Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie

Has anyone ever wondered how our understanding of the human body evolved? Here, at the Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie in Freiburg, the echoes of discovery resonate through time. The institute’s story intertwines with Freiburg’s history, dating back to the 16th century when the seeds of anatomical science were sown. In 1867, Alexander Ecker established the first Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie at its current location on Albertstrasse. This marked a pivotal moment for anatomical studies in Freiburg. The original building, a testament to Ecker’s vision, fell victim to the ravages of war, destroyed during the First World War by the only bomb to strike Freiburg. Rebuilt, it again faced destruction in 1944 during the bombings of World War II. The current building, completed in 1954, stands as a symbol of resilience. The Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie witnessed not only architectural changes but also the rise and fall of influential figures. From Nobel laureate Paul Ehrlich to Paul Langerhans, whose discovery of the Langerhans islets in the pancreas revolutionized diabetes research, the institute fostered groundbreaking work. The institute’s history also holds a darker chapter during National Socialism. Four anatomists were dismissed due to racial discrimination. The institute’s chairman, von Möllendorff, resigned due to political pressure. His successor, Ernst Nauck, a staunch Nazi, further complicated the institute’s legacy. Amidst the political turmoil, the institute continued its quest for knowledge, grappling with ethical dilemmas surrounding body procurement. The name, Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie, represents not just a building but a journey of scientific pursuit, marked by both triumph and tragedy. The new Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie, under construction on Elsässer Strasse, promises to carry the torch of discovery into the future.