From Pilot Initiative to Career Program
Dieter Schwarz Foundation supports the continuation of the Max Planck Schools
Starting in 2025, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation will support the Max Planck Schools – A Joint Graduate Program of German Universities and Research Organizations as a national program under joint leadership of the Max Planck Society and the German Rectors' Conference (HRK). This funding will ensure the continuation of the three existing Schools and their future-oriented development into an innovative career program for international talents. The underlying contract between the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and the Max Planck Society was signed today in Heilbronn.
As a joint program of currently 26 German universities and 35 non-university research institutions, the Max Planck Schools have been recruiting ambitious PhD candidates in the fields of Cognition, Matter to Life and Photonics since 2018. Through close mentorship from leading scientists, the Schools provide early-career researchers with close guidance, fostering strong networks and enabling innovative research across institutional and geographical boundaries.
The extremely positive evaluation in 2023 confirmed the value and effectiveness of the program, making it all the more gratifying that the financial support of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation (DSS) will ensure its long-term continuation. Until now, the program has been funded as a pilot project by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). As the pilot phase comes to an end in September 2025, the program will build on the gained insights and develop into a sustainable and comprehensive career program that integrates and advances innovative training strategies.
Since its establishment 1999, the DSS has been strongly committed to education, science, and innovation, particularly at the Bildungscampus in Heilbronn. Reinhold Geilsdörfer, CEO of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, observes: "The competition for top talent is becoming increasingly intense. Given the shortage of qualified professionals and the challenges of the future, Germany needs highly skilled experts in the medium and long term. For Heilbronn and the surrounding region, this new initiative with Max Planck is a valuable addition to the existing ecosystem of science, education, and entrepreneurship."
Walter Rosenthal, President of the German Rectors' Conference and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Max Planck Schools, also expresses his enthusiasm: "The support of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation provides the Max Planck Schools with long-term stability. It allows participating institutions—both universities and non-university research organizations—to continue exploring innovative ways to support exceptionally talented graduates. The Max Planck Schools uniquely integrate research excellence across institutions and locations, forming a highly attractive international network. This makes a vital contribution to ensuring Germany’s future as a global leader in science and research."
The funding is based on the fundamental principles of excellence and academic freedom, which are indispensable for the program’s partner institutions. By pooling Germany’s scientific excellence in the respective research fields, the Schools make a significant contribution to strengthening the German science system and enhancing Germany's position in the global competition for the brightest minds. In addition to the funding by the DSS, the various partner institutions and the BMBF (for now until 2028) will continue to actively support the Max Planck Schools.
About the Dieter Schwarz Foundation
Education, science, and innovation are crucial for the development and future prospects of our country. With this in mind, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation has made it its mission to build upon these pillars and promote lifelong learning. The Bildungscampus in Heilbronn is home to various educational and research institutions, as well as universities. Additionally, the foundation’s key funding priorities include the development of the Innovation Park for Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) and the Science Center experimenta.
