How to Join as Advisor

Launched in fall 2025, the Max Planck Artificial Intelligence Network (MP-AIX) connects AI expertise with scientific excellence across the Max Planck Society, following the concept of AI+X.
This page explains how eligible Max Planck PIs can join MP-AIX as advisors for the 2026/2027 PhD call and participate in the applicationn and selection of the second cohort of doctoral researchers. 

Advisors registration is open from September 1 to September 30, 2026

Advisor Registration

To participate in the application and selection process of the second cohort of PhD candidates, please register as an advisor via the joint ELLIS/MP-AIX application portal. The registration link was shared with eligible PIs in the official call email sent by Vice President Sibylle Günter on 31 August 2026.
 
Early registration is encouraged, as it increases visibility to prospective candidates. 
 
Each registered PI is expected to:
  1. provide at least one evaluator — e.g. a postdoc, senior PhD student, or the PI themselves if no one else is available — to support the pre-screening of applications; and
  2. review the top pre-selected candidates.
 
Each PI may host at most two co-funded students per call; acting as a co-advisor carries no numerical limit. 
 
If you participated in last year’s call, most fields will be pre-filled. Please review and update your profile where necessary. Registered PIs will be added to the MP-AIX members list.

Who can register?

All Max Planck Directors and W2 independent Max Planck Research Group Leaders are invited to participate in MP-AIX as advisors. 
For further information on advisor eligibility and possible supervision constellations, please refer to our Co-Advising Guidelines.

Joint ELLIS/MP-AIX Application Portal

Beginning with the 2026/2027 call, MP-AIX and ELLIS use a shared application and registration portal. Advisors and applicants can indicate whether they wish to participate in MP-AIX, ELLIS, or both programs through a single registration or application process.

 

Key Dates 

Here is the Timeline for the Call 2026/2027:

  • Advisor registration

    1 - 30 September 2026

    Advisors sign up on the joint ELLIS/MP-AIX application platform (link and instructions shared by email)

  • Application portal opens

    1 October 2026

    PhD candidates apply via the ELLIS/MP-AIX application portal from 1 October - 31 October 2026.

  • Application deadline for PhD Candidates

    31 October 2026

    PhD candidates must submit all application materials through the application portal by 31 October 2026 to be considered.

  • Pre-screening by evaluators

    9 - 23 November 2026

  • Review by PIs and shortlisting of candidates

    1 - 12 December 2026

  • List of shortlisted applicants

    End of December 2026 - Early January 2027

  • Interviews

    Early January - 15 February 2026

    Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews with potential mentors.

  • Offers and Admission

    Late February/March

    Selected applicants receive their offers and confirm participation.

  • Candidate Nomination to MP-AIX

    Early March/mid- April

    Selected applicants are nominated to the MP-AIX Steering Committee for funding. Nominations are evaluated and decisions are communicated

  • Program start

    Summer/Fall 2027

    Expected start of the second cohort of PhD students. T

Relevant Guidelines

These pages apply to advisors and are shared with the PhD program side: