Center of Advanced European Studies and Research

The Center of Advanced European Study and Research (CAESAR) was founded in 1995 as part of the compensatory actions under the Berlin/Bonn law, which were intended to support structural change in the region of the former capital. The independent foundation operates under private law with foundation capital from the governments of Germany and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

caesar building

Aerial view of the main building

caesar is closely associated with the Max Planck Society (MPG). The President of the Max Planck Society chairs the Board of Trustees. The caesar-directors are scientific members of the Max Planck Society. The appointment of the directors, the evaluations and the safeguarding of scientific excellence are realized according to the criteria of the Max Planck Society.

The foundation operates a research center, which does research in the field of neurosciences with modern photonic, molecular biological and chemical methods as well as methods of microtechnology. Here, particularly optical methods are utilized for brain research and brain control. At the moment, caesar is being reorganized thematically. The focus is put on research regarding sensory processes, molecular causes for neurodegenerative diseases and the use of microscopic and spectroscopic methods in neurosciences (“neurophotonics”) in order to identify the operating principles of neural networks and to obtain “soft” control.

Within the main building is also the Life Science Inkubator (LSI).[1] The LSI ist a public–private partnership (PPP),[2] and one partner is CAESAR. Other partners are e.g. Fraunhofer Society and Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.[3]