Suche
Mein Konto
New brain research center in Frankfurt: Where science meets music!
Opening of the Cooperative Brain Imaging Center (CoBIC) at the University of Frankfurt: New milestone in neuroscience with an innovative research facility.
New brain research center in Frankfurt: Where science meets music!
The new one was announced on March 13, 2025 Cooperative Brain Imaging Center (CoBIC) was officially opened on the Niederrad campus of the Goethe University Frankfurt. The Finance Minister Professor Dr. R. Alexander Lorz took over the inauguration of the ultra-modern research center. CoBIC is a cooperation between the Goethe University, the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics and the Ernst Strüngmann Institute, which have set themselves the goal of improving the understanding of brain function and developing innovative therapies for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Around 100 scientists have already moved into their offices in the new building. The realized construction and initial installation costs amount to around 25 million euros, most of which was financed by the state of Hesse. In addition, the Max Planck Society, together with Goethe University, is providing a further 12 million euros for the purchase of large-scale equipment that is essential for research.
Research focus and technical equipment
The CoBIC offers a comprehensive research infrastructure and promotes interdisciplinary imaging research in neuroscience. The essential equipment elements include three magnetic resonance tomographs: two 3 Tesla MRI scanners and a 7 Tesla ultra-high field MRI, as well as other devices that enable high-resolution examination of brain activity. The center's research focuses include the cerebral basis of language and memory, neurological and psychiatric diseases, and the neural mechanisms of abilities and creativity, particularly in the area of music.
During the opening ceremony, the special musical ambience was underlined by a bell orchestra that intoned Beethoven's “Ode to Joy”. Science Minister Timon Gremmels congratulated those responsible for the opening and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation for the success of research. Finance Minister Lorz once again emphasized how important the CoBIC is for research and teaching in Hesse.
Importance for science
The positive prospects of the new 7 Tesla ultra-high field MRI were highlighted by Professor Dr. Christian Doeller from the Max Planck Society highlighted. Professor Wolf Singer also expressed his satisfaction with the successful cooperation between the participating institutions. Thomas Platte, Director of the Hesse State Office for Construction and Real Estate, praised the excellent infrastructure of the research center, whose building has a gross floor area of almost 4,000 square meters. The architectural concept combines sustainable architecture with highly efficient system technology.
This opening marks a significant advance in the field of neuroscience and demonstrates Hesse's commitment to research and innovation. In the coming years, the CoBIC will play a central role in researching complex neurological questions and could provide crucial impetus for future therapies.
Further information is available on the homepage State company for construction and real estate in Hesse available.