Im Jahr 2015 startete das Max-Planck-Institut für chemische Energiekonversion (MPI CEC) in Zusammenarbeit mit der Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in Südkorea ein Stipendienprogramm zur Förderung des wissenschaftlichen und kulturellen Austauschs zwischen Deutschland und Korea. Ziel ist es, junge Talente in Wissenschaft und Technologie zu fördern und gleichzeitig das gegenseitige Verständnis zwischen den beiden Ländern zu stärken, indem koreanische Studierende an deutschen Forschungsinstituten studieren und arbeiten.

Das Programm startete im ersten Jahr mit nur vier Studierenden und ist seitdem stetig gewachsen. In den letzten zehn Jahren hatten mehr als 170 Studierende die Möglichkeit, zahlreiche Forschungsinstitute in ganz Deutschland zu besuchen. Im Jahr 2025 wurden 38 Studierende für Stipendien ausgewählt. Fünf dieser neugierigen jungen Köpfe absolvieren derzeit ein Praktikum an unserem Institut in den Forschungsgruppen Anorganische Spektroskopie und Elektrosynthese. Das CEC ist neben anderen, darunter den Fraunhofer- und Helmholtz-Instituten, eines von mehreren Max-Planck-Instituten, die an dem Programm teilnehmen.
Das Programm steht Studierenden offen, die an koreanischen Universitäten in naturwissenschaftlichen Bachelorstudiengängen eingeschrieben sind. Die Bewerber geben in ihrer Bewerbung an, welche Gastinstitute ihren akademischen Interessen entsprechen. POSTECH und die Gastinstitute entscheiden dann gemeinsam, welche Bewerber gut geeignet sind, und koordinieren sich, um einen erfolgreichen Aufenthalt zu gewährleisten.

Die teilnehmenden Forschungsinstitute können einen oder mehrere Studierende für einen Zeitraum von drei bis sechs Monaten entweder für Praktika oder Gastforschungsstellen aufnehmen. Die Kosten, die den koreanischen Studierenden entstehen, wie Reisekosten und monatliche Lebenshaltungskosten, werden von POSTECH übernommen. Die Gastinstitute gewähren Zugang zu ihren Forschungseinrichtungen und bieten im Falle von Praktika Betreuung, einen Arbeitsplatz und die erforderlichen Materialien.

Das Stipendienprogramm ist nicht nur eine Gelegenheit zur wissenschaftlichen Zusammenarbeit, sondern auch zum kulturellen Austausch. Während ihres Aufenthalts nehmen die Teilnehmer an den täglichen Forschungsaktivitäten teil, besuchen Konferenzen und Seminare und tauchen in die lokale Kultur ein.

Erfahrungen der Stipendiat*innen am MPI CEC

Eunji Baek – Chemistry – Korea University

“As I was approaching my final semester as a chemistry major at Korea University, I felt a strong desire to conclude my undergraduate journey with a meaningful challenge. I had always hoped for an opportunity to study abroad but had not yet had the chance. That’s when I discovered the Korea-Germany Science and Technology Fellowship Program. Having never studied overseas before, I saw this program as the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in a new academic and cultural environment. It was more than just a chance to study; it was a chance to push my boundaries and gain new perspectives. I knew this was the challenge I had been looking for.
The program allowed applicants to select three different groups, but for me, the choice was made the moment I found the one: the Department of Electrosynthesis. It was the perfect match for my academic passions, so I looked no further and dedicated all my choices to this department. Building on my previous experience in electrosynthesis, this program felt like the ideal next step in my academic path.
At MPI-CEC, I am currently in Professor Siegfried R. Waldvogel’s group, Department of Electrosynthesis, participating in a research project on electrochemical degradation of halogenated pollutants with my supervisor, Ritwik Bhattacharya. By investigating optimal conditions for higher yields and studying the reaction pathways, we aim to establish a greener synthesis of versatile products.
During my time here, I am incredibly excited to be part of this project and eager to learn new techniques and broaden my perspective on electrosynthesis. For me, the human connections we build are just as important as the science itself. It is an honor to collaborate with my colleagues, and I believe these interactions will enrich my perspective as both a scientist and a person. I truly hope we can build lasting friendships and create wonderful memories together.
Looking ahead, my next step will be to conclude my undergraduate studies in chemistry and apply the valuable experiences I have gained here.”

