Helmholtz-Institut für Pharmazeutische Forschung Saarland (HIPS)

The Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) is a leading research institution in Germany that specializes in the development of novel drugs and therapies, particularly in the field of antibiotic research. HIPS was founded in 2009 as a joint project of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Saarland University.

Research at HIPS focuses on four central areas:

• Microbial Natural Products: This explores the potential of microorganisms for the development of new active ingredients.
• Drug Design and Optimization: This department focuses on improving existing active ingredients and adapting them to human application.
• Biological Barriers and Drug Transport: Researchers investigate how drugs can reach their target more efficiently in the body.
• Pharmabioinformatics: Modern bioinformatic methods are used to support the exploration of new therapies.

The main mission of HIPS is to develop novel antibiotics and therapies to combat the growing resistance to existing drugs. This is achieved through an interdisciplinary and international approach that includes both natural substances and synthetic methods.

HIPS advocates for a healthier future by working to combat infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. By integrating modern technologies and strategies, the institute aims to find sustainable and long-term solutions to global health problems.

The institute enjoys the support of a dedicated team of approximately 250 employees and is supported by stable basic funding. With its central position on the campus in Saarbrücken, HIPS offers a forward-looking platform for promising research in Germany.