This is where we conduct our research: Our institute is located on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

This is where we do our research: Our institute is located on the campus of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

We investigate the interactions between air, water, soil, life and climate throughout the history of the Earth up to the present day, which is shaped by humans and known as the Anthropocene.

We investigate the interactions between air, water, soil, life and climate in the course of the Earth's history up to the present human-dominated era, the Anthropocene.

In our laboratories, we analyse water samples, for example, to trace the climate of the past.

We conduct lab experiments analyzing, for example, water samples to determine past climates.

Our scientists also conduct research in many exciting locations around the world, such as high above the Brazilian rainforest.

Our scientists also conduct research in many exciting places on Earth, such as high above the Brazilian rainforest.

With the help of the ATTO climate research tower, we want to find out how rainforests, the atmosphere and the global climate influence each other.

Using the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory ATTO, we aim to understand the interactions between the rainforest, atmosphere, and global climate.

We collect seawater, plankton and air samples with our oceanographic research yacht Eugen Seibold.

We collect seawater, plankton and air samples with our deep-sea research sailing yacht Eugen Seibold.

We use aircraft to explore the atmosphere and collect data there in order to understand natural and anthropogenic aerosol particles and the chemical processes in the atmosphere.

We also carry out experiments on board aircraft, which we use to study natural and anthropogenic aerosol particles and chemical processes in the atmosphere.

Scientific curiosity and teamwork are at the forefront. However, our expeditions also offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Scientific curiosity and teamwork are our focus, but we also embrace the spirit of adventure on our expeditions.

News

View from the research aircraft HALO: Deep convection over the Amazon rainforest transports biogenic volatile compounds (BVOCs) high above the canopy and into the upper troposphere.

How the Amazon rainforest reaches for the clouds

June 04, 2025
New study highlights Amazon’s critical role in the Earth’s climate system, revealing that land-use changes and accelerating deforestation reduce biogenic trace gas emissions and impact atmospheric chemistry up to 12 km altitude.
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A new study found: Personal care products like body lotions and perfumes affect the human oxidation field. Source: Midjourney

Personal space chemistry suppressed by perfume and body lotion indoors

May 21, 2025
New study shows that the human oxidation field generated by people indoors is substantially influenced by personal care products.
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A new study shows that the German environmental satellite EnMAP can be used to take reliable measurements of trace gases. Credit: DLR

German satellite measures CO2 and NO2 simultaneously from power plant emissions for the first time

May 05, 2025
New approach to satellite-based emission monitoring of air pollutants with a high level of detail.
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Portrait Yafang Cheng

Aerosol researcher receives prestigious Copernicus Medal

April 25, 2025
Yafang Cheng from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry receives the award for her achievements in understanding atmospheric aerosols and their effects on air quality, public health, and climate.
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Videos

Workplace ATTO

Workplace ATTO

Video
Episode 1: Research Station
Eleni Dovrou being interviewed

Women in Science: Seven questions for Eleni Dovrou

Video
The Eugen Seibold - a sailing yacht for ocean research 

The Eugen Seibold - a sailing yacht for ocean research
 

Video
Superconductivity - the challenge of no resistance at room temperature

Superconductivity - the challenge of no resistance at room temperature

Video
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Woman with mask

COVID-19: Calculating aerosol infection risk yourself

September 22, 2020
Algorithm to estimate coronavirus infection risk from aerosol transmission in the indoor environment and under different safety measures
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Seminars & Events

NitroNet - An NO2 profile retrieval for the TROPOMI satellite instrument

Jun 4, 2025 02:15 PM (Local Time Germany)
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Room: Seminar rooms 2/3

Space waste: How reentering spacecraft pollute and affect Earth's atmosphere

Jun 11, 2025 02:15 AM - 03:30 AM (Local Time Germany)
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Room: Seminar rooms 2/3
Earth

Earth and Solar System Research Partnership

The MPIC is member of the Earth and Solar system Research Partnership.
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Job Offers

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