CECAD’s work includes elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging in order to define new approaches for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of age-associated diseases inluding metabolic diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal failure, cancer and neuro- and other degenerative disorders.

CECAD was established in 2007 through the DFG-organized Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state government, carried by strong and highly supportive partners: the University of Cologne (UoC) and its University Hospital, the Max Planck Institutes (MPI) for Biology of Ageing and for Metabolism Research, and the Helmholtz’ German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE).

Through new professorships, the Graduate School for Aging Research (CGA), career & diversity programs, and state-of-the-art facilities, CECAD established a highly interactive and multidisciplinary research hub in the heart of Europe that attracts scientists from across the world and that is focused on aging and aging-associated diseases. The close vicinity of one of the leading teaching hospitals and implementation of new translational structures also empower CECAD to explore how its new discoveries will benefit humans and promote healthy aging.

Involved Institutions:

• Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)
• Max-Planck-Institut für Biologie des Alterns
• Max-Planck-Institut für Stoffwechselforschung