Computer systems permeate every aspect of human endeavor. In addition to the most visible examples of desktop computing and the Internet, sophisticated computer systems are hidden inside every modern vehicle and appliance, they support the operation of our financial, medical, educational and administrative institutions, they facilitate science, manufacturing, transportation and trade, and they enable new forms of entertainment and social exchange. However, our ability to transform computing innovations into practical use is limited by our ability to design and implement increasingly powerful, complex software systems while ensuring their safety and dependability.
The Max Planck Institute for Software Systems is chartered to conduct world-class basic research in all areas related to the design, analysis, modeling, implementation and evaluation of complex software systems. Particular areas of interest include programming systems, distributed and networked systems, embedded and autonomous systems, as well as crosscutting aspects like formal modeling and analysis of software systems, security, dependability and software engineering.
We strive to perform cutting-edge, high-risk basic research and seek impact through publication, software distribution, international cooperation and people.
Structure and Organization
Over the course of the next decade, the institute's scientific staff
will grow to about 17 tenure-track and tenured faculty, and
approximately 100 postdocs and doctoral students. They are supported
by administrative and technical staff. Outside funding is expected to
foster additional growth.
- The institute maintains an open research environment. We seek impact primarily through scientific publication, distribution of software artifacts and the exchange of people. The Max Planck Society's intellectual property policy (PDF-download [858 KB]) is comparable to that of a university environment.
- The institute maintains close ties with the universities and computing research institutes in the Kaiserslautern/Saarbrücken area. The institute's faculty have adjunct professor appointments, supervise doctoral students and commonly offer courses in their area of expertise at the university.
- The institute is publicly funded. Research staff members may augment their programs through outside funding. The institute's flat organization fosters diverse intellectual pursuit, while its open, interactive atmosphere encourages collaboration.
- The institute enjoys academic freedom and faculty pursue their own independent research agenda. A scientific advisory board of international leaders assesses the institute's performance and progress on a periodic basis.
- The institute encourages international exchange through short- and long-term visitor programs, summer schools, internships and an international graduate program. The institute's working language is English.
The Max Planck Institute for Software Systems combines the best of an industrial/public research lab and a research university. It enjoys steady funding, excellent resources, concentration in key research areas, technology-transfer opportunities as well as academic freedom, an open research environment, a tenure-track system, and the opportunity to teach and supervise students and post-docs.
Research Groups >>
Scientific Advisory Board
- Jon Crowcroft (University of Cambridge)
- Tom Henzinger (IST Austria)
- Barbara Liskov (MIT)
- John Mitchell (Stanford University)
- Greg Morrisett (Harvard University)
- Robert Schlögl (Fritz Haber Institute)
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Computing research organizations in the surrounding area:
