The group was awarded with a research bonus (Forschungsprämie) by the Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF, Federal Ministry of Education and Research) supporting the development of micron sized particles for the detection of transplanted cells via MRI. The program is part of the High-Tech Strategy for Germany, launched by the Federal Government in August 2006 to encourage the development of new products and innovative services.