Portrait
The Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) is one of the world's leading research centers in the field of polymer science. It was founded in 1983 on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and began its scientific work in June 1984.
With its consistent focus on soft matter and macromolecular materials, the MPI-P is unique worldwide. Scientists from Germany and abroad conduct basic research into the synthesis and characterization of polymers and their physical and chemical properties.
The institute offers ideal conditions for excellent research. From the creative development of new materials to their synthesis in the laboratory and physical characterization to the theoretical understanding of polymer properties, the MPI-P combines all the necessary scientific expertise under one roof. Accordingly, research is not strictly divided into departments, but is deliberately organized in an interdisciplinary manner.
The MPI-P is dedicated to four cross-department priority topics in basic polymer science research:
- Transport
- Radicals
- Assembly
- Interfaces
You can find out more about the research areas here
There is close interaction between the individual research areas, as many issues are addressed in cross-disciplinary projects. The scientific work is complemented by a variety of service groups, including polymer analysis, spectroscopy, IT, X-ray structural analysis, atomic force and electron microscopy, and mechanical spectroscopy. These groups are each assigned to a director for organizational purposes, but are available to all employees throughout the institute.
International promotion of young talent
The training of young scientists is of central importance for the future of science and innovation. The Max Planck Graduate Center (MPGC) is an internationally oriented, structured graduate program in cooperation with Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. It has its own doctoral regulations and places particular emphasis on innovative teaching content and interdisciplinary fields of research.
Regional engagement
In addition to its international visibility in promoting young talent, the MPI-P is also strongly committed to the region. For over twenty years, the institute has been training young people after they finish school in two recognized apprenticeship professions: industrial mechanic with a specialization in precision engineering and office management assistant. Training is provided under expert guidance and with modern technical equipment.
In addition, the MPI-P offers high school students the opportunity to gain initial insights into the daily work of a research institute through internships. The institute also participates in projects at the University of Mainz's NatLab student laboratory. MPI-P employees actively contribute to teaching at the University of Mainz by giving seminars and lectures, while doctoral students support chemistry, physics, and biology students in tutorials as part of their training.