Governance & Committees
The Max Planck Graduate Center mit der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (MPGC) is jointly governed by the Max Planck Institutes and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Its governance structure separates scientific strategy, formal academic governance, operational coordination, and financial implementation.
1. Steering Committee
Scientific Governance
The Steering Committee is the central scientific decision-making body of the MPGC.
It is responsible for:
Defining the scientific strategy and orientation
Admission of MPGC Faculty members and doctoral researchers
Development and restructuring of Focus Groups
The Steering Committee includes representatives from:
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP): Prof. Dr. Tanja Weil, Prof. Dr. Katharina Landfester, Prof. Dr. Frauke Gräter, Prof. Dr. Mischa Bonn, Prof. Dr. Paul Blom, Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Butt, Prof. Dr. Gábor Csányi
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC): Prof. Dr. Ulrich Pöschl, Prof. Dr. Yafang Cheng, Prof. Dr. Gerald Haug, Prof. Dr. Eric Kort
Participating faculties of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz: Prof. Dr. Mathias Kläui (JGU Physics), Prof. Dr. Holger Tost (JGU Physics), Prof. Dr. Andreas Walther (JGU Chemistry), Prof. Dr. Eva Rentschler (JGU Chemistry), Prof. Dr. Jan Esper (JGU Geosciences), Prof. Dr. Boris Kaus (JGU Geosciences), Prof. Dr. Edward Lemke (JGU Biology), Prof. Dr. Hans-Jörg Schild (University Medical Center Mainz)
The current Chair of the Steering Committee is Prof. Dr. Tanja Weil (MPIP).
2. Joint MPI-JGU Board
Formal Academic Governance
The Joint MPI-JGU Board (Gemeinsamer Ausschuss) functions as the formal academic body within the legal framework of JGU Mainz. It is comparable to a faculty council for this inter-institutional graduate structure.
Its responsibilities include:
Formal admission of MPGC doctoral candidates at JGU Mainz
Decisions on examination rights
Oversight of MPGC doctoral regulations
Approval of doctoral procedures
The Board is chaired by a Dean of the participating JGU faculties and includes representatives from the Max Planck Institutes, JGU faculties, doctoral researchers, and staff.
While the Steering Committee defines the scientific profile of the MPGC, the Joint Board ensures compliance with academic and state regulations.
3. MPGC Coordination Team
Operational Implementation
The MPGC Coordination Team manages the implementation of the graduate program.
Key responsibilities include:
Program coordination
Admission processing
Curriculum organization and reporting
Please find more information on the MPGC Coordination Team here.
4. MPGC gGmbH
Financial Structure
The MPGC gGmbH provides an independent financial framework to support cross-institutional initiatives.
Its core functions include:
Financing inter-institutional scientific activities
Supporting MPGC Focus Groups
Funding coordination and administrative staff
Enabling flexible strategic development
This structure strengthens the integrative character of the MPGC and ensures financial flexibility beyond institutional boundaries.
Institutional Framework
The MPGC connects:
Max Planck Institutes
MPI for Polymer Research
MPI for Chemistry
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Faculties
Medicine
Physics, Mathematics & Computer Science
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences & Geosciences
Biology