MAXMINDS 2.0 Max Planck Initiative for Researchers At-Risk 2026/27: Mentorship for Displaced Researchers

 

The MAXMINDS 2.0 Max Planck Initiative for Researchers At-Risk is a mentorship programme supporting researchers whose academic and research careers have been disrupted or threatened by war or natural disasters. The initiative connects eligible researchers with mentors from the Max Planck research community who can provide personalised guidance, professional connections and support in navigating academic and research opportunities.

The programme is open to researchers at Master’s level and above, across different career stages and regardless of nationality. For the 2026/27 programme, applications are open until 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

MAXMINDS 2.0 is a mentorship initiative rather than a direct funding programme. Its purpose is to help researchers facing difficult circumstances identify opportunities, strengthen applications and rebuild their academic and professional networks.

What Is MAXMINDS 2.0?

MAXMINDS 2.0, the Max Planck Initiative for Researchers At-Risk, was established to support researchers who are facing acute threats to their academic careers because of displacement, particularly in situations involving war or natural disasters.

Displacement can interrupt research projects, separate researchers from universities and research groups, restrict access to laboratories and academic resources, and make it difficult to maintain professional networks. Researchers may also struggle to find information about fellowships, scholarships, research stays or positions that could help them continue their careers.

MAXMINDS 2.0 responds to these challenges by providing a structured mentoring relationship. Eligible researchers are matched with mentors whose expertise and research interests can be relevant to their academic background and future goals.

Through this relationship, mentees can receive practical advice while exploring opportunities within the Max Planck Society and the wider research environment.

Who Can Apply for MAXMINDS 2.0?

The programme is intended for researchers who meet both the academic and displacement-related requirements.

Applicants should:

• Be at Master’s level or above.
• Be in acute danger of displacement by war or have been recently displaced by war or a natural disaster.
• Have limited access to research resources and institutional support.
• Be seeking to continue or develop their academic or research career.
• Be willing to participate in a structured mentoring relationship.

MAXMINDS 2.0 is open to all nationalities. It is also not restricted to one particular academic discipline or career stage. Eligible applicants may include Master’s students, doctoral researchers, early-career researchers, mid-career researchers and senior researchers, provided they meet the programme’s core requirements.

What Does the Programme Offer?

MAXMINDS 2.0 provides individualised support designed around the needs and research interests of each mentee.

Mentorship and Career Guidance

Participants are connected with experienced researchers who can offer advice on academic and research-career development. Mentors and mentees work together to identify useful opportunities and determine practical steps towards the mentee’s goals.

Application and CV Support

Mentors can provide guidance on applications for internships, scholarships, fellowships, research stays and research positions. They can also advise mentees on presenting their academic experience, research interests and professional background effectively in applications and CVs.

Professional Connections

Researchers affected by displacement may have lost access to established academic networks. MAXMINDS 2.0 can help participants develop professional connections through their mentoring relationship and the wider research community.

Information on Research Opportunities

The initiative also serves as a source of information about fellowships and other research opportunities. Its broader opportunities platform includes resources relevant to researchers at different career stages, including mid-career and senior researchers.

How Does the Mentoring Programme Work?

Once applications have been reviewed, successful participants go through an onboarding and mentor-matching process.

The matching process considers the research interests and expertise of mentors and mentees so that the relationship can provide meaningful academic and professional guidance.

The fast-track mentoring programme involves regular meetings between the mentor and mentee. The programme information indicates that participants should have at least four meetings during the initial mentoring period, with the possibility of extending the relationship to at least six meetings by mutual agreement.

For the 2026/27 round, the main mentoring period is scheduled for November 2026 to March 2027.

Mentors and mentees are also expected to follow the MAXMINDS 2.0 Code of Conduct, which establishes expectations for the mentoring relationship.

Is MAXMINDS 2.0 Fully Funded?

No. MAXMINDS 2.0 does not currently provide direct financial funding to participants.

This is an important distinction for applicants. The programme provides mentorship and guidance that can help researchers pursue other opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, internships, research stays and positions.

Participation therefore does not automatically result in a scholarship, research position, fellowship or financial award. Instead, the programme helps researchers navigate these opportunities with support from an experienced mentor.

2026/27 MAXMINDS 2.0 Timeline

The programme follows the schedule below:

Stage	Date
Application deadline	18 October 2026, 23:59 CEST
Selection	End of October 2026
Applicants notified	By 30 October 2026
Onboarding and mentor matching	November 2026
Mentoring	November 2026 – March 2027

Applicants should submit their forms before the deadline and ensure that the information provided accurately reflects their academic background and circumstances.

How to Apply for MAXMINDS 2.0

The application process is completed online through the official MAXMINDS 2.0 application form.

1. Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, make sure you meet the programme’s Master’s-level-or-above requirement and the criteria relating to displacement and access to research resources and institutional support.

2. Prepare Your Information

Applicants should be ready to provide relevant information about their academic background, research experience, research interests and current circumstances.

3. Explain Your Research and Career Needs

Since the programme is based on individual mentorship, applicants should clearly communicate the type of academic or research support they need and the opportunities they hope to pursue.

4. Submit the Online Form

Complete and submit the official MAXMINDS 2.0 application form before 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

According to the programme timeline, applications will be reviewed towards the end of October, with successful applicants moving into onboarding and mentor matching in November.

Important Details at a Glance

Programme: MAXMINDS 2.0 – Max Planck Initiative for Researchers At-Risk
Organisation: Max Planck Society
Opportunity type: Research mentorship and career support
Academic level: Master’s level and above
Career stages: All career levels, subject to eligibility requirements
Nationality: Open regardless of nationality
Target group: Researchers at risk of displacement or recently displaced by war or natural disasters
Support: Mentorship, application and CV guidance, professional connections and research-opportunity information
Direct funding: Not currently provided
Mentoring period: November 2026 – March 2027
Application deadline: 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST

Application Portal

Researchers interested in MAXMINDS 2.0 should apply through the official online application form.

Access Application Form Here

Official Programme Information

 

The MAXMINDS 2.0 Max Planck Initiative for Researchers At-Risk offers structured mentorship to researchers whose academic careers have been affected or threatened by war or natural disasters. By connecting eligible researchers with experienced mentors, the programme provides practical support with applications, CVs, professional networking and navigating further research opportunities.

The initiative is open to eligible researchers from the Master’s level onward, regardless of nationality or career stage. While MAXMINDS 2.0 does not provide direct funding, its mentorship can help participants identify and pursue scholarships, fellowships, internships, research stays and other academic opportunities.

Applications for the 2026/27 programme close on 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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