The Cluster of Excellence “The Adaptive Mind” started in January 2026 and is coordinated by Justus Liebig University Giessen and carried out jointly with Philipps-Universität Marburg, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Goethe University Frankfurt, and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS).
The cluster investigates how humans adapt to changing and uncertain environments. It integrates approaches from experimental and cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, psychiatry and clinical psychology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modelling, and robotics.
Research is structured around five key areas that represent canonical computations of adaptive behaviour: Regulation, Causality, Categorisation, Prediction, and Reciprocity. By combining behavioural experiments, neurophysiological methods (e.g., fMRI, EEG, brain stimulation), longitudinal and developmental studies, and AI-based modelling, the cluster develops experimentally validated computational models of adaptive behaviour.
Beyond research, The Adaptive Mind establishes cross-institutional structures including a DataHub, TrainingHub, and OutreachHub to support open science, career development, and societal knowledge transfer.
(Planned) Support Activities for Postdocs
Intramural Funding & Seed Grants for Postdocs | Start-Up Bridge Funding & Packages for Junior Research Group Leaders | Structured Career Development Plans & Individual Mentoring | Thesis Advisory Committees & Peer-Mentoring Programmes | Workshops & Trainings| Mandatory Training in RDM, EDI, and Public Outreach | Industry Secondments, Intersectoral Mobility, and International Visits | Career Seminars, Visiting Speaker Series, and YoungPro Networking Events | Annual Retreats, Summer Schools, and Large-Scale Training Events | Postdoc & ECR Representation in Cluster Governance | Dedicated Training Hub Support | Targeted EDI Measures and Awards
Recruiting
Open positions are listed on the cluster’s job page.
Find out more
Website | The cluster’s communication channels are still under development.
