The DPZ is committed to high ethical standards and transparent communication. Building on its expertise and infrastructure it sets standards for breeding, keeping and experimental use of primates and advises and supports other research institutions, especially by providing animals from its breeding facilities. The DPZ also operates four field stations for research on primates in their countries of origin.
The DPZ is an independent research institute providing service for the German science community. It is a member of the Leibniz Association and partly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany and its federal states. Many cooperations closely link the DPZ to the science city of Göttingen. Some heads of our units and laboratories maintain joint professorships at the University of Göttingen or the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover. Since the DPZ is unique in Germany and there is only one comparable institute in Europe, the DPZ has a high international significance.
The research fields of the DPZ are structured by three sections: Infection Research, Neuroscience and Organismic Primate Biology.
The section for Infection Research studies immunodeficiency viruses, respiratory viruses, and emerging viruses as well as bacteria and parasites. Its goal is to understand the transmission and pathogenesis of infectious diseases in order to allow for the development of new prophylaxis and therapy concepts.
The section for Neuroscience investigates the central nervous principles of cognitive performance and neurodegenerative diseases as well as of motor control and visual reception.
The section for Organismic Primate Biology studies the evolutionary origins of social and mating system as well as the ecology, communication, and genetics of primates.
