EXC 3092:  Biosystems Design Munich (BioSysteM)

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine ; Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 533751719

The Cluster of Excellence Biosystems Design Munich (BioSysteM) is dedicated to the creation of a vivid, interdisciplinary research environment that will enable the transition to a constructional design approach towards the life sciences. Designing complex molecular and cellular systems with programmable properties resembling those of living organisms will enable us to better understand life as a phenomenon, create living or life-like materials with unprecedented capabilities, and build the foundation for a revolutionary next generation of applications in the life sciences and biomedicine. Within four closely connected Research Areas, we will develop standards for the engineering of biomolecular functions using DNA nanotechnology and protein design. These will be implemented in the context of self-organizing molecular assemblies, synthetic cells, designer cells, and organoid systems. Applications for these engineered systems range from designed biomolecular machines for biosynthesis and smart materials to biomedical microrobots and novel pattern-based therapeutics to the control of cellular differentiation and organ formation. To enable cross-fertilization of the different research areas across scales, researchers will be organized into four dedicated focus groups around Research Themes devoted to specific hallmarks of life – the generation of form and structure, motility, information processing, and evolution. To tackle high-potential application opportunities, complementary teams of researchers will focus on highly ambitious mission-driven projects (so-called M-Projects), such as the realization of pattern-based therapeutics, biomedical nanorobots, or programmable biosynthetic assembly lines. Our efforts will be enabled by several closely interlinked support structures: a Technology Hub, dedicated makerspaces (Biomolecular Design Studios), an AI Core Unit, and startup support. These will ensure access to cutting-edge technology with professional support, easy exchange of components, protocols and standards among the researchers in the cluster and with the scientific community worldwide, the effective application of rapidly evolving AI approaches, and a ready translation of fundamental research results into applications. This will be supported by makerspace facilities and dedicated open labs, which will act as interfaces with the public for engagement and co-creation activities. A wide range of structural measures will support junior researchers at all career stages, promote equity and diversity, ensure sustainability, provide quality control, and facilitate professional research data management.

• DFG Programme: Clusters of Excellence (ExStra)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Co-Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Participating Institution: Helmholtz Zentrum München; Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt; Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie (MPIB)
• Spokespersons: Professor Dr. Ralf Jungmann; Professorin Dr. Petra Schwille; Professor Dr. Friedrich Simmel
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Karen Alim; Professor Dr. Andreas Bausch; Professor Dr. Roland Beckmann; Professor Dr. Karsten Borgwardt; Professor Dr. Hendrik Dietz; Professor Dr. Erwin Frey; Professor Dr. Julian Grünewald; Professorin Dr. Magdalena Götz; Professor Matthias Hebrok, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Julia Herzen; Professorin Dr. Kirsten Jung; Professorin Dr. Alena Khmelinskaia; Professorin Johanna Klughammer, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Tim Liedl; Professorin Alessandra Moretti, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Henrike Niederholtmeyer; Professor Dr. Vasilis Ntziachristos; Professor Dr. Matthias Rief; Professor Dr. Joachim Rädler; Professor Dr. Philip Tinnefeld; Professor Dr. Gil Westmeyer; Professorin Dr. Cathleen Zeymer