IMPRS-IS Now Accepting Applications for 2026!

We invite outstanding applicants to join its 10th generation of doctoral researchers in 2026. Apply by November 16, 2025, to pursue cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and related fields.

Our program is excited to continue its growth as it welcomes applications for the 10th generation of IMPRS-IS doctoral researchers. The deadline to apply is November 16, 2025 (End of Day, Anywhere on Earth). Come join IMPRS-IS!

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the Universities of Stuttgart and Tübingen collaborate to offer an interdisciplinary doctoral program — the International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS-IS). This doctoral program will admit its tenth cohort of talented doctoral researchers in 2026.

IMPRS-IS is a key element of Baden-Württemberg’s Cyber Valley initiative to accelerate basic research and commercial development in artificial intelligence and robotics. We seek students eager to earn a doctorate while contributing to world-leading research in areas such as:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Biomedical Technology

• Computational Cognitive Science

• Computer Vision and Graphics

• Control Systems and Optimization

• Data Science and Visualization

• Haptics and Human-Computer Interaction

• Machine Learning

• Micro- and Nano-Robotics

• Natural Language Processing

• Neuroscience

• Perceptual Inference

• Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction

• Soft Robotics and Materials

Our renowned faculty include Sahar Abdelnabi, Rediet Abebe, Amirreza Aghakhani, Aamir Ahmad, Buse Aktaş, Frank Allgöwer, Maksym Andriushchenko, Kai Arras, Robert Bamler, Philipp Berens, Matthias Bethge, Michael J. Black, Wieland Brendel, Andrés Bruhn, Andreas Bulling, Martin Butz, Manfred Claassen, Maximilian Dax, Katharina Eggensperger, Benedikt Ehinger, Carsten Eickhoff, Andreas Geiger, Jonas Geiping, Antonia Georgopoulou, Martin A. Giese, Thilo Hagendorff, Moritz Hardt, Florian Hartmann, Daniel Häufle, Matthias Hein, Philipp Hennig, Niels Henze, Christian Holm, Andrea Iannelli, Christoph Keplinger, Mario Krenn, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Hilde Kuehne, Anja Lauer, Hendrik Lensch, Anna Levina, Shiwei Liu, Nicole Ludwig, Sabine Ludwigs, Jakob Macke, Georg Martius, Kristof Meding, Celestine Mendler-Dünner, Michael Mühlebach, Philipp Müller, Sven Nahnsen, Mathias Niepert, Seong Joon Oh, Antonio Orvieto, Aniket Pal, Nico Pfeifer, Gerard Pons-Moll, Michael Pradel, C. David Remy, Kerstin Ritter, Philipp Rothemund, Konstantin Rusch, Renate Sachse, Samira Samadi, Harry Scells, Dieter Schmalstieg, Syn Schmitt, Bernhard Schölkopf, Sabine Schulte im Walde, Janneke Schwaner, Michael Sedlmair, Thomas Speck, Steffen Staab, Ingo Steinwart, Alexander Verl, Claire Vernade, Ulrike von Luxburg, Daniel Weiskopf, Felix Wichmann, Bob Williamson, Andreas Wortmann, Thomas Wortmann, and Charley Wu.

Associated faculty include R. Harald Baayen, Franz Baumdicker, Peter Dayan, Jonathan Fiene, Volker Franz, Ksenia Keplinger, Miriam Klopotek, Kay Nieselt, Senya Polikovsky, Peter Pott, Gunther Richter, Cornelia Sindermann, Maria Wirzberger, Isabell Wochner, and Thomas Wolfers.

Intelligent systems that can successfully perceive, act, and learn in complex environments hold great potential for aiding society. We seek curious, creative, and passionate doctoral students to join our school and help advance human knowledge about intelligent systems.

• Admitted students can join our program starting in 2026.

• You will be mentored by our internationally renowned faculty.

• You will register as a university doctoral student and conduct research.

• IMPRS-IS offers a wide variety of scientific seminars, workshops, and social activities.

• All aspects of our program are conducted in English.

• Your doctoral degree will be conferred upon successful completion of your doctoral project.

• Our dedicated staff members will support you throughout your doctoral journey.

IMPRS-IS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, gender identity, or any other non-job-related criteria. We believe in the importance of a multicultural community of students, faculty, and staff who advance our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion. IMPRS-IS strives to create and maintain inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environments for all.

Admission will be competitive. If selected, you will receive funding via an employment contract, subject to the rules of the Max Planck Society and the participating universities.

You can apply at https://imprs.is.mpg.de/application Application deadline: November 16, 2025 (End of Day, AoE) Selection interviews: February 5–13, 2026

For further information, please visit https://imprs.is.mpg.de