Congratulations to Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel on the 2026 Nobel Prize 

Single-celled organisms shed light on neurobiology

Bacteriorhodopsin and channelrhodopsin, which originates from a unicellular green alga, are advancing to become new tools in neurobiology

Optogenetics briefly explained

Optogenetics is a relatively new field of research that focuses on the control of genetically modified cells using light. It is based on light-activated membrane proteins embedded in cells. [YouTube-Link)

Hearing the light

Based on the research of Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, researchers are currently developing optogenetic cochlear implants. They are aimed at enhancing auditory perception for individuals with hearing impairments.

News

First detection of heavy methanol in space

October 07, 2026
Astronomy Astrophysics
Methanol containing heavy hydrogen is considered the building block of complex organic molecules and allows us to trace how stars and planets form from extremely cold interstellar gas and dust

Orangutan mothers seek out playmates for young

October 07, 2026
Behavioral Biology Biodiversity
Mothers of the most solitary great ape plan and structure playdates, even when it comes at a cost

Goodbye idealism, hello frustration?

October 05, 2026
Psychology
How quickly police recruits change
Further News

Career

Warning: fake career and research ads on social media

September 17, 2026
Social Media
A network of scam accounts impersonating the Max Planck Society is currently active on LinkedIn and Instagram

Independent Max Planck Research Groups

Start at a Max Planck Institute with your own independent Max Planck Research Group. This position is equivalent to a W2 Professorship at a German university, or Associate Professor internationally. Apply until October 14th!

Max Planck Postdoc Program

September 01, 2026
The Max Planck Postdoc Program offers a guaranteed contract of at least 3 years, targeted mentoring, and career workshops. Applications for the new call are possible until 13 October 2026

Job Offers

Student Assistant (m/f/d)

Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried
October 08, 2026

Postdoctoral Position(s) (m/f/d) | High-Energy Astrophysics

Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching
October 08, 2026

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) | Biomolecular Phase Transitions from Microfluidics to Processes

Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg
October 08, 2026
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Career

International

Max Planck Stanford Center to be established

September 23, 2026
Artificial Intelligence Computer Science International
Max Planck Institute for Informatics and Stanford School of Engineering to establish a joint AI research centre

Rice University and the Max Planck Society establish a partnership on quantum materials

July 07, 2026
Quantum Physics
Through the “Quantum Materials – Rice and Max Planck Partnership” they advance global leadership in quantum materials and technology

Rescue mission for Ukrainian science

June 30, 2026
Europe Ukraine
Ukrainian female scientists are building bridges to Germany and Europe, thereby fostering academic freedom in Ukraine
Country portals

Topic Specials

Climate and Transformation

In addition to climate forecasts, the consequences of climate change are increasingly becoming the focus of research at Max Planck Institutes

The brain

The human brain is the most complex organ that nature has ever produced: 100 billion nerve cells and many times more contact points give it capabilities that no supercomputer can match

Migration

The causes and consequences of human mobility and its history are central topics for research at Max Planck Institutes
Further Topic Specials

Publications


Illustration of networks and two persons
Cover of the brochure Living and Working in Germany
Cover Max Planck Research Magazine 2/2026
Annual Report 2025 cover - Max Planck Society
Cover - Highlights 2025 from the Yearbook of the Max Planck Society
Image brochure - Max Planck Society
Evaluation cover

From the Institutes


MPI of Colloids and Interfaces
Atomic hydrogen from the photoreactor
MPI for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
The brain begins preparing for vision while still in the womb
MPI for Brain Research
Remote-control in the cortex
MPI for Human Development
Women leave psychological research more often than men
MPI of Colloids and Interfaces
Light controls the separation of ions
MPI for Biological Cybernetics
A relaxing afternoon filled with great science
MPI for Astronomy
NASA selects new far-infrared telescope PRIMA with MPIA providing crucial hardware
MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology
Seasonal scarcity and the challenge of preserving natural resources
MPI for Heart and Lung Research
Non-coding RNA protects the heart against dangerous arrhythmias
MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology
A new tool for investigating microbial methane production in natural environments
MPI for Chemical Ecology
Fungi neutralize spruce defense mechanisms with sugar
MPI of Biochemistry
A molecular view of PRC1 at work on chromosomes
MPI for Biological Intelligence (Martinsried site), et al.
Home advantage or pastures new
MPI for Solar System Research
Sun: New Evidence of Superflares
MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology
Cracking Open the Gatekeeper of the Cell
MPI for Solar System Research
Mercury’s Crust Formed by Extreme Volcanism
MPI for Gravitational Physics
Black holes heavier than allowed?
MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology
The Liquid Core of Photosynthesis

Multimedia


My Science and Me

What fascinates scientists about their research? What drives them? Science thrives on the people who shape it. Our picture gallery depicts aspects of research from the perspective of those who carry it out

Unraveling Behavior

Podcast
A science podcast about the patterns driving human judgment and decision making. In each episode,  Ana Sofia Morais sits down with a researcher to explore how people make decisions, how they handle risk, and how our surroundings and the online world shape our behavior.

Cell droplet research

Youtube-Video
A new hope for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. A film about the research of Anthony Hyman, who was awared the Koerber Prize 2022 and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences 2023.

Flight and Trauma

Video
Traumatic experiences from fleeing war zones can lead to distressing symptoms, which impair everyday life. Now with Ukranian sub-titles.

Optogenetics | briefly explained

Youtube-Video
Turning nerve cells on and off using pulses of light. Optogenetics is a relatively new field that uses light to control genetically modified cells. It is based on light-activated membrane proteins, such as bacteriorhodopsin or channelrhodopsin, that are built into nerve cells.

Research for your Ears

Max Planck Institutes regularly produce podcasts that are well worth checking out

Social Media

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