The Lise Meitner Excellence Program 2027 is scheduled for spring 2027. Exact opening and closing dates have not yet been announced. The programme recruits outstanding researchers to lead independent Lise Meitner Groups within the Max Planck Society and offers a structured pathway toward a permanent W2 position after successful tenure evaluation.
Lise Meitner Excellence Program 2027 at a Glance
| Organisation | Max Planck Society |
|---|---|
| Status | Upcoming |
| Next call | Spring 2027 |
| Exact deadline | Not yet announced |
| Career stage | Early independent researcher / group-leader pathway |
| Typical PhD timing | Normally within 9 years of the doctorate |
| Nationality | No general nationality restriction |
| Career path | Independent research group + W2 tenure track |
What Is Confirmed for 2027 — and What Is Still Pending?
Confirmed
- the next call is planned for spring 2027;
- the programme remains an independent Max Planck research-group pathway;
- the W2 tenure-track opportunity remains central to the programme;
- the current framework normally targets researchers within nine years of the PhD;
- international applicants are welcome; and
- applicants of all genders may apply, while women receive priority under the programme’s positive-action framework.
Still pending for the 2027 call
- exact opening date;
- final application deadline;
- 2027-specific document instructions;
- 2027 CPTS host-letter deadline; and
- any call-specific changes to research areas or selection timing.
Who Can Apply?
The programme targets outstanding researchers who can demonstrate scientific originality, independence and the potential to lead a high-level research group.
- a completed doctorate;
- normally no more than nine years since the PhD;
- no formal age limit;
- family-related or comparable career interruptions may be considered case-by-case;
- an excellent international research record;
- clear scientific independence from doctoral and postdoctoral supervisors;
- strong potential to lead an independent group; and
- ideally, evidence of leadership, mentoring or project responsibility.
Eligibility and Application Traps
- Nine years is not a strict age limit: eligible career interruptions can be considered case-by-case.
- Scientific independence matters: a strong publication record alone is not enough if the proposed work is not clearly independent.
- Institute fit matters: thematic compatibility with a suitable Max Planck Institute is an important practical selection factor.
- One section only: applicants cannot submit simultaneously to multiple Max Planck scientific sections.
- Old host-letter dates are not valid for 2027: the previously published 2026 CPTS deadline must not be reused.
- No post-deadline corrections: applications cannot normally be edited after the deadline.
Max Planck Scientific Sections and Research Areas
Biology and Medicine
- biochemistry, structural biology, chemical biology and biophysics;
- cell and developmental biology and genetics;
- computational biology, big data, machine learning and AI;
- immunobiology, molecular medicine and microbiology;
- neurobiology and behaviour; and
- organismic biology, ecology and evolution.
Human Sciences
- cultural sciences and legal studies;
- human cognitive sciences and natural sciences; and
- social and behavioural sciences.
Chemistry, Physics and Technical
- astronomy and astrophysics;
- chemistry;
- complex systems;
- computer science and mathematics;
- earth sciences;
- materials research; and
- physics.
Application Documents
The current application framework requires:
- cover letter;
- curriculum vitae;
- complete publication list;
- one-page non-specialist summary of major scientific achievements;
- specialist research statement / future research plan;
- the applicant’s three most important publications or access to them; and
- two confidential recommendation letters submitted directly by referees.
Current research-statement limits
| Biology and Medicine | Up to 3 pages |
|---|---|
| Human Sciences | Up to 5 pages |
| Chemistry, Physics and Technical | Up to 5 pages |
Formatting rules to watch
Under the current framework, Human Sciences and CPTS use specific formatting requirements for the achievement summary and research statement, including 11-point font, double spacing, Times New Roman and 25 mm margins. Biology and Medicine uses a different page-limit framework.
The applicant’s main application materials are currently prepared as one combined PDF, while recommendation letters are submitted separately by referees.
Recommendation-Letter Rules
Two confidential recommendation letters are required under the current programme framework.
- Referees should be able to assess both academic achievement and leadership potential.
- Letters are uploaded directly by referees through the application system.
- Referee submissions must arrive by the applicable application deadline.
- No referee extension should be assumed.
- Letters from previous applications cannot simply be reused because prior application files are not retained for resubmission.
- If one referee is a Max Planck Director, the second referee should not be affiliated with the Max Planck Society under the current rules.
How to Prepare for the 2027 Call
- Map your research field to the correct scientific section.
- Identify suitable Max Planck Institutes. This is essential for thematic fit and especially important for CPTS host-letter preparation.
- Develop a clearly independent research vision. Distinguish it from the work of doctoral and postdoctoral supervisors.
