Klaus Eichmann Libri

The network paradigm dominated immunological research from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. The originator, Niels Jerne, hypothesized that the vast diversity of antibodies in each individual forms a network of mutual „idiotypic“ recognition, thus regulating the immune system. In context of emerging concepts of systems biology such as cybernetics and autopoesis, the „Eigenbehavior“ of the immune system fascinated an entire generation of young immunologists. But fascination led to experimental errors and overinterpretation, eventually magnifying the immune system from a mere infection-fighting device to a substrate of personality and individuality. As a result, what initially appeared as an exciting new perspective of the immune system is now viewed as a scientific vagary, and is largely abandoned. The author, himself a participant in the network vagary, begins with a description of the leading theoretical concepts on fact finding in science. This is followed by a historical account of the rise and fall of the network paradigm, complemented by personal interviews with some of the prominent protagonists. By comparing the network paradigm to other, more lasting concepts in life science, the author develops a general perspective on how solid knowledge is derived from error-prone scientific methodology, namely by exposure of scientific notions to the scrutiny of reality.

Georges Köhler was one of the most prominent German scientists of recent history. In 1984, at an age of 38, he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, together with N. K. Jerne and C. Milstein, for inventing the technique for generating monoclonal antibodies. This method and its subsequent applications had an enormous impact on basic research, medicine and the biotech industry. In the same year, Köhler became one of the directors of the Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology in Freiburg; his unfortunate premature death in 1995 set an end to his extraordinary career. Prof. Klaus Eichmann, who had invited Köhler to become his codirector, is one of the people who were closest to him. This scientific biography commemorates the 10th anniversary of Köhler's untimely death. Köhler's scientific achievements are explained in a way to make them understandable for the general public and discussed in the historical context of immunological research.

Towards the end of the 20th century, biology emerged as a leading scientific discipline, capturing public interest at the start of the 21st century due to its potential impact on humanity. It is crucial for biologists to engage with the public, explaining their work and goals. In the first part of this volume, six prominent biologists share insights on how nature creates complex organisms, like humans, and the strategies these organisms employ to maintain integrity in hostile environments. The scientific process is portrayed as an intellectual pursuit that enriches culture rather than threatens it. The chapters stem from lectures delivered at a symposium celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology in Freiburg, Germany, and are tailored for a general audience without being overly simplistic. The content includes discussions on the evolution of development, challenges in mammalian cloning, size control in development, immune system functions, and lessons from biological curiosities, along with a segment on the history of the institute and immunology in Freiburg. The volume aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding, emphasizing the importance of biology in contemporary society.