Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC)

As a joint institution of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) provides the scientific and technical infrastructure, expertise and resources for translational research, including clinical trials, according to competitive criteria. The ECRC provides access to highly advanced technologies, such as ultra high field magnetic resonance imaging, and has a cleanroom laboratory for the production of immunotherapeutic vaccines and a unique infrastructure for patient-centered research in the form of a clinical pharmacology unit in accordance with the American “clinical research center” model. Studies with outpatients can be carried out in specialized university outpatient clinics. If a clinical trial requires hospitalization of the trial participant for several days, this can be provided in the inpatient hospital sites of the Charité.
The aim is to transform findings from basic research into clinical practice to improve the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the most prevalent diseases in our society (cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, neurological disorders). An important aspect of the ECRC strategy is to facilitate extensive collaboration and communication between basic scientists and clinical researchers, thus creating a common platform as the basis for successful cooperation.

Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)
Translational research – the transfer of research results from bench to bedside – is also the mission of the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH). It focuses on the comprehensive approach of systems medicine and works closely together with the Max Delbrück Center. The Käthe-Beutler-Haus with laboratory and office space for scientific infrastructure and for biomedical and clinical research groups opened for the BIH at the Buch site in 2021. BIH, Charité and the Max Delbrück Center jointly use innovative technologies here and drive translational biomedical projects forward in order to develop new approaches for personalized medicine and novel therapies for chronic diseases.
News research
Promoting awareness of health research
During a week-long course at the Gläsernes Labor, 24 teenagers delved into genetics, immunology, and allergic disease. The course marked the beginning of a new collaboration with the Max Delbrück Cent...
more ...Targeting sleeping tumor cells
Neuroblastoma, a cancer mainly affecting children, is often difficult to treat. A team led by Jan Dörr and Anton Henssen at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center report in “Cancer Discovery,” ...
more ...Summer Science Day 2025: Uniting under one goal
Lab tours, lively talks, music and awards – Summer Science Day 2025 brought the Max Delbrück Center community together like never before. In addition to food and games, this year's new format created ...
more ...Events Campus
09.09.2025, 09:00
From Target to Market - The BBA Biotech & Pharma Summer School
The 4-day intensive course provides a comprehensive overview of the entire drug development process in biotechnology and in the pharmaceutical industry – from the idea to the market.
more ...18.09.2025, 17:00
Talk im Cube: IP Strategies in Biotechnology
We are excited to continue the Talks in the Cube with a further expert discussion focused on Strategies for Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology.
more ...23.09.2025, 09:00
GMP Biotech Summer School
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Basic Course Biotechnology (English) & ATMPs
more ...