Max Planck Institute Visiting Researchers Program 2027 | Research Opportunity in Germany
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies invites doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and professors to apply for its Visiting Researchers Program for the summer semester 2027.
Overview
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) in Cologne, Germany, offers a visiting researchers program for scholars interested in conducting basic research into the governance of modern societies. The program enables participants to join a collaborative academic environment for a duration ranging from two to twelve months during the summer semester 2027.
The opportunity is targeted at researchers focusing on economic sociology, comparative political economy, and international political economy. Successful participants are assigned to an MPIfG director or research group leader to pursue an independent project aligned with the Institute's agenda.
Eligibility
- Open to doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and professors.
- Applicants may be based in Germany or abroad.
- Proposed research projects must closely relate to the MPIfG research program in economic sociology or comparative and international political economy.
- Applicants must identify a preferred MPIfG director or research group leader.
- Applicants must provide their own funding and submit a funding plan with their application.
Benefits
- Access to a collaborative and collegial academic environment at a leading research institute in Cologne, Germany.
- Assignment to an MPIfG director or research group leader for guidance and networking.
- An official letter of invitation upon acceptance, which can be utilized when approaching external funding institutions for financial support.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online in either English or German through the official application system. Submissions sent via email will not be considered.
Required application components include:
- A research proposal of up to three pages detailing the project, research questions, and relevance to the MPIfG.
- Identification of a preferred MPIfG director or research group leader.
- A complete funding plan for the duration of the stay.
Deadline
The application deadline is October 31, 2026, at 23:59 UTC+1. Agreed visiting dates cannot be postponed or split once accepted.