Project Calls are published periodically — see below for currently open calls. Here are a few general tips:
How to apply
1. Aim for Sustainable Innovation
SusMax is about reimagining material science with sustainability at its core. We’re looking for meaningful ideas that have the potential to make a real-world impact. Ask yourself:
How can we innovate materials in ways that are sustainable, collaborative, and forward-thinking?
2. Collaborate Across Max Planck Institutes
To apply, your proposal must include a collaboration with at least one other Max Planck Institute.
- It doesn’t have to be one of the six core SusMax institutes — any MPI counts.
- The quality of the idea and the partnership are what matter most.
3. Who Can Apply?
- Postdocs are eligible to apply and may fund their own positions through the proposal.
- Applications must come from teams (minimum two MPIs), but more are welcome.
4. What Makes a Strong Proposal?
- A great idea and a partner in another MPI
- A real collaboration, not two parallel projects—show the synergy
5. No strict format, but your proposal should include:
- The core idea
- How the collaboration works
- Your research plan
- Budget estimate
- Proposals are expected to be no longer than 2 to 3 pages
6. We welcome:
- Ideas for innovative workshop formats
- Cross-disciplinary approaches
- Opportunities to learn from different perspectives
- Proposals that “think big” while maintaining scientific excellence
7. Final Thought
This call is not just about funding research. It’s about building a community that asks important questions and tries to do something meaningful—together.
Open Calls
The 2nd call will open on 23 October 2025. Deadline will be 5 December 2025. More information coming soon!
Previous Calls
First Project Call
- Opening date: May 5, 2025
- Closing date: June 9, 2025
- Scope: Internal call open to the six core institutes
General Requirements for Project Proposals
- SusMax is committed to support the careers of group leaders and other qualified scientists by encouraging them to submit project proposals to the steering committee according to the rules above.
- Each joint project must involve at least two Max Planck Institutes (MPIs)
- Each participating MPI must contribute one postdoc
- This means two postdocs per joint project as a minimum
- Project proposals must be submitted to the Steering Committee for Discussion and the final selection
To be considered under the SusMax program, projects must align with at least one of the following topical blocks (or bridge between them):
- Sensing-based programmable behavior of materials
- Recyclability and sustainability of materials and material systems
- Controlled disintegration and disassembly of materials
- Alternatively: Address themes relevant to the broader perspective of SusMax
SusMax is committed to support the careers of group leaders and other qualified scientists by encouraging them to submit project proposals to the steering committee according to the rules above.