Max Planck Institute Visiting Researchers Program 2027 in Germany

The Visiting Researchers Program (Summer Semester 2027) at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) is open to scholars in economic sociology and comparative and international political economy. The application deadline is October 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC+1).

This fellowship is designed for doctoral researchers, postdoctoral scholars, professors, and other researchers. Selected visiting researchers usually stay for two to twelve months in Cologne, Germany. However, applicants must arrange their own funding and submit a funding plan with the application.

Key Details:Application Deadline: October 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC+1)Eligible Countries: Germany; InternationalProgram Duration: Generally 2–12 monthsProgram Location: Cologne (Köln), Germany — Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (Paulstr. 3, 50676 Köln)Funding/Benefits: Successful applicants receive a letter of invitation to support funding applications; applicants must provide their own funding and funding planAward Provider: Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG)

About this Program

The MPIfG Visiting Researchers Program hosts a limited number of scholars each year. It focuses on research in economic sociology and comparative and international political economy.

Successful applicants are assigned to an MPIfG director or research group leader. They also join the institute’s collaborative and collegial research environment during their stay.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be scholars in economic sociology or comparative and international political economy.

Applicants may be professors, postdoctoral researchers, or doctoral researchers.

Applicants may come from Germany or from other countries.

What Fellows Receive: Letter of invitation to approach funding institutions; assignment to an MPIfG director or research group leader; participation in a collaborative and collegial research environment.

Program Components Pursue a research project at the MPIfG as outlined in the proposal; work with an MPIfG director or research group leader; submit a funding plan and arrange funding for the stay.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the online application in English or German. In addition, they must submit a research proposal of up to three pages and a funding plan for the stay.

Applicants should also indicate their preferred MPIfG director or research group leader in the application. Since the institute does not provide direct fellowship funding in the information provided, candidates should prepare a clear plan for external funding.

👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details

Applicants must be scholars in economic sociology or comparative and international political economy. Applicants may be professors, postdoctoral researchers, or doctoral researchers.