The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is pleased to announce the Population and Social Data Science Summer Incubator Program, a three-month intensive research visit designed for highly motivated PhD and master’s students. This program brings together data scientists and population scientists from around the world to collaborate on research projects that address socially relevant questions and generate impactful insights.
The Summer Incubator Program is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in applied research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific communication, while contributing to projects that aim to produce a peer-reviewed scientific journal article. Participants will engage with cutting-edge methods, large-scale datasets, and practical applications that bridge the social sciences and data science.
Who Can Apply to Population and Social Data Science Summer Incubator Program?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be enrolled in a doctoral or master’s program at the time of the visit.
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Obtain approval from their supervisor or academic administrator.
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Demonstrate the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
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Show interest in research problems that combine social science and data science approaches.
The program actively encourages applications from a diverse range of students, including early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds and complementary skill sets. MPIDR values diversity in academic and cultural perspectives to foster creative, collaborative, and innovative research outcomes.
Program Structure and Expectations
Selected participants will:
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Collaborate on focused, intensive research projects that aim to produce publishable results.
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Be exposed to best practices in both social science and data science, including advanced computational and statistical techniques.
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Attend lectures, workshops, and seminars hosted at MPIDR.
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Participate in team projects, working closely with mentors and peers to develop research designs, analyze data, and interpret results.
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Gain experience in scientific writing, research communication, and project management.
The Summer Incubator encourages students to propose their own project ideas, although mentors will provide seed projects and datasets to facilitate the collaborative research process. This approach allows students to shape their learning experience and pursue topics aligned with their research interests and technical expertise.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF document in English via the online survey [link to application portal]. The application must include:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) – detailing academic background, skills, and relevant experience.
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Cover Letter (max 2 pages) – explaining:
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Why you want to participate in the MPIDR Summer Incubator
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Your research interests and previous project experience
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Your technical skills and what you hope to learn
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Which of the Summer Incubator’s two main focus areas aligns with your expertise, and optional project ideas
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Academic transcripts – undergraduate and graduate (if applicable).
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Contact information for 2 academic referees – recommendation letters are not required at this stage.
Important Dates
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Application Deadline: January 14, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET)
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Notification of Selection: March 2026
Program Logistics
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Duration: 3 months (in-person, Rostock, Germany)
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Funding: Selected students will receive travel reimbursement and a maintenance grant to cover living expenses during their stay.
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Accommodation: Guest apartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis to ease the burden of finding housing.
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Students are expected to reside in Rostock for the duration of the research visit and devote the majority of their working time to their collaborative project.
Why Participate?
The Summer Incubator Program provides a unique opportunity to:
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Gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research.
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Collaborate with international peers and mentors.
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Enhance research skills in data science, demography, and social science methodologies.
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Develop a scientific publication for your academic portfolio.
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Build professional networks in population studies, data science, and social research.
Diversity and Inclusion
In line with the principles of the Max Planck Society, MPIDR is committed to:
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Encouraging applications from students with minority or underrepresented backgrounds.
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Increasing the participation of women in fields where they are underrepresented.
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Supporting individuals with disabilities to access research opportunities.
The program emphasizes equity, inclusion, and collaborative learning, fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive while contributing meaningfully to important research questions.
The Population and Social Data Science Summer Incubator Program at MPIDR is an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to immerse themselves in interdisciplinary research, gain international experience, and contribute to the advancement of population and social science knowledge.
Apply now and join a global community of emerging scholars shaping the future of population data science and social research!
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
