The research institutes of the Max Planck Society perform basic research in the interest of the general public in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. There are 80 institutes and research facilities employing approximately 13,300 employees. Included in this are 4,800 scientists and 7,000 student assistants, fellows of the International Max Planck Research Schools, doctoral students, postdoctoral students, research fellows and visiting scientists.