Seunghyun Moon – Chemistry and Nanoscience – Ewha Womans University

“Coming to Germany has been a completely new experience for me. I had never really imagined studying abroad before, so I am still in the process of adjusting to this new environment. Living abroad for the first time brings certain challenges, but it also offers many enjoyable moments, particularly thanks to the warm-hearted colleagues here.
At MPI-CEC, I am working under the supervision of Dr. Yves Kayser and Dr. Rebeca Gomez Castillo. My research focuses on sample preparation by spin coating for soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy at transition-metal edges, using the advanced LPP twin-arm RZP setup. Proper sample preparation is essential for obtaining reliable metal edge measurements, based on which we can progress toward transient soft X-ray spectroscopy using laboratory-based instrumentation.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join a beamtime at the SOLEIL synchrotron in Paris. For me as an undergraduate student, witnessing such advanced experimental setups and participating in these measurements has been an invaluable experience—something I believe is only possible thanks to being part of MPI-CEC.
This stay has inspired me to think more seriously about pursuing a Master’s degree abroad after completing my studies in Korea. I would like to deepen my knowledge in the field of X-ray spectroscopy and continue exploring this area in the future. I am very grateful for the support and opportunities provided here, and I look forward to what the coming months will bring.”

Junyoung Kim – Chemical Engineering – Ajou University

“Thanks to the Max Planck–POSTECH Korea Research Initiative, I was able to start a six-month internship at MPI-CEC in the Waldvogel research group. For my bachelor’s thesis, I synthesized high-entropy alloy (HEA) catalysts tailored for CCUS technology, a project that sparked my interest in sustainable chemistry.
My main goals during this internship are to learn synthesis and analytical methods as well as electrosynthesis. I am also looking forward to discovering the research culture in Germany. Currently, I focus my research on studying automated optimization of reactions in flow electrosynthesis. This allows me to learn about automation, flow chemistry, and electrosynthesis.
The more practical laboratory experience I gain, the more I realize that I need to study the theoretical principles of laboratory work, chemical reactivity, and analytical chemistry in greater depth. I can count on the support of my supervisors to help me achieve these objectives.
After this internship, I plan either to pursue a job in a private company in Germany or to complete a chemistry master’s degree at FAU University. I strongly believe that my experience at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion will help me achieve my goals.”

Hanhee Lee – Chemical and Biological Engineering – Seoul National University

“As a major in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University, I embarked on my research journey at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI-CEC) with a clear motivation: to experience the broader world of scientific collaboration and to learn how cutting-edge research in Europe integrates theory, computation, and spectroscopy.
I decided to apply because I realized how valuable this opportunity is—not only to conduct research at MPI-CEC, but also to experience how science is done on a global scale. Being funded as an undergraduate to work alongside leading scientists is a rare and meaningful chance to see the world through a wider lens.
At MPI-CEC, I am working under the guidance of Professor Serena DeBeer, Dr. Sergio Jannuzzi, and Dr. Ashish Tamhankar on a computational project focused on lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) enzymes that selectively oxidize strong C–H bonds. My research investigates how mutations of the third histidine residue in the enzyme’s active site affect its overall catalytic mechanism.
Using a combination of quantum chemical methods, molecular dynamics simulations, and multiscale modeling, I aim to elucidate how these amino acid substitutions modulate the reactivity of the LPMO active site and control the enzyme’s selectivity across different reaction pathways. Because LPMOs are capable of activating very strong C–H bonds, understanding their mechanism is of great interest to both enzymology and catalysis.
Having been fascinated by catalyst design through quantum chemistry, I find MPI-CEC’s interdisciplinary environment uniquely stimulating. What attracted me most is how people from spectroscopy, computation, and experiment collaborate and look at the same problem from different angles. It’s a setting where even an undergraduate student can learn how broad and integrated chemical research can be.
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. focused on developing quantum chemical methods for catalytic systems, building upon the foundations established during my time in Mülheim. While I remain open to whether my path will lean more toward engineering or fundamental natural sciences, my central goal is clear: to contribute to the understanding and design of catalysts for energy conversion and sustainable chemical transformations.”

Jawon Kim – Chemistry – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

“As a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), I joined the Nitrogenase group at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion under the supervision of Professor Serena DeBeer and Dr. Kushal Sengupta. Before coming to Germany, I worked in a transition metal catalysis mechanism lab at KAIST, where I developed my interest in studying catalytic mechanisms.
At MPI-CEC, our research focuses on understanding the mechanism of proton transfer and the turnover cycle of acetylene reduction by molybdenum nitrogenase. We are employing gas chromatography and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to gain deeper insights into this process.
Being part of this fellowship program is a valuable opportunity for me to broaden my research experience and strengthen my understanding of catalysis. I am committed to learning as much as I can and to contributing actively to our group’s ongoing work.”

Ausblick

Das Institut ist stolz darauf, diese jungen Wissenschaftler zu unterstützen, und freut sich darauf, diese erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit mit POSTECH auch in den kommenden Jahren fortzusetzen, um nicht nur wissenschaftliche Entdeckungen voranzutreiben, sondern auch das internationale Verständnis und die Freundschaft zu fördern.