The Max Planck Society (MPG) and its Institutes are places of top international research. Recruiting outstanding researchers worldwide and attracting promising young talent is therefore a central concern. The proportion of people working in science who are foreign nationals has increased from 30 per cent to almost 60 per cent in the last ten years. Around 9,000 researchers from over 130 nations currently work for the Max Planck Society.
In order to achieve excellent results in basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences and humanities, cooperation between researchers from different backgrounds and all continents is essential. With their in-depth knowledge, the international offices (IOs) of the MPG advise and support as well as interact globally, nationally and locally with German representations and authorities. There are currently international offices and/or welcome services at more than 60 Institutes.
Thanks to excellent networking with embassies, authorities and local institutions such as immigration and registration offices, kindergartens and schools, the international offices efficiently support immigration from abroad and enable a smooth start at the individual Max Planck Institute. The service ensures that scientists can concentrate on research from the very first moment onwards.
The IOs accompany the international employees from pre-boarding to on-boarding and througout their stay. They facilitate the integration of researchers and their families by providing support with visa issues and other important aspects. With their work, the international officers contribute to the host culture of their individual Institute.
With their comprehensive service, the international offices at many locations create space for excellent research, increase the attractiveness of the Institute and help shape its public image - both regionally and internationally. They contribut to cutting-edge international research and the global networking of the Max Planck Society.
Testimonials
Where and how the International Officers provide support and how much it is appreciated - please read here what colleagues say:
Dr. Seah-Ling Kuan
Group Leader - Protein Therapeutics / Head of Mass Spectrometry MPI für Polymer Research, Mainz My experience with the International Office has been nothing short of exceptional, marked by their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering support. As a group leader, I find it extremely helpful that the International Office was there to guide new international employees as well as students through every step of the process. They provided comprehensive information on visa applications, accommodation options, and essential pre-departure preparations, ensuring a seamless transition to a new country, culture and academic environment. One of the most commendable aspects of the International Office is their commitment to the well-being of internationals and the empathy they showed even when approached with issues outside their jurisdiction. Their continuous support has helped to enhance and made a positive impact on the international's experience.
Dr. Nereo Kalebic
Postdoc Huttner group, MPI of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden Now Group Leader at Human Technopole, Milan A massive thank you for all the help during our stay in Dresden. CBG is such a phenomenal place to work also thanks to you and your current and previous colleagues from the IO that make our lives in Dresden so much easier. In fact when I moved to my new institute I pushed to establish an equivalent office, since I really see that it can be a "game-changer" for attracting international scientist.
Olivia Saffer
PhD MPI for the Science of Light, Erlangen The always-approachable team at the MPL Welcome Center was a fantastic help both before and after my arrival to Germany. So much of the stress of coming to a foreign country and ticking all the bureaucratic boxes was eased thanks to them. They made sure I didn't miss anything important and patiently explained the different steps and forms. Not only that, they helped me search for and assess flats to stay in.
Dr. Robin Cortes-Huerto
Group Leader - Computational Statistical Mechanics at the Nanoscale MPI for Polymer Research, Mainz The international office at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research has provided priceless support throughout my time in Germany. The International Office has always guided me through the visa and residence permit processes, ensuring I felt accompanied and could focus on my scientific work. During the lockdown, they went beyond their duties, assisting my family with visa extensions and communicating with authorities on our behalf. Now, as we pursue German citizenship, they provide vital guidance, including helping with the documents and prescreening our application to increase our chances of success.
Tabrez Shamsh Syed
Postdoc MPI for Biology of Ageing, Cologne During the challenging times of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, when I was stranded in India and faced the imminent expiration of our resident permits, the unwavering support of the International Office of the MPI was pivotal. Through these efforts, our permits were extended, allowing us to manage a safe return to Germany. In attempting to encapsulate the contributions of the InternationalOfficer, I find that words fall short. Her exceptional ability to comprehend the unique circumstances of each individual and tailor solutions accordingly sets her apart. I am truly fortunate to have such a guide, helping hand and a friend in my journey in Germany, and I wholeheartedly endorse her as an exemplary international officer.
Inho Hong
PhD MPI for Human Development, Berlin The International Office played a pivotal role in unveiling the excellent administrative system at MPG, making my transition to life in Germany remarkably smooth. Their invaluable support was especially crucial, given that I relocated to Germany for the first time amid the challenges of the pandemic. From the initial task of finding an apartment, the International Office consistently demonstrated exceptional efficiency, responsibility, kindness, and a commitment to continuous assistance. Reflecting on my three-year postdoc period at MPI, the International Office stands out as one of the highlights. I am truly grateful for their outstanding support, which significantly contributed to my positive experience during my time at MPI.
Yasaman Pakdaman (without photo)
IT Specialist MPI for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main Since September 2020 I have been working as a network administrator at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics. During this time, the International Office helped me open a bank account, and apply for my tax number and my residence permit. Especially in the beginning, when I had no information and no idea, I had to rush to get my tax number and open an account. It was a great help and support from them to accompany me and help me do everything very quickly and of course, I really appreciate that.
Dr. Claudia Gerri (without photo)
Group Leader MPI of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden The international office (IO) has been instrumental for me and for my lab members as well. The IO has helped me both for personal and work related matters. We are not Germans and we moved to Germany when I was expecting my first child. They were many things for us to figure out, e.g. kita, health insurance, find pediatrician/babysitter etc... and the IO helped us with all these aspects. They also helped us to understand how to find an apartment in Dresden. They also helped members of my lab, especially young students coming from abroad! I am very thankful to IO and I think every Institute should have one!
