The Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law (MPIL) awards research grants for stays of up to six months. The Max Planck Society funds these positions to integrate international researchers directly into ongoing Heidelberg projects. The selection committee prioritizes proposals that connect to existing institute research.
The program exclusively supports researchers from foreign institutions who are not writing their dissertation in Germany.
Monthly Funding Amounts
The funding amount depends on the academic qualification:
Application Process and Documents
Applicants upload all documents as PDFs in English or German via the application portal. This portal accepts applications exclusively for the MPIL; applications for other Max Planck Institutes cannot be submitted here. The committee immediately disqualifies incomplete applications or those submitted via email.
Deadlines and Decisions
The annual application period runs from 1 June to 31 July. The institute informs applicants of its final decision eight to ten weeks after the deadline.
Practical Information
Travel expenses: The institute does not reimburse travel to and from Heidelberg. Other expenses are also not subsidized.
Language skills: The institute requires sufficient command of German or English for academic exchange. Specific requirements depend on the individual research project.
Accommodation: Visiting researchers book their own accommodation. The institute does not arrange housing or act as a broker. Because housing in Heidelberg is scarce, early planning is essential. The institute provides a list of local guesthouses upon request.
Health insurance: The MPIL does not insure grant recipients. Adequate health insurance matching the coverage of the German statutory health insurance system is mandatory. Visiting researchers must provide proof of coverage no later than at the start of the grant period.
Contact
For questions regarding the grant program, contact the International Office: internationalofficer@mpil.de
