Welcome to the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
We investigate how organisms interact with chemical signals.
We do research in the lab to better understand interactions at a molecular level.
We do research in the glasshouse and in the field to better understand interactions and signals in their natural environment.
Photo: Anna Schroll
Training and international collaborations are key features of our work.
We believe diversity and inclusion leads to the best science.
We celebrate our 25th anniversary together with our neighboring institute.
Follow the QR-code to listen to short podcasts about our current research.
Research News
Current News and Announcements
Diarylheptanoid derivatives (musellins A-F) and dimeric phenylphenalenones from seed coats of Musella lasiocarpa, the chinese dwarf banana. Journal of Natural Products (2023)
Identification of a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) receptor and its cognate peptide ligand in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Plant, Cell and Environment (accepted)
Absence of visual cues motivates desert ants to build their own landmarks. Current Biology 33 (2023)
The Royal Society announced outstanding researchers from all over the world that were elected as the newest Fellows. Among these scientists honored by the society is Sarah E. O’Connor, directors of the Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis.
The Council of the International Congress of Entomology has announced that Dr. Silke Sachse, head of the Olfactory Coding Research Group, will receive the Certificate of Merit, a new award for outstanding mid-career entomologists, at the 27th International Congress of Entomology 2024 in Kyoto, Japan.
After the IMPRS symposium on March 21-22, 2023, Francesca Protti Sanchez, Ana Baños, Venkatesh Pal Mahadevan, Nomthi Kanyile, Marina Quadrado, and Ramya Ganesan and received the presentation awards for the best talks and posters.