The MPI-P celebrates its 40th anniversary
Scientific symposium and summer party
From 27 June to 29 June, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Although the institute was officially founded in June 1983, the researchers and staff were only able to start research operations a year later. To celebrate this event, the research institute is reviewing the 40 years with a scientific symposium and an alumni summer party, among other things.
With over 500 employees, the MPI-P is one of the largest Max Planck Institutes in Germany.
The commission finally visited Bayreuth, Braunschweig, Darmstadt, Hamburg and Mainz. In the end, Mainz was chosen as the location for several reasons: firstly, its proximity to the leading chemical industries BASF, Höchst and Bayer, and secondly, its close connection to Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
On 10 March 1986, the opening ceremony of the institute finally took place in transitional rooms at the University of Mainz. The MPG had already organised an architectural competition for the MPI for Polymer Research in Mainz and a new building was constructed at the same time. Two years later, the first research groups moved in.
The institute has continued to grow to this day: it now consists of four building sections and six working groups conducting research into "soft matter".
Scientific symposium and summer party
Last week, the 40th anniversary of the institute was celebrated with a festive event lasting several days. On Friday, a symposium was held focussing on the scientific development of the institute. A large number of speakers gave presentations at the symposium: In addition to the current directors, former group leaders and external professors also shared their insights and experiences. Especially worth highlighting were the contributions of the two former directors, Hans-Wolfgang Spiess and Klaus Müllen, who made a significant contribution to the development and success of the institute.
The festive conclusion of the anniversary week was a large summer party, which brought together around 350 alumni and current employees. In a relaxed and festive atmosphere, there was an opportunity to discuss past achievements and future challenges.
