Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung: Basic research in soft matter

Ever since its foundation, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) in­­­ternationally has ranked among the top research centers in the field of polymer science. The focus on so-called soft matter and macro-­­molecular materials has re­­sulted in the worldwide unique position of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and its research focus.

Polymers are very large molecules, which can be found in ordinary things like packaging, clothing, displays of mobile phones and laptops, as well as in proteins, cellulose or in the DNA, containing the human genome.

Scientists from over 40 nations work at the production and characterization of polymers and research their physical and chemical properties at the MPI-P. Thus, they can reach a better understanding of already known materials and develop new ones with specially designed properties. The MPI-P combines all the necessary specialized expertise – from the creative design of new materials, to their synthesis in the lab and their physical characterization as well as the theoretical under­­­­standing of polymer characteristics. For more than 25 years, the MPI-P has been extensively supporting junior researchers. The Max Planck Graduate Center offers an internationally attractive graduate training program in cooperation with the Jo­­­hannes Gutenberg University.