Max Delbrück Center is a voluntary, non-profit organization, founded in 1992.

By uniting friends and supporters, the Friends aims to

Promote science and research at the Max Delbrück Center.
Promote international attitude and exchange, tolerance in all areas of culture, and the idea of an international understanding of our two campi.
Promote civic engagement for charitable purposes.
Promotion of civic engagement for non-profit, and charitable purposes.

Board of Friends of the MDC

The general membership meeting elects the board of the Friends of the Max Delbrück Center. The election happens every year in January.

The following members work in the board in an honorary capacity:

Chair

Prof. Dr. Oliver Daumke

oliver.daumke@mdc-berlin.de

Deputy Chair

Dr. Christiane Nolte

cnolte@mdc-berlin.de

Honorary Chairman

Prof. Dr. Detlev Ganten

Honorary members

Prof. Dr. Jens Reich

Prof. Dr. Günter Stock

Are you a Max Delbrück Center Alumni? Check out our Alumni Webpage!

MDC Alumni

Once at the Max Delbrück Center, forever ambassadors!

https://www.mdc-berlin.de/about/values/alumni#t-general

The Friends of the Max Delbrück Center comprises the promotion of science and research at the MDC and educating the public on current medical issues.

Promotion of scientific exchange

Funding for scientific congresses
Support for networking of MDC scientists

Bei der Labor-Olympiade durften Erwachsene und Kinder ausprobieren, ob sie sich für den Laboralltag eignen würden.

© Stefanie Loos, MDC

Awarding of prizes

Best poster and best talk during the yearly PhD retreats of Max Delbrück Center, FMP, and PhD graduation ceremony
"Silent Hero" award
Award for sustainable lab management

Promotion of sports and networking

Berlin Table Tennis Company-Cup
Berliner Firmenlauf in Mitte and Tiergarten
Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5x5 km TEAM-relay in the Tiergarten
And support of workplace health promotion and the further development of Campus Vital

Promotion of science, art, culture and history

Local culture: the sculpture park and the Jeanne-Mammen-collection of the Max Delbrück Center
Scientific historical events
Maintenance of the grave of Karl Lohmann
Promotion of school's work at the Life Science Learning Laboratory
Promotion of the network between science and economy
Interlinking of Alumni-work with activities of Freundeskreis

Experience Science

Active involvement in and for the health city Berlin-Buch

Benefits concerts
Support of cultural events on Campus and in Buch
Movie Series „Cinema under the Campus Sky “ on Campus Buch
Support of integration of refugees in the neighborhood

The Friends of the Max Delbrück Center supports scientific networking, civic engagement, art and culture, and sports for Max Delbrück Center employees and guests.

Several activities happen each year, which members can participate:

Yearly Members Get-together
Scientific Conferences
Diversity Events
Concerts
Campus Cinema
Find upcoming events
Past events

Become a Friend of the MDC - Support the Max Delbrück Center scientific activities! Join us.

Join the Friends of the Max Delbrück Center

Become a friend of the Max Delbrück Center.

Membership comes with the following advantages:

Choice of promotional item
Invitation to Friends of the Max Delbrück Center events
Invitation to inclusive campus events e.g. talks, seminars
Participation in our experimental courses in our Life Science Learning Lab
Exclusive access to the Max Delbrück Center networking platform MDC Connect
Information about current developments at the Max Delbrück Center, both campus Buch and MDC-BIMSB in Mitte

Become a Member!

Donate

Tax efficient giving
Donations are tax-deductible.: The Friends of the Max Delbrück Center is a non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Since 01.01.2021, the proof limit for donations and membership fees towards the tax office is 300 euros. This means that for amounts under 300 euros, the transfer voucher from your bank is sufficient as proof to the tax office. If you wish, we will gladly issue a receipt. Please send us an email to office.freundeskreis@mdc-berlin.de.
Planned donation
Remember the Max Delbrück Center in your will.: Please support us in shaping future leaders and contributors by adding the Friends of the Max Delbrück Center in your will and leave a lasting legacy at the Max Delbrück Center.

By donating or becoming a member you can help support the work of the Friends of the Max Delbrück Center. The membership fee and additional donations are tax-deductible.

Thank you for your valuable support!

Russ Hodge, Kat Menschik: Remarkable

What animals can teach us about ourselves, the value of diversity, and saving the world

In collaboration with illustrator Kat Menschik, Max Delbrück Center science writer Russ Hodge has published a book about the bizarre traits some animals have evolved to cope with their harsh environments. He also explores what we can learn from them. The work was supported by Stiftung Charité.

Buy the book "Remarkable"

Further information on the book

Gene Express

Gene Express – A Board Game About Gene Expression

Learn science by playing!

Gene Express is a fast-paced board game that makes the science of gene expression fun and accessible. Created by science writer Russ Hodge (Max Delbrück Center) and Steffen Bogen, it turns complex biology into engaging gameplay for curious minds of all ages.

Players act as molecular machines racing to transcribe and translate genes, gaining a hands-on understanding of how cells produce proteins. Perfect for classrooms, families, or anyone curious about how life works at the molecular level.

Buy Gene Express

Freundeskreis Hoodie - Black & Green

This unisex hoodie is made from 100% cotton: a blend of 50% recycled and 50% organic with no dye, no plastic, and no nonsense. The soft brushed fleece inside keeps it cozy, while the undyed heather look keeps it honest. Every hoodie comes with a QR code to trace its sustainable story, powered by AWARE™ tracer tech.

Details:

Black
100% cotton: 50% recycled, 50% organic
340g/m² heavyweight brushed fleece
Unisex fit
Blockchain-tracked sustainability (AWARE™)
2% of every sale goes to water.org

Buy the Hoodie

FK T-Shirt – Essential Black

This FK tee is made from 100% semi-combed ringspun cotton — soft, durable, and built to hold its shape. At 150g/m², it’s light and breathable, but tough enough for everyday wear. With a clean unisex fit, reinforced collar, and deep black finish, it’s our go-to basic — just with better energy.

Details

Black
100% semi-combed ringspun cotton
150g/m² single jersey
Unisex fit
Elastane collar & reinforced taped neck
OEKO-TEX® certified

Buy the T-Shirt

FK Enamel Mug

This 200ml white enamel mug gives vintage feels with a modern edge. Lightweight, unbreakable, and suitable for coffee, tea, or late-night cram sessions.

Details

Metal with enamel coating
White with metallic rim
200ml capacity

Buy the Enamel Mug

FK Thermo Bottle

This matte-finish, double-walled thermo bottle keeps your drinks just right. Made from recycled stainless steel, it’s sleek, white, and built to last.

Details