National Genome Research Network (NGFN)

It takes close cooperation among various experts to shed light on the intricate activities of genes and to understand the function of the many yet unknown building blocks of the cell. For this reason, the NGFN, the National Genome Research Network, was launched in 2001.

The common goal of the genome network is the endeavor to research diseases that have a high incidence in Germany or that are particularly important for health policy due to the prolonged suffering and premature death of those affected. These diseases include cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diseases of the nervous system. Moreover, infections and inflammation as well as diseases linked to environmental factors are being investigated.

The primary aim is to clarify what role our genes play in the development of specific diseases. Ultimately, genes program the ‘wiring diagram’ for all processes in our body. Therefore, it is important to know which errors in this wiring diagram lead to a disease since that is the starting point for new therapies.

NGFN scientists not only have the best technology available at their disposal for their research into the causes of diseases, but they can also access the expertise of specialists in the field of genome research, bioinformatics and other special disciplines.

In all, the network consists of different players: about 25 universities are involved, as well as five research centres of the Helmholtz-Association, ten research institutes of the Max Planck Society, five research institutes of the Leibniz-Association, seven other Research institutes and eight companies.