Cluster Organization

Biosystems Design Munich – Cluster of Excellence

Organizational Structure of BioSysteM

The BioSyteM cluster is organized within a clear, participatory governance structure that ensures strategic oversight, transparent decision-making, and operational support.

The governance framework links the
General Assembly, Executive Board, Scientific Advisory Board, Administrative Office, and Graduate Program, ensuring representation across career stages and disciplines and a close connection between strategy and implementation.

Together, these bodies ensure an effective coordination across the cluster and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, scientific excellence, and sustainable development of the research program.

BioSyteM is embedded in a strong institutional environment, bringing together
TUM, LMU, the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, and Helmholtz.

General Assembly

The General Assembly (GA) brings together all principal investigators of the cluster and serves as the central forum for information exchange, discussion of strategic developments, and collective alignment of long-term goals.

Executive Board

Operational and strategic decisions are prepared and taken by the Executive Board (EB)

The EB is composed of spokespersons, representatives from each research area, early-career representatives, a gender and diversity representative, and a spokesperson of the Student Board, ensuring that different perspectives, career stages, and interests are integrated into decision-making.

Speakers

Friedrich Simmel

TUM

Petra Schwille

MPIB

Ralf Jungmann

LMU

Area Representatives

Alena Khmelinskaia

Representative Area A
LMU Chemistry

Tim Liedl

Deputy Representative Area A
LMU Biophysics

Henrike Niederholtmeyer

Representative Area B
TUM Biotechnology

Erwin Frey

Deputy Representative Area B
LMU Biophysics

Karen Alim

Representative Area C
TUM Biophysics

Gil Westmeyer

Deputy Representative Area C
TUM Biochemistry & Helmholtz Munich

Andreas Bausch

Representative Area D
TUM Biophysics

Alessandra Moretti

Deputy Representative Area D
TUM Medicine

Representatives Early Career & DEI

Berna Özkale

Early Career Representative (TUM)

Lukas Milles

Early Career Representative (LMU)

Ruth Müller

Representative for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
TUM Social Science & Technology

Scientific Advisory Board

Scientific guidance and external perspective are provided by the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which consists of internationally recognized external experts.

The SAB supports the EB with independent feedback on scientific direction, quality assurance, and long-term positioning of the cluster.

Administrative Office

Day-to-day operations, coordination, and administrative processes are handled by the Administrative Office (AO).

The AO supports researchers and committees in project management, communication, diversity and sustainability activities, public engagement, and media design, thereby enabling smooth implementation of strategic decisions.

Ecosystem

BioSysteM – A unique ecosystem to shape the bio revolution