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Dear Reader,
How does order suddenly collapse into chaos – and why does this shift drive the development of cancer? In this month’s issue, we explore the inner workings of the lymph node to reveal how the breakdown of finely tuned immune structures triggers the emergence of aggressive lymphomas. Using cutting-edge single-cell and spatial-analysis technology, our scientists offer a fascinating look at biological processes that until now have remained hidden. Structure, however, is not exclusive to biology; in the world of data science, it is the thin line between meaningful insight and statistical noise. We speak with Sven Olaf Twardziok about an innovative platform designed to make genomic analysis scalable, reproducible and accessible across institutions – a major leap toward more reliable biomedical research. Finally, we highlight several key funding opportunities: from one of the most prestigious awards for research quality to international exchange programs and targeted project grants designed to propel new ideas forward.
Best wishes,
Your BIH Newsletter Team
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© BIH | Marc-Andrea Bärtsch, Felix Czernilofsky (Med-V UKHD
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In aggressive lymphomas, inflammatory messengers reprogram the “conductors” of the immune system, causing lymph nodes structure to collapse. A team led by Simon Haas (Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH), Max Delbrück Center, Queen Mary University of London) describes in Nature Cancer this process for the first time using single-cell and spatial analyses. Read the press release
Read the publication
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News From Charité BIH Innovation (CBI)
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Spin-offs are a well-established approach for translating research findings into practical applications. But what does it take to create a successful spin-off? CBI has developed a comprehensive guide that clearly outlines the spin-off process from the initial idea phase through to the post-launch phase and summarizes existing guidelines. Read more
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© Mareike Voß | WordCloud AI
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Biomedical data analysis is often difficult to reproduce and can only be applied to larger data sets with considerable effort. A group led by Dr. Sven Olaf Twardziok at the BIH, together with a team from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), has developed WESkit, a system that automates complex computational workflows based on open standards. By implementing the Workflow Execution Service (WES) specification of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), they created a scalable and interoperable solution that enables high-throughput genome analyses across institutional boundaries. Read the interview
Read the publication
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© BIH | Janek Haus, AG Scholl
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The 15th Symposium of Young Physiologists ( JP2026) took place from April 8–10. The Young Physiologists are an early-career network of the German Physiological Society (DPG), advocating for the interests of young researchers in the field of physiology. Each year they organize their annual symposium at a different location across Germany – this year hosted by members of the Scholl Lab (BIH) and the Institute of Translational Physiology (Charité). JP2026 brings together students, doctoral researchers, and postdocs from Germany and beyond for three days of cutting-edge science, lively discussions, and networking. All 176 participants from 17 countries actively presented their research. Four keynote speeches from Berlin, Prague, Zurich, and Aarhus rounded out the program. Read more
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© BIH | BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy
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With a successful Kick-Off and Networking Event in Berlin on March 26, 2026, the second cohort of the national Translational Tandem Program for Gene- and Cell-based Therapies (nTTP-GCT) has successfully started its two-year funding period. The twelve new fellows come from Tübingen, Heidelberg, Greifswald, Hannover, and Berlin. Together with fellows from the first cohort, they took the opportunity to engage in personal exchanges, forge valuable contacts, and set the initial course for their joint funding period. This lays the foundation for close collaboration and sustainable networking within the program. Read more and view the photo gallery
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All BIH events are noted in our event calender. If you would like to receive a regular overview of upcoming BIH Events, please register here. Many thanks.
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The annual €350,000 Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research in cooperation with the BIH QUEST Center for Responsible Research is inviting applications and nominations again. The call for the international award is open to any researcher, or group of researchers, institution, organization, and early career researcher around the globe whose work helps to fundamentally advance the quality, transparency, and reproducibility of science and research. Applications can be submitted until April 30, 2025 (10 p.m., UTC). Laureates and finalists will be announced in November 2026. Learn more
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© Charité_I_Janine_Oswald
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Stiftung Charité, together with the BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy (BIA), supports the international scientific exchange of BIH Charité (Junior) (Digital) (Advanced) Clinician Scientists by providing Internationalization Grants. The funding format was developed together by BIA and Stiftung Charité who finances the grants. Applications for the call are open until Mai 20, 2026 (2 p.m.) exclusively online via the BIH application and reporting portal. Prior condition for the application is a current funding (reference date: Mai 20, 2026) in the BIH Charité (Junior) (Digital) (Advanced) Clinician Scientist Program. To the call for proposal
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Stiftung Charité, through its project and event funding, specifically supports initiatives of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin across the entire scope of its foundation objectives. Applications are welcome from all areas of life sciences and university medicine, ranging from research and teaching to healthcare provision and knowledge and technology transfer. The funding provides a low-threshold opportunity to support clearly defined projects early on and at an initial stage. The maximum funding amount is limited. Applicants should take note of the scheduled selection rounds and their respective deadlines. Learn more about the call
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