The Max Planck Advanced Study Group (ASG) at the Center for Free Electron Laser Science (CFEL) is an association of Max Planck Society (MPG) departments pursuing a long-term experimental and theoretical program exploiting novel Free Electron Laser (FEL) radiation sources for forefront research across the classical disciplines. This includes current activities at the Free Electron LASer in Hamburg (FLASH), the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) in Stanford, and at the SPring 8 Compact SASE Source (SCSS) in Japan, as well as upcoming research at the European XFEL facility.

The ASG combines expertise in four areas that are of vital importance for FEL research:

The ASG is embedded in a strong interdisciplinary network within the MPG as an institution with the rights of a virtual department. The ASG Hamburg, a core group based at CFEL in Hamburg, ties together and supports the activities of the participating Max Planck institutes. Currently, the ASG includes eight Max Planck institutes but is open to new members according to the evolution of needs and interests in the MPG.

The ASG is represented by its speaker, Prof. J. Ullrich.