- Build a leadership case. Highlight supervision, mentoring, project leadership and collaborative research.
- Select your three strongest publications. Choose outputs that best demonstrate originality and independence.
- Prepare the one-page non-specialist achievement summary.
- Identify two strong referees early.
- Recheck the 2027 call documents before submission. Replace provisional current-framework details with the final cycle-specific instructions.
Before You Submit
Before the deadline, a submitted application can generally be withdrawn and resubmitted in corrected form. After the deadline, applicants should not expect the system to accept updates.
How the Selection Process Works
- Written screening: scientific quality, independence, leadership potential and programme fit are assessed.
- Institute interaction: suitable Max Planck Institutes may engage with candidates.
- Selection symposium: shortlisted candidates present their research and future programme.
- Interview: section-specific committees assess scientific quality and leadership potential.
- Recommendation: Max Planck Directors in the relevant section make recommendations.
- Final appointment: the President of the Max Planck Society makes the final appointment decision.
Research Group Resources and W2 Tenure Track
Selected Lise Meitner Group Leaders receive independent personnel and material resources and access to the infrastructure of the host Max Planck Institute.
A central feature of the programme is the guaranteed opportunity to enter the Max Planck W2 tenure-track procedure.
The programme is also intended to develop researchers who may later move into Max Planck Director positions or W3 professorships elsewhere.
Pre-Submission Checklist
- Spring 2027 call documents checked
- Exact 2027 deadline verified
- PhD timing checked against the current nine-year framework
- Career interruptions documented where applicable
- Correct scientific section identified
- Suitable Max Planck host environment identified
- Cover letter completed
- CV and publication list completed
- One-page non-specialist achievement summary completed
- Research statement prepared to section-specific page limit
- Section-specific formatting rules checked
- Three key publications selected
- Two referees confirmed
- CPTS host letter prepared if required
- Main application materials combined correctly
- All materials final before the deadline
Lise Meitner 2027: Eligibility, Host Letter and Application Questions
Is the Lise Meitner Excellence Program open only to women?
No. Max Planck’s official FAQ states that applicants of all genders are welcome. The programme is a positive measure intended to address the under-representation of women scientists at the W2 career level, so applications from women receive priority within what is legally permissible.
Is there an age limit?
No fixed age limit applies. The programme normally targets early-career researchers whose doctorate was completed no more than nine years before application, with family-related breaks and individual circumstances considered. Applicants outside the usual window are asked to explain their eligibility in the cover letter.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Max Planck welcomes applications regardless of nationality or current country of residence.
Can I apply if I already work, or previously worked, at a Max Planck Institute?
Yes. Prior or current Max Planck employment does not automatically exclude an applicant, although the FAQ notes that establishing an independent group at a different institute can sometimes be advantageous for career development.
Do application documents have to be in English?
Yes. The application, recommendation letters and required research materials must be submitted in English because the selection committees are international.
How long is the research statement?
Under the current framework, the Chemistry, Physics and Technical Section and Human Sciences Section use a five-page research statement with specified formatting, while the Biology and Medicine Section uses a three-page research statement without the same formal layout requirements.
Who needs a Max Planck host letter?
Applicants to the Chemistry, Physics and Technical Section (CPTS) must obtain at least one host letter from a suitable Max Planck Institute confirming willingness to host the successful candidate. More than one host letter may be submitted.
How many recommendation letters are required?
Two confidential recommendation letters are required. Referees upload their letters directly through the application portal and the letters must arrive by the applicable deadline.
Can I edit the application after the deadline?
No. Max Planck states that documents cannot be modified once the deadline has passed. Before the deadline, a submitted application can be withdrawn and a corrected version resubmitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lise Meitner Excellence Program 2027 open?
No. Max Planck currently lists the next call for spring 2027, but exact opening and closing dates have not yet been announced.
Is the programme only for women?
The programme is designed to increase the representation of women scientists in senior research leadership. Under the current framework, applicants of all genders may apply, while women receive priority within the applicable positive-action rules.
How long after the PhD can I apply?
The normal target is within nine years of the doctorate, with eligible career interruptions considered case-by-case.
How many recommendation letters are required?
The current framework requires two confidential recommendation letters uploaded directly by referees.
Does the programme lead to a permanent position?
Selected group leaders are guaranteed the opportunity to enter the W2 tenure-track process. A positive tenure evaluation can lead to a permanent W2 position with continuing group leadership.
Official Sources
| Status | Upcoming |
|---|---|
| Next call | Spring 2027 |
| Exact deadline | Not yet announced |
| Career path | Independent group leadership + W2 tenure track |
| Last verified | 20 September 2026 |
