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In an open and stimulating working environment we promote accomplished junior scientists, who complete formative years of their careers as student assistants, Ph.D. students, postdocs or research group heads, as e.g. in our International Max Planck Research School.
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Team members from many nations are working in an interdisciplinary research environment: chemical engineers, biologists, physicists, mathematicians, control and computer engineers are cooperating closely.
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Our Max Planck Institute, located in Magdeburg, is dedicated to all aspects of process systems engineering, chemical, biochemical and energy systems, that are vital to the future of well-being of human society globally. It is our aim to optimize these increasingly complex processes in modern production systems.
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A specific strength of our MPI is the combination of systems-theoretical approaches with experimental validation carried out under one roof. We further develop mathematical, computational and control theoretic methods along with the various process applications investigated here.

News

Computer-basierte Trennprozesse für eine bio-basierte Produktion von Chemikalien
The current production of chemicals is predominantly based on fossil raw materials and fuels, but this leads to climate affecting CO2 emissions. It is therefore essential to switch to renewable raw materials such as biomass necessary. Therefore, we search for solvent-based novel separation processes that could make biomass available for new resource-efficient production pathways. To identify optimal solvents for each separation step, we have developed computer-aided optimization methods for solvent molecules based on quantum chemistry and artificial intelligence.
Our Science Night Programme
Molecules, proteins and viruses are building blocks for sustainable, energy-saving and efficient manufacturing processes. Learn more about the latest methods for generating and converting energy, pharmaceutical substances and vaccines, or fuels. Discover how AI and mathematical simulations can supplement or even replace experiments in the laboratory.
We are looking for your visit at the Max Planck Institute.
PhD Career Day 2025 at the Max Planck Institute Magdeburg
The PhD Career Day at the Max Planck Institute in Magdeburg offered young scientists a platform to explore different career paths, network with industry experts and gain valuable insights into the job market.
The team members of eversyn
The startup plans to use the seed capital to accelerate its technologies in the fields of nutrition and biopharmaceuticals
A look into the occupational world: Practical training Verfahrenstechnik und Technische Kybernetik and Zukunftstag at MPI Magdeburg
Gain insights into career paths and the tasks in a research institution dedicated to the engineering sciences: during the "Zukunftstag - Girls' and Boys' Day" on 3 April (fully booked) or during our internship on “Verfahrenstechnik und Technische Kybernetik” from 7 to 10 April 2025  (high-school students min. 16 years).
Bioplastics from Waste

Bioplastics from Waste

February 19, 2025
As part of the public lecture series “Science in the Town Hall”, Dr.-Ing. Stefanie Duvigneau will talk about her research on optimized and sustainable processes for the production of bioplastics on 24 February 2025. (Press release in German)

Upcoming

Science Night in Magdeburg - 14th June 2025

Jun 14, 2025 06:00 PM - 11:59 PM (Local Time Germany)
Magdeburg

GDE Symposium 2025: Insights into Gas Diffusion Electrodes - From Fundamentals to Industrial Applications & Beyond the OER

Sep 2, 2025 02:00 PM (Local Time Germany) - Sep 4, 2025 04:00 PM
Harnack Haus Berlin

Explore Science - Die naturwissenschaftlichen Erlebnistage in Magdeburg / The Science Discovery Days in Magdeburg

Sep 25, 2025 09:00 AM (Local Time Germany) - Sep 27, 2025 04:00 PM
Elbauenpark Magdeburg

MPI Colloquia Series | Prof. Michael Patrascu, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Oct 16, 2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
Max Planck Institute Magdeburg, Room: Big Seminar Room "Prigogine"

MPI Colloquia Series | Prof. Alexander Mitsos, RWTH Aachen

Nov 20, 2025 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM (Local Time Germany)
Max Planck Institute Magdeburg, Room: Big Seminar Room "Prigogine"
GDE Symposium 2025
Insights into Gas Diffusion Electrodes - From Fundamentals to Industrial Applications & Beyond the OER

Porous gas-diffusion electrodes (GDE) have broad applications in different electrochemical devices such as (bio)fuel cells, (bio)electrolyzers, and batteries for energy conversion as well as inorganic and organic synthesis applications. This topical meeting addresses current challenges.
Abstract submission is open until 18 April 2025!
MPI Colloquia 2025
We invite you to attend our public colloquia series at the Max Planck Institute Magdeburg.
High-ranking scientists from renowned research institutions in Germany and around the world present the state-of-the-art of their current research projects.
Click here for the upcoming events ...
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Career

Best conditions for excellence in research
The Max Planck Institute in Magdeburg offers a variety of opportunities for professional development, personal and professional further education.

Latest Publications

Ponnudurai, A.; Schulze, P.; Seidel-Morgenstern, A.; Lorenz, H.: LigniFrac: Proof of concept of a scalable continuous lignin fractionation process. Chemical Engineering Journal 510, 161113 (2025)
Elmaci, D. N.; Hopping, G.; Hoffmann, W.; Muttenthaler, M.; Stein, M.: The structural integrity of human TFF1 under reducing conditions. Redox Biology 81, 103534 (2025)
Peterson, L.; Gosea, I. V.; Benner, P.; Sundmacher, K.: Digital Twins in Process Engineering: An Overview on Computational and Numerical Methods. Computers and Chemical Engineering 193, 108917 (2025)
Matthies, E.; Beer, K.; Böcher, M.; Sundmacher, K.; König-Mattern, L.; Arlinghaus, J.; Blöbaum, A.; Jaeger-Erben, M.; Schmidt, K.: Framework conditions for the transformation toward a sustainable carbon-based chemical industry – A critical review of existing and potential contributions from the social sciences. Journal of Cleaner Production 470, 143279 (2024)
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