Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

What Max Planck Institute for Chemistry does

The Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie), also known as the Otto Hahn Institute, is a non-profit fundamental research institution founded in 1912 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University. It is part of the Max Planck Society (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft), a network of nearly 80 publicly funded research institutes governed by President Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer and Secretary General Dr. Simone Schwanitz. The institute investigates chemical processes within the Earth system—specifically the interactions between air, water, soil, life, and climate across geological history and the present Anthropocene. Its research is organized into four scientific departments (Aerosol Chemistry led by Y. Cheng, Atmospheric Chemistry led by E. Kort, Climate Geochemistry led by G. Haug, and Multiphase Chemistry led by U. Pöschl) plus independent groups in Hominin Research (T. Lüdecke) and Satellite Remote Sensing (T. Wagner).

The institute operates unique, large-scale research infrastructure including the 325-meter ATTO (Amazon Tall Tower Observatory) in the Brazilian Amazon (a German-Brazilian project with INPA and University of Manaus), the HALO high-altitude research aircraft (8,000 km range, 15 km altitude, operated by DLR), and the Eugen Seibold ocean research yacht. It maintains proprietary scientific databases (UV-VIS Spectral Atlas, Henry's Law Constants, GeoReM) and produces peer-reviewed publications, PhD training through the Paul Crutzen Graduate School and Max Planck Graduate Center, and public-facing tools (e.g., COVID-19 risk calculator, classroom ventilation system). The institute does not generate commercial revenue; funding comes from German federal and state government grants, BMBF project funding, and EU research grants. The only commercial pricing disclosed is guesthouse accommodation (€26–36/night plus €90 cleaning fee), which is ancillary. Its primary 'customers' are the global scientific community, graduate students, and visiting international researchers. The institute and its predecessor organizations have produced 15 Nobel Prize laureates, including Otto Hahn (Chemistry, 1944).

Name

Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

Legal name

Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie)

Website

https://mpic.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Max Planck Institute for Chemistry is a publicly funded non-profit research institute founded in 1912 in Mainz, Germany, conducting fundamental research on atmospheric chemistry, climate, and Earth system science. It serves the global scientific community via peer-reviewed research, graduate training, and unique field infrastructure including the ATTO Amazon tower and HALO research aircraft.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Atmospheric Chemistry Research

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Scientific & Laboratory Reference (Chemistry, Biology, Physics; Methods & Protocols) (EDAGAGAG)

Keywords

• Atmospheric chemistry research
• Climate geochemistry studies
• Earth system science
• Aerosol chemistry analysis
• Environmental physics research

Headquarters

HQ city

Mainz

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Pricing tiers

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Max Planck Institute for Chemistry conducts fundamental research on chemical processes within the Earth system, particularly in the atmosphere and biosphere. It operates world-class research infrastructure including the 325-meter ATTO tower in the Amazon, the HALO research aircraft, and the Eugen Seibold ocean yacht, and produces open scientific databases, peer-reviewed publications, and trained PhD researchers through its graduate school programs.

Product overview

The Max Planck Institute for Chemistry is a non-university research institution focused on understanding chemical processes within the Earth system, specifically in the atmosphere and biosphere. The institute's offerings include major research infrastructure (ATTO 325m tower in the Amazon rainforest, HALO high-altitude research aircraft, Eugen Seibold ocean research yacht), scientific databases (UV-VIS Spectral Atlas, Henry's Law constants, GeoReM), public health tools (COVID-19 risk calculator, classroom ventilation system), and educational resources (Mission ATTO materials). The research is organized into four departments (Aerosol Chemistry, Atmospheric Chemistry, Climate Geochemistry, Multiphase Chemistry) and independent groups studying Hominin research and Satellite Remote Sensing. The institute also operates the Paul Crutzen Graduate School offering PhD programs in atmospheric chemistry and physics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ATTO (Amazon Tall Tower Observatory): A German-Brazilian research project with a 325-meter tall tower in the Amazon rainforest for atmospheric research
• HALO (High Altitude and Long Range)

