Max Planck launches transatlantic programme

Given the critical importance of transatlantic cooperation for scientific progress, and in light of the current political climate in the United States, the Max Planck Society is launching its Transatlantic Program. The programme includes the following initiatives and is aimed at the following groups:

Prospective PhD students can apply to one of the Max Planck graduate programmes – such as the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS), Max Planck Schools, or graduate centers – through the following portal:  Career at Max Planck: doctoral students. Researchers interested in postdoctoral opportunities are encouraged to keep an eye out for the next call for applications to the central Max Planck Postdoc Program: Max Planck Postgrad Program. In addition, applications can generally be submitted at any time directly to research groups at Max Planck Institutes (MPIs). The Society is also working to establish a dedicated transatlantic postdoctoral programme, which will be open to all MPIs.

Additional research groups will be funded under existing programmes for group leaders, including the Max Planck Research Groups and Lise Meitner Groups. Interested candidates can find more information here: Career at Max Planck: Research Group Leaders

The Max Planck Society also welcomes independent applications from candidates in the United States for director-level positions. Applicants may reach out directly to specific Institutes or contact: [email protected] For information on the qualifications and conditions for directors, visit: Career at Max Planck: directors. This page will also list future calls for director positions at Max Planck Institutes. An open call for expressions of interest is expected to be published before the summer break.

The Society will also create six to twelve new Max Planck Advanced Investigator positions, with an initial term of 6 years and an optional 3-year extension. These roles do not involve leadership of an institute. Appointees will be expected to secure significant external funding – such as an ERC Advanced Grant or Super Grant – within their first year. The first round of calls for applications will be announced in July 2025 across the entire Max Planck network.

Finally, the Max Planck Society plans to establish four to six new Max Planck Centers in partnership with leading U.S. institutions to conduct collaborative research projects. A dedicated call for proposals is currently in preparation and will also be published in July 2025. More info: Max Planck Centers

This article was first published on 8 July by Max Planck.