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Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

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

Molecular structure alongside blue organic forms.

Fungi use “start button” for ice from bacteria

March 12, 2026

New class of water-soluble proteins opens up applications in freezing technology

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A penguin stands on snowy ground, with a red and blue aircraft in the background.

How do clouds form in Antarctica? The first flight-based aerosol measurements in 20 years

February 20, 2026

The SANAT flight campaign investigated the origin and transport of aerosols in the Antarctic atmosphere that cause the formation of clouds – for the first time also far inland

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Ice shield in the Southern Ocean

A look at Earth's history: Antarctic ice melt changed global ocean circulation

February 11, 2026

Ice-sheet melt temporarily intensified Southern Ocean stratification

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Eric A. Kort

Max Planck Institute for Chemistry welcomes Eric Kort as new director

February 02, 2026

The atmospheric scientist Eric A. Kort has accepted the appointment as new director of the Atmospheric Chemistry Department at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz.

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Videos

Workplace ATTO

Video

Episode 1: Research Station

Eleni Dovrou being interviewed

Women in Science: Seven questions for Eleni Dovrou

Video

Sailing yacht on the ocean with research text overlay.

The Eugen Seibold - a sailing yacht for ocean research

Video

Individual in a lab holding a tray of electronic parts, surrounded by shelves.

Superconductivity - the challenge of no resistance at room temperature

Video

More Videos

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

Girls'Day: Erdsystemforschung am Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie

Apr 23, 2026 09:45 AM - 03:00 PM (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

See German page!