MAXMINDS 2.0 Mentoring Programme 2026/27: Mentorship for Researchers Facing Displacement
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Max Planck Society – MAXMINDS 2.0 Mentoring Programme – Remote / Global
Complete guide to eligibility, benefits, responsibilities, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Max Planck Society (MAXMINDS 2.0) |
| Programme | MAXMINDS 2.0 Mentoring Programme 2026/27 |
| Location | Remote / Global |
| Duration | 4–6 Months |
| Eligibility | Researchers at Master's level or above, facing displacement due to war or natural disasters |
| Focus | Academic career support, research mentorship, fellowship guidance, CV strengthening, networking |
| Benefits | One-on-one mentoring, career guidance, access to academic networks |
| Application Deadline | 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Max Planck Society |
| Opportunity Category | Fellowship / Mentoring Programme |
| Location | Remote / Global |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English |
About the MAXMINDS 2.0 Mentoring Programme
MAXMINDS 2.0 is a mentoring initiative intended to help researchers maintain and develop their academic careers when displacement or disrupted institutional support makes it difficult to continue their research activities.
The programme connects eligible researchers with current or former researchers from one of the Max Planck Institutes. Mentors provide individualized guidance according to their expertise and the research interests of the mentee.
The initiative is particularly focused on researchers who have experienced disruption to their academic careers because of conflict or natural disasters and who face restricted access to research infrastructure, professional networks and institutional support.
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, MAXMINDS 2.0 maintains a platform that provides information about fellowships, research opportunities and other resources available to researchers.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to researchers at MA level and above who meet the displacement and resource-access criteria.
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Education | Researchers at master's level or above |
| Displacement | In acute danger of displacement because of war, or recently displaced by war or a natural disaster |
| Resources | Facing limited access to research resources and institutional support |
| Interest | Interested in receiving research and career mentorship tailored to their circumstances |
Note: The programme states that researchers can apply regardless of nationality, making the initiative relevant to researchers affected by displacement in different parts of the world.
What Support Does the Programme Provide?
MAXMINDS 2.0 focuses on mentoring and guidance rather than direct financial assistance.
| Support Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Positions | Finding relevant academic and research positions |
| Scholarships | Identifying scholarships and fellowships |
| Research Stays | Exploring research-stay opportunities |
| CV Preparation | Preparing and improving CVs |
| Research Proposals | Strengthening research proposals and applications |
| Academic Connections | Building academic connections and professional networks |
| Scientific Activity | Maintaining scientific activity during periods of displacement |
| Career Guidance | Regular check-ins and career guidance |
The exact focus of the mentoring relationship depends on the individual needs of the mentee and the expertise of the matched mentor.
The mentoring period will last for at least four months and may be extended to six months, depending on the arrangement between the mentor and mentee.
No Direct Funding Is Provided
Important: MAXMINDS 2.0 does not currently provide funding itself. Instead, the programme helps researchers identify and pursue external opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, research stays and academic positions.
This means applicants should not interpret acceptance into MAXMINDS 2.0 as an award of a research grant, scholarship or stipend. The principal benefit is personalized mentoring, guidance and access to academic connections and information resources.
Programme Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Open until October 18, 2026 |
| Selection | End of October 2026 |
| Selection Notification | By October 30, 2026 |
| Onboarding and Mentor Matching | November 2026 |
| Mentoring | November 2026 to March 2027 |
The mentoring period may be extended beyond March depending on the agreement between the mentor and mentee, with the programme indicating that mentoring can last up to six months.
How to Apply
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official MAXMINDS 2.0 application form: https://www.maxminds.mpg.de/3630/apply |
| 2 | Review the eligibility criteria carefully |
| 3 | Prepare your application with information about your circumstances and research interests |
| 4 | Submit before 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST |
| 5 | Questions can be directed to maxminds@mpib-berlin.mpg.de |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST |
| Selection Notification | By October 30, 2026 |
| Mentoring Period | November 2026 to March 2027 (extendable to 6 months) |
Important Links
| Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Application Page | |
| MAXMINDS Official Website | |
| Contact Email | maxminds@mpib-berlin.mpg.de |
| CareerFlora |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is MAXMINDS 2.0? | A mentoring initiative by Max Planck Society for researchers facing displacement |
| Q2. Where is it located? | Remote / Global |
| Q3. Who can apply? | Researchers at Master's level or above, facing displacement due to war or natural disasters |
| Q4. Is it paid? | No, MAXMINDS 2.0 does not provide direct funding |
| Q5. What are the benefits? | One-on-one mentoring, career guidance, academic networking, CV strengthening |
| Q6. What are the responsibilities? | Actively participate in mentoring, work on career development |
| Q7. Is work authorization provided? | Not applicable (remote mentoring programme) |
| Q8. What is the deadline? | 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST |
| Q9. How to apply? | Online through the official MAXMINDS 2.0 application form |
| Q10. When does the mentoring start? | November 2026 |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The MAXMINDS 2.0 Mentoring Programme 2026/27 offers a unique opportunity for researchers facing displacement to receive personalized mentoring and guidance from current or former researchers at Max Planck Institutes. The programme's emphasis on academic career support, research mentorship, and networking provides participants with meaningful assistance to maintain and develop their academic careers during challenging circumstances.
While the programme does not provide direct funding, the one-on-one mentoring, career guidance, and access to academic networks can be invaluable for researchers navigating displacement and seeking to continue their research activities.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Researchers Facing Displacement | Yes |
| Researchers At Risk | Yes |
| Master's Level Researchers | Yes |
| PhD Researchers | Yes |
| Postdoctoral Researchers | Yes |
| Researchers Affected by War | Yes |
| Researchers Affected by Natural Disasters | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Competitive |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Value | Excellent |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for MAXMINDS 2.0 Mentoring Programme 2026/27 before 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Visit the official application page: https://www.maxminds.mpg.de/3630/apply
Review the eligibility criteria
Prepare your application with information about your circumstances and research interests
Submit before 18 October 2026
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