Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)
We conduct research on the biology of aging at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels.
Aging Research at FLI
To study the biological foundations of aging — from molecules to entire organisms - we conduct multi-disciplinary research, combining evolutionary approaches, diverse model systems, and cutting-edge omics technologies.
Institute's Research Infrastructure
... combines state-of-the-art core facilities, core services, animal facilities, and specialized units into a powerful network for excellent research.
Research in Dialogue
Whether scientific conferences, lectures, or events for students and teachers, as well as our series Science & Society, or the Long Night of Sciences, and MINT Festival for the general public – we offer insights into our work in aging research.
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News
Prerana S. Chaudhari won at FALLING WALLS Lab Jena 2026
Dr. Prerana Shrikant Chaudhari, a member of Dr. Maria Ermolaeva’s research group at the FLI, not only delivered a fantastic presentation but also took home two awards: she won the “FALLING WALLS Lab Jena 2026” pitch competition and the audience award as well!
Prof. Ivan Matić joins the FLI to Lead a New Research Group.
On September 1, 2026, Prof. Ivan Matić joined the Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) to establish and lead the new research group "Cell Signaling and Proteomics of Aging." Coming from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, he also assumes the role of Scientific Supervisor for the Core Facility Proteomics.
Machine learning method uncovers hidden patterns in DNA methylation
In a study recently published in Nature Communications, researchers from Berlin, Potsdam, and Jena present a new method for analyzing the epigenome, the genome's control system that determines which genes are switched on and off. The machine-learning method identifies differentially methylated DNA regions without sample labels – a prerequisite for many existing algorithms. This makes it possible to identify previously hidden biological patterns as well as new subgroups of cells or diseases. Analyses of blood cells, pancreatic cancer, and brain tumors confirms known biological relationships and reveals new regulatory processes. The metilene3 method opens up new possibilities for better understanding disease mechanisms and identifying potential biomarkers for diagnostics and research.
The black box of epigenetic clocks
Epigenetic clocks are important tools in modern aging research. Typically, they use characteristic DNA methylation patterns in the genome to precisely predict a person's age and infer conclusions about the individual’s biological aging processes. However, why this works so well and what biological mechanisms are behind it remain unclear. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) have now investigated the basis of established epigenetic clocks and developed a new model, TFMethyl clock, that combines predictive accuracy with improved biological interpretability. The study, published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, provides new insights into molecular aging processes and opens new possibilities for research into age-related diseases.
Research for healthy aging
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Upcoming Events
Postdoc Circle Invites: Prof. Dr. Miguel Andrade
Long Night of Sciences 2026
Science & Society - Dieter Bednarz - 2026
FLI Seminar: Stefan O. Bassler
Dr. Stefan O. Bassler, Bridging Excellence Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University & EMBL, will speak about "Genomic landscape of cellular lifespan and healthspan in S. cerevisiae" on Monday, September 28, 11:00 am at the FLI.
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