Research Environment

Facilities and Plant Resources

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology offers an outstanding research infrastructure with nearly 6000 m² of floor space, including over 2000 m² dedicated to laboratory research. The institute houses a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment for molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and systems biology:

• State of the art imaging facilities including several confocal laser scanning microscopes and a transmission electron microscope.
• Extensive growth facilities covering the entire spectrum of experimental conditions from tissue culture to natural field settings.
• Automated large-scale phenotyping facility in our seasonal greenhouse
• Automated High-speed cryo-grinding robots for efficient sample preparation of plant material
• Extensive metabolomics facilities with GC and HPLC MS/MS analytics.
• State of the art molecular laboratories with access to sequencing facilities, ultracentrifugation, q-RT PCR and various pipetting platforms.

Dedicated service teams support all research activities through expert media preparation, IT infrastructure, and technical development, ensuring a smooth and productive work environment.

The team of gardeners runs plant cultivation on 1000 m² in a fully climate controlled greenhouse, 540 m² phytotrone area plus a 2000 m² seasonal greenhouse and a 5 ha field side. They provide year-round cultivation of numerous model and crop species, develop custom growth protocols, and operate a robust integrated pest management system. Facilities for plant transformation and genetic screening are also well established, supporting both targeted and large-scale generation of genetically diverse plant lines—an essential platform for exploring gene function and physiological processes in plants.

Dynamic Community

At MPI-MP, we believe that collaboration drives discovery. We actively promote exchange between departments and research groups through weekly seminars, joint meetings, and an open, collegial atmosphere. Our institute not only supports excellence in science but also fosters a vibrant community where early-career researchers are encouraged to grow, challenge ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of plant science.