Due to the ongoing Corona pandemic, the number of research places at the Institute is currently very limited.
Research stay
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law welcomes external scholars to conduct research in criminal law, criminology, public law, legal theory, and legal philosophy on a temporary basis. A limited number of desks for guest researchers are available. Preference is given to scholars whose projects are in line with research conducted in one of the three departments of the Institute. Please note if you are planning to apply for a scholarship from the DAAD, the AvH Foundation or another research institution: You should first apply for one of the few research places at the Institute.
In compliance with the rules of the Max Planck Society, all arriving guest scholars must enter into a Guest Residency Agreement with the Institute for the duration of their expected research stay.
We offer the following options
Applications for a research stay at the Institute can only be submitted through the online application portal. Please upload required documents in PDF format.
Who qualifies for the scholarship program?
- Doctoral students from foreign research institutions as well as doctoral students from German research institutions who are not working on their doctorate under the directors of the institute
- Postdocs from foreign research institutions
- Professors and experienced scientists from foreign research institutions
Fellows from abroad may also apply for a limited number of scholarships from the Max Planck Society. Scholarships are typically awarded for a period of two to four months.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of publications
- One to three scholarly publications in German or English (PDF format)
- Description of the research project (5–10 pages).
Doctoral students are not necessarily expected to submit publications; however, they should submit a more detailed research plan (approx. 10 pages).
- Diplom degree certificates
- Doctoral degree certificate
Duration of scholarships
Scholarships are typically awarded for a period of two to four months. The rules of the Max Planck Society do not allow doctoral scholarships of more than six months.
Amount of the scholarship
The scholarship amount is
- up to 1,365.00 EUR per month (Doctoral students)
- up to 2,500.00 EUR per month (Postdocs)
Professors and experienced researchers from foreign research institutions can also receive a scholarship of up to 2,500.00 EUR per month for expenses associated with their research stay at the Institute. In exceptional cases, a larger grant may be awarded if special circumstances apply.
As a general rule, the Institute does not reimburse travel expenses.Health insurance
All scholarship recipients must have health insurance. Please make sure you have sufficient coverage and provide us with proof of insurance.
Deadline
Applications for scholarships for the following year must be submitted by
31 May and 31 October
of the previous year.→ Online application portal doctoral, postdoctoral, and senior fellows
Research stay from one week to one month.
Workspace is available in Library Reading Room 222. Applications may be submitted at any time. Due to the limited number of spaces, an early request is recommended.
The following documents are required for an application to use the library:
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of publications
- Research plan (1 page)
- Brief explanation stating the reason(s) for using the Institute's library.
Research stay from one month to one year (or longer, in exceptional cases).
Visiting scholars will be provided with a designated workspace, usually in the library. Please note that the number of available workspaces is limited. Admission requests must be submitted at least three months prior to the planned stay. If the application is accompanied by a request for an expert opinion (e.g., to apply for financial support in your country), it must be submitted at least four months prior to the planned stay at the Institute.Visiting scholars and fellows are invited to participate actively in the Institute's research events, for example by attending workshops, exchanging views with doctoral students, or giving lectures. Scholars and fellows staying for three months or longer are expected to submit a paper to the Institute's newly founded SSRN series.
Required documents
Curriculum Vitae
List of publications
One to three scholarly publications in German or English (PDF format)
- Description of the research project (5–10 pages).
Doctoral students are not necessarily expected to submit publications; however, they should submit a more detailed research plan (approx. 10 pages).
MPG Guide for International Scientists at the Max Planck Institute
Living and working in Germany. A guide for international guest researchers