The Max Planck Society has recently expanded its scientific collaborations in Latin America by signing two significant agreements with prominent research institutions in Argentina and Brazil. These agreements were formalized during a delegation visit led by Max Planck President Patrick Cramer in October 2025.
On October 8, 2025, a cooperation agreement was established with the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). This partnership will see both institutions allocate €40,000 annually over the next five years to support joint research initiatives. The primary goal is to create new research groups at UBA, working closely with various Max Planck Institutes across all their divisions. UBA is recognized as one of the leading universities in Latin America and has been a vital collaborator for the Max Planck Society for many years.
Following this, on October 14, 2025, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Brazilian National Research Council (CNPq) in Brasília. The CNPq, which operates under the Ministry of Science in Brazil, is dedicated to promoting research projects and scholarships throughout the country. This agreement aims to facilitate the creation of joint research groups and mobility programs, thereby enhancing scientific exchanges between Brazil and Germany.
The Max Planck Society has maintained strong connections with Latin America for several years. By the end of 2024, there were 248 doctoral students, 188 postdoctoral researchers, and 287 visiting scholars from the region engaged with Max Planck Institutes. Argentina has been a particularly strong partner, hosting 18 partner and tandem groups, the highest number in Latin America since the inception of these programs. This reflects decades of successful collaboration.
The University of Buenos Aires ranks among the top three cooperation partners for the Max Planck Society in Argentina. Over the past five years, collaborative efforts have led to the publication of 1,268 joint research articles with Argentine scholars, showcasing the depth and productivity of their partnership.
