The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology was founded during early 2008 in Lübeck, northern Germany. It derived from the workgroup Cell Differentiation and Cellular Technology at the University of Lübeck that was established by the Fraunhofer Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBMT). The decision to establish a new institute was based on results in the field of adult stem cell research that showed potential as a basis for new therapies.

The Fraunhofer Institution for Marine Biotechnology was founded during early 2008 in Lübeck, northern Germany. It derived from the workgroup Cell Differentiation and Cellular Technology at the University of Lübeck that was established by the Fraunhofer Institute of Biomedical Engineering. The decision to establish a new institute was based on results in the field of adult stem cell research that showed potential as a basis for new therapies.

The EMB is – according to its work profile – a member of the Life Science Alliance of the Fraunhofer Society and focuses predominantly on techniques and technology development in the fields of cellular technology, aquatic biotechnology and cell-based medical techniques. The EMB presents itself as a partner for industry and medicine in the fields of regenerative medicine approaches, development of new culture systems for mammalian cells, harnessing cellular characteristics for medical, industrial and agricultural application, development of innovative test systems for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and environmental parameters, biotechnology, laboratory development, development of imaging methods, aquaculture procedures, hydrographical monitoring as well as biodiversity preservation.

The core competencies of the institute lie in the handling of cellular in vitro systems as well as molecular biological, protein chemical, cellular and marine biological research methods. In co-operation with the IBMT and three zoos (Tierpark Hagenbeck Hamburg, Zoo Neunkirchen and Zoo Rostock), the EMB has set up the German Cell Bank for wildlife „Alfred Brehm“ (German: Deutsche Zellbank für Wildtiere „Alfred Brehm“, CRYO-BREHM for short), and prepares permanent cell cultures from many diverse animal species that are stored in a collection for later use by following generations.

The EMB currently consists of the founder department, Cellular Biotechnology, with three workgroups: Cell Differentiation, Cell Technology as well as Aquatic Cell Technology. Several central facilities belong to the EMB, such as Cell Culture and Cell Analysis headed by Ms. Emel Gürleyik, as well as Instrument Construction and IT.

In the medical field, the EMB works closely with the University of Lübeck on more than a dozen research projects. The co-operation with the University of Applied Sciences of Lübeck focuses primarily on the application-orientated industrial field. Furthermore, various projects with industrial partners are underway.

The EMB is a member of the German Society for Regenerative Medicine and of the Society for Marine Biotechnology.