Researchers facing displacement because of war or natural disasters can apply for the MAXMINDS 2.0 mentoring programme 2026/27, an initiative supported by the Max Planck Society that connects researchers with current or former researchers from Max Planck Institutes.
The programme is designed for researchers who are in acute danger of displacement or have recently been displaced by war or natural disasters and who have limited access to research resources and institutional support.
The mentoring programme provides tailored one-on-one guidance based on the research interests and needs of each mentee. Support can include assistance with identifying and applying for academic positions, scholarships, fellowships and research stays, as well as strengthening CVs and research proposals and expanding academic networks.
Applications for the 2026/27 round are currently open, with a deadline of October 18, 2026.
What Is MAXMINDS 2.0?
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.
Applicants must be:
- Researchers at master’s level or above.
- In acute danger of displacement because of war, or recently displaced by war or a natural disaster.
- Facing limited access to research resources and institutional support.
- Interested in receiving research and career mentorship tailored to their circumstances.
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.
The mentoring relationship is shaped around the expertise of the mentor and the research interests and needs of the mentee.
What Support Does the Programme Provide?
MAXMINDS 2.0 focuses on mentoring and guidance rather than direct financial assistance.
Mentors may support participants with:
- Finding relevant academic and research positions.
- Identifying scholarships and fellowships.
- Exploring research-stay opportunities.
- Preparing and improving CVs.
- Strengthening research proposals and applications.
- Building academic connections and professional networks.
- Maintaining scientific activity during periods of displacement.
- 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
Applicants should note an important distinction: 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
The 2026/27 MAXMINDS 2.0 cycle follows the timeline below:
- Applications: 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.
Application Deadline
Applications for the MAXMINDS 2.0 2026/27 mentoring programme must be submitted by October 18, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Researchers who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to review the application requirements carefully and submit their applications before the deadline.
How to Apply
Eligible researchers can apply through the official MAXMINDS 2.0 application form.
Applicants should provide the information requested by the programme and ensure that their circumstances and research interests are clearly presented so that the team can assess their eligibility and identify an appropriate mentoring match.
Questions about the programme can be directed to the MAXMINDS team by email.
