Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) is a top-level research institution in the social sciences. It conducts basic research that is open to application with the aim of developing an empirically founded theory of the social and political foundations of modern societies. The focus is on examining the connections between economic, social and political action. With a primarily institutional approach, research is carried out into how markets, companies and the regulation of the economy are embedded in historical, political and cultural contexts, how they emerge and how their social contexts change. The institute builds a bridge between theory and politics and contributes to the political discussion about central questions of modern societies.

The MPIfG was founded in 1985 under the leadership of the sociologist Renate Mayntz. It is one of the approximately eighty research institutions of the Max Planck Society (MPG) that conducts basic research primarily in the natural sciences, but also in the humanities and social sciences. The MPG is one of the largest non-university research organizations in Germany. It is an independent, non-profit research organization and is mainly financed by public funds from the federal and state governments. In addition, there is income from membership fees, donations, project funding and our own earnings.

The MPIfG is one of the largest social science research institutions in Germany. It is internationally recognized as one of the outstanding institutions in the social sciences. The reputation of its researchers, the attractiveness of the institute for guest researchers and the ability to attract highly talented doctoral students from all over the world are an expression of its far-reaching and significant charisma. Cooperation with top research institutions in many parts of the world plays a key role in the Institute’s international reputation.