MPG Alumni Kick-off

Invitation

Together in Science. Connected for Life. Max Planck Alumni.

Join us for a unique symposium marking the launch of Max Planck Alumni, the Max Planck Society’s central alumni network connecting generations of researchers across the globe.

This special event will bring together distinguished members of the Max Planck community: ranging from famous Max Planck alumni, leading scientists, and senior leaders to postdoctoral and doctoral researchers. Through inspiring talks and workshops, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, participants will explore the enduring impact of the Max Planck community and the opportunities created by this new network.

We look forward to welcoming you to this milestone occasion and to celebrating the achievements, connections, and future of the Max Planck Alumni community together.

Date: Tuesday, 14 October, 14:30 - Wednesday, 15 October 2026, 14:00

Program

14:30

Warm Up Coffee

15:00

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Welcome & Opening Remarks by the President of the Max Planck Society, Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer.

15:20

In Conversation with Harald Lesch

Keynote conversation between MPG President Patrick Cramer and Harald Lesch (MPG alumnus) on his career path and the role of the Max Planck Society in his development.

16:00

Coffee Break / World Café

Alumni, postdocs, and doctoral researchers gather at themed tables in the lobby to exchange ideas on scientific and mentoring topics in a relaxed, informal setting.

16:45

Talk by Sabine Werner

Sabine Werner (Professor ETH Zurich, MPG Alumna) about her own career path, her research, and how the MPG has supported her career.

17:15

Presentation: Alumni and Mentoring Management System

Ilka Schießler-Gäbler and Sabine Ziegler introduce the new alumni and mentoring platform.

17:45

Panel Discussion: The Alumni Advantage – Rethinking Synergies

Kerstin Dübner-Gee, Lou Bohlen, and Sabine Werner discuss the value of strong alumni networks in science and explore the many ways they benefit researchers and institutions alike.

18:30

Dinner

20:00

Science Show "A Quantum Impro"

Former MPG PhDs, now performing alongside professional actors, bring science to life through music and improvisation in this entertaining evening show.

Selected Speakers

Patrick Cramer

Patrick Cramer has been President of the Max Planck Society, one of the world’s leading institutions for basic research, since 2023.

Harald Lesch

Harald Lesch is a professor at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, an MPG alumnus, a philosopher of nature, and one of the best-known science communicators in the German-speaking world.

Sabine Werner

Sabine Werner is a professor at ETH Zurich, an MPG alumna, and an internationally recognized expert in cell biology, regeneration, and wound healing.

Ranga Yogeshwar

Ranga Yogeshwar is a physicist, science journalist, one of Germany’s most renowned science communicators, and closely associated with the MPG.

Walter Rosenthal

Walter Rosenthal is a physician, science administrator, president of the German Rectors’ Conference, and served for many years as president of Friedrich Schiller University in Jena.