Communicating in the molecular language of life
From a mechanistic understanding of biological signals and decisions
to innovative solutions for human health and food security
How do the trillions of cells in our body coordinate their actions to keep us alive and healthy?
This is achieved through a marvel of communication involving constant and tightly controlled exchange of biological signals both within and between cells. These signals carry information that shapes how cells behave, interact, and respond to their surroundings, enabling organisms to adapt to their environment. Integration of diverse signals is fundamental to the biological decisions that are made across vast biological scales — from molecules to whole organisms — and act as control switches in health and disease. At CIBSS – the Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies – researchers are united behind the common vision of understanding and communicating in the molecular language of life. We seek to elucidate how biological signals are integrated and how biological decisions are made and controlled in health and disease.
Imagefilm 2025 about CIBSS – the Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies – at the University of Freiburg as it was shown at the ceremonial opening of the academic year 2025/2026.
The language of life
What is signalling science? In the 31st episode of the science podcast “Exzellent erklärt” (excellent explanation), two CIBSS scientists talk about their research. (Podcast in German.)
Link to episode
