The history of molecular biology in Germany is closely linked to the Institute of Genetics in Cologne, the first molecular biological Institute at a German university. Founded in 1959 by the émigré physicist and future Nobel laureate Max Delbrück, the Institute was the first in Germany to implement less hierarchical American organizational structures and research habits. The Institute had already gained an excellent international scientific reputation by the beginning of the 1960s.

This volume comprises the recollections of scientists pertaining to the Institute’s research, organization and other specificities. Articles by historians of science analyze the historical background and international framework of the Institute's foundations and genetic research. In addition, the scientists discuss contemporary questions of science policy with regard to teaching and the impact of the internal structures of scientific institutions on the quality of research.

Contents:

• Introduction:
• A Brief Review of the Early History of Genetics and Its Relationship to Physics and Chemistry (U Deichmann)
• First Initiatives, Concept, Founding and Crisis:
• Founding and Crisis (S Wenkel)
• Building Molecular Biology in Post-War Europe: between the Atomic Age and the American Challenge (B J Strasser)
• The Beginnings:
• Recollections (H G Zachau)
• How Chemistry Met Genetics (H Feldmann)
• Views from Outside:
• In the Smog of Genetics: Biochemistry in Cologne — My Version of History (L Jaenicke)
• TMV in Tübingen and Its Escapade with Genetics (K-W Mundry)
• Research and Scientific Collaboration:
• Molecular Virology and Medical Genetics at the Institute of Genetics in Cologne, 1972–2002 (W Doerfler)
• Joining the Institute of Genetics Early on as an Immunologist (K Rajewsky)
• Molecular Biology and the German University Structure:
• Panel Discussion (H Bujard et al.)
• Establishment and Teaching of Molecular Biology in Germany:
• A Discussion (C N David et al.)
• Final Remarks:
• Science and Society (P Starlinger)