NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen

Applied research and development at the interface of life science and material science

The Natural and Medical Science Institute (NMI) at the University of Tübingen, now in its 25th year of work, combines scientific research with business expertise.

The institute’s research is focused on the combination of cells and material (e.g. electronic chips) and optimising material surfaces. The idea of the NMI is to bring together expert knowledge in biology, physics and surface and interface technology. In the process, basic research is further developed in cooperation with industry or through publicly funded projects.

The NMI was founded on July 1, 1985 as an initiative of the former Minister President of Baden-Württemberg Dr. Lothar Späth as a non-profit organisation. Its location in the Tübingen-Reutlingen Technology Park in Baden-Württemberg makes it part of one of the most thriving regions in biotechnology research and development in Germany.

One of the main characteristics of the NMI is that it inspires and facilitates the creation of new companies and projects. Twelve companies have already been formed either directly or indirectly with the help of the NMI. One such company is Reutlingen-based Retina Implant AG. Others are funded by the NMI such as TETEC AG, a tissue engineering company, and Cytocentrics AG.

The NMI also supports innovative firms that are not familiar with funding procedures by securing funding of more than Euro 20 million for application-oriented research from the federal government, the EU and other public institutions over the past three years.

Prof. Dr. Hugo Hämmerle (Director)
Dr. Alfred Stett (Deputy Director)

Markwiesenstr. 55
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)7121-515300
Fax: +49 (0)7121-5153016

The NMI’s scientists are pioneers in technology development and are internationally renowned for their innovations and patents. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) were thus developed at the institute to be used in determining the effect of substances on the cardiac muscle and nerve cells. This was then further developed by MCS Multi Channel Systems of Reutlingen and globally marketed. The NMI also works with partners in industry and public research institutes regarding the development of tests based on protein or peptide arrays, paving the way for the future of diagnostics.

The NMI jointly launches projects with companies regarding the optimisation of implants and surgical instruments. Joint projects allow small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in research projects led by the institute without having to supply the necessary equipment or scientific expertise.

As a driving force in optimising partnerships in industry and research, the NMI maintains www.biochipnet.com for biotech companies, research institutes and service providers. The NMI is thus not only a place for innovation to take place, but through its engagement in facilitating information exchange through BioChipNet and others, it enables its innovation to be shared and multiplied with others.