Products and services

• Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) A 325-meter tall research tower in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest that measures atmospheric interactions between the rainforest, atmosphere, and global climate. Part of a German-Brazilian research project with the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, located approximately 150km north of Manaus.
• HALO Research Aircraft High Altitude and Long Range research aircraft enabling atmospheric measurements in the troposphere and lower stratosphere for studying ozone chemistry and air pollutant exchange globally. Range of 8,000 km, flying altitude of 15 km.
• Scientific Databases (UV-VIS Spectral Atlas, Henry's Law Constants, GeoReM) Collection of open scientific databases including the UV-VIS Spectral Atlas for atmospheric absorption cross sections, Henry's law constants database for organic and inorganic species, and GeoReM for geological reference materials.
• Eugen Seibold Research Yacht Ocean research sailing yacht used by institute scientists for collecting seawater, plankton, and air samples for marine and atmospheric analysis.
• Paul Crutzen Graduate School (PCGS) PhD Program PhD program offering doctoral research training in atmospheric chemistry and physics, environmental physics, geophysics, and geosciences. Named after Nobel laureate Paul J. Crutzen.
• Max Planck Graduate Center with JGU Mainz Joint graduate program with Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz for doctoral researchers across institute research areas.
• Classroom Ventilation System DIY exhaust air system for classrooms that removes 90% of respiratory aerosols including coronavirus particles using hoods above desks and central ducting. Cost approximately €200 in materials from hardware stores.
• COVID-19 Risk Calculator Online tool allowing users to calculate the risk of COVID-19 infection through indoor aerosols and identify effective protective measures.
• ATTO Educational Materials (Mission ATTO) Free interdisciplinary educational materials for students grade 8+ featuring a fictitious research trip to the Brazilian rainforest, including topics on carbon cycle, volatile organic compounds, and augmented reality components.
• K3 Guesthouse Accommodation Short-term accommodation service with 16 apartments jointly operated with Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, accommodating visiting scientists and new international employees for stays up to 3 months.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% aerosol removal efficiency for COVID-19 ventilation system developed in collaboration with local schools
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Johannes Gutenberg University MainzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe institute is located on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Collaborative relationship includes joint seminars, lectures such as the Johannes Gutenberg University's Physical Colloquium, and joint educational programs through the Max Planck Graduate Center.
• Max Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint operation of the K3 Guesthouse with 16 apartments to accommodate short-term guests and new employees from abroad for up to 3 months. Both institutes share the guesthouse facility on the 7th floor of the K3 student residence.
• Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (Jena)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the ATTO (Amazon Tall Tower Observatory) project, a German-Brazilian research project investigating the Amazon rainforest ecosystem and its interactions with the atmosphere.
• German Aerospace Center (DLR)coreTechnology or IntegrationDLR owns and operates the HALO (High Altitude and Long Range) research aircraft. MPI for Chemistry significantly participates in and coordinates HALO measurement flights since 2013.
• National Institute for Amazon Research (INPA, Brazil)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian partner in the ATTO (Amazon Tall Tower Observatory) project, collaborating on research conducted at the tower site located approximately 150km north of Manaus.
• University of Manaus (Brazil)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian university partner in the ATTO (Amazon Tall Tower Observatory) project, contributing to the German-Brazilian research initiative.
• Partnership Earth System Research (ESRP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESRP pools research excellence across disciplines to understand how Earth functions as a complex system and to improve predictability of effects of human actions. MPIC is a member of this partnership.
• attoproject.orgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerATTO project website providing educational materials including 'Mission ATTO' for students from grade 8 onwards, featuring interdisciplinary materials on Amazon research.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ): German research centre for environmental science including atmospheric chemistry, soil, and water. Overlaps with MPIC's multiphase chemistry and climate geochemistry departments and shares a publicly funded, infrastructure-heavy model.
• Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry: Sister Max Planck Institute in Jena focused on biogeochemistry and Earth system science. Direct co-partner in the ATTO Amazon tower project and shares MPIC's funding and governance structure, making it the closest comparable.
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR): US federally funded research and development center for atmospheric and Earth system science. Comparable in scope (atmospheric chemistry, climate, modeling) and operates large shared research infrastructure analogous to HALO.
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research: Large German research university with atmospheric and climate research groups operating aircraft-based measurement campaigns. Comparable in combining atmospheric chemistry research with airborne measurement infrastructure (similar to HALO).
• Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research: German Helmholtz Centre operating polar and marine research infrastructure including research vessels. Comparable in operating expedition-style research assets and atmospheric/ocean measurement campaigns, with overlap on the Eugen Seibold's mission.
• ETH Zurich - Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science: Swiss university institute performing atmospheric chemistry and climate research. Comparable in academic excellence, field-measurement campaigns, and graduate training, and competes with MPIC for global scientific talent.
• UK Met Office Hadley Centre: UK climate research centre producing climate science and projections. Comparable in mission (climate and atmospheric research), funding model (government), and translational outputs into public policy.
• NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies: US government institute running atmospheric and climate modeling plus Earth observations. Directly comparable in combining satellite remote sensing (MPIC's T. Wagner group), climate modeling, and fundamental atmospheric chemistry research.
• NOAA Earth System Research Laboratories: US government labs conducting atmospheric chemistry, climate, and geophysical research. Overlap with MPIC in aerosol, greenhouse gas, and ozone measurements, with similar public-good mission and field-campaign model.
• Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS): German research institute studying tropospheric aerosols, clouds, and atmospheric chemistry. Directly comparable in mission, methodology, and customer base (atmospheric science community), funded via the Leibniz Association rather than Max Planck Society.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MaxPlanckChem
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCe3VbF_Xt7CWlPrP2yDOhew
• Facebookfacebook.com/MPIC.Mainz
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/max-planck-institut-fuer-chemie
• Instagraminstagram.com/maxplanckinstituteforchemistry

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Max Planck Institute for Chemistry