CaCTüS Summer Research Internship 2027

The CaCTüS (Computation and Cognition Tübingen Summer Internship) 2027 is an international research programme offering students and eligible graduates the opportunity to work alongside scientists at leading research institutions in Germany.

The internship is jointly organised by the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the Tübingen AI Center.

It focuses on research at the intersection of biological and artificial intelligence, including machine learning, theoretical neuroscience, cognitive science, electrical engineering, behavioural experiments and data analysis.

Selected participants undertake a full-time, supervised research project during the summer of 2027. They gain experience with scientific methods, contribute to ongoing investigations and develop practical skills relevant to future academic or research careers.

An important objective of CaCTüS is to improve access to advanced scientific training for talented applicants who experience personal, financial, regional or societal barriers to higher education.

The programme particularly encourages applications from individuals from low- and middle-income countries that are underrepresented in scientific research. However, applications are not restricted exclusively to those countries.

Beyond research activities, participants can access professional development opportunities, scientific networking, mentoring and community events. At the end of the internship, participants have an opportunity to present their research to the scientific community.

The 2027 programme is scheduled between 1 July and 30 September, with individual participation subject to the stated 90-day limit.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be a Bachelor’s or Master’s student, or an eligible graduate who has not started a PhD.
• Applicants who have not completed their Bachelor’s degree must have finished at least four semesters (two years) of study before the internship begins.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Have an academic or technical background relevant to the chosen research project, such as computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or a related field.
• Have a good command of English sufficient for research communication and scientific activities.
• Be able to explain their academic motivation, research interests and reasons for applying.
• Be available for the required 90-day internship period between July and September 2027.
• Undertake the placement voluntarily; the internship cannot fulfil a compulsory course-credit requirement.
• Applicants interested in Projects 1–4 must remain enrolled at an academic institution throughout January–October 2027.

Successful applicants receive the following support:

• Monthly salary: Approximately €1,350 for the internship period.
• Living expenses: The salary is intended to cover living costs during the placement.
• Accommodation: The coordination office arranges suitable, affordable accommodation, with housing costs covered from the salary.
• Health insurance: The financial package is designed to cover health insurance costs.
• Travel support: Compensation for travel costs associated with participation.
• Research experience: Practical involvement in scientific projects supervised by experienced researchers.
• Professional development: Access to scientific presentation training, application-related workshops and career counselling.
• Mentoring and networking: Opportunities to interact with supervisors, research teams and fellow participants.
• Administrative support: Guidance from the programme coordination office before and during the internship.
• Visa guidance: Assistance with the visa process for accepted applicants who require a visa.

Applicants should prepare:

• Academic CV: Maximum two pages.
• Motivational statement: Explaining interest in scientific research and participation in CaCTüS.
• Previous project description: Information about relevant academic or practical project experience.
• Project-specific motivation: Reasons for selecting up to two research projects, in order of preference.
• Educational barriers statement: Information about circumstances that may have limited access to advanced education.
• Academic transcripts: Records covering completed university study periods.
• Degree certificates: Where available.
• Reference letter: One optional recommendation letter.

Transcripts must be understandable in English. Applicants may initially provide their own English translations if official translations are unavailable.

The official selection process includes an initial review, project-level evaluation and virtual interviews.

Applications are assessed for:

• Academic record and suitability for scientific research.
• Relevant knowledge and technical skills for the chosen projects.
• Motivation and interest in research.
• Compatibility with the requirements of the research laboratories.
• Circumstances affecting access to advanced scientific education.
• Responses to personal and technical questions during virtual interviews.

Applications are first screened by the internship coordination office and subsequently evaluated by participating research laboratories.

Shortlisted applicants are invited to virtual interviews. Successful candidates receive an official internship offer by email.

• Gain practical research experience at internationally recognised Max Planck research institutions.
• Work with experienced scientists in artificial intelligence, neuroscience and related fields.
• Strengthen research, analytical and technical skills.
• Explore potential pathways towards postgraduate research and scientific careers.
• Build professional connections with researchers and international participants.
• Gain experience presenting scientific work in an academic environment.
• Access professional development and career-support activities.
• Participate in an initiative promoting more equitable access to scientific education.