Leibniz Strategy Forum “Sustainable Agrifood Systems”

The Leibniz Strategy Forum “Sustainable Agrifood Systems” brings together the interdisciplinary expertise of the Leibniz Association to systematically address trade-offs in agricultural and aquatic production systems. It focuses on the ecological impacts of agriculture and fisheries as well as on the combined challenges of climate and structural change for which transferable solutions are currently lacking. The forum members, together with stakeholders, develop a methodological framework and research approach for sustainable biomass production systems, also utilising new technologies and digital methods.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: ​​​​​​Prof. Dr. Nicole van Dam, Prof. Dr. Monika Schreiner

Leibniz Strategy Forum “Open Science”

The Leibniz Strategy Forum “Open Science” strategically supports the Leibniz Association in developing the Open Science field and serves as a central point of contact for this topic. It consolidates the Open Science expertise of participating institutions across all sections, strengthens the national and international visibility of related activities, and fosters a cooperative research environment on the success factors of Open Science. Against the backdrop of digital transformation and evolving requirements for scientific work, the forum promotes transparent and reproducible research practices and encourages a culture of openness throughout the Leibniz Association.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Dr Babette Regierer

Leibniz Research Networks address overarching thematic areas or key technologies, aiming to consolidate, develop, and make visible the expertise and methodological-technical competences of participating Leibniz institutes. IGZ actively contributes to several of these networks, bringing its scientific expertise to support inter-institutional exchange and the joint profiling of research strengths.

More informationen: Website

Leibniz Research Network “Biodiversity”

Biological diversity (Biodiversity) is the basis for functioning and healthy ecosystems, secures essential services such as clean water and fertile soils, goods such as food, and raw materials, reduces the consequences of climate change and contributes to resilient and productive habitats. A key challenge is aligning biodiversity goals with sometimes competing objectives in climate, energy, agricultural, and economic policy. The Leibniz Biodiversity Research Network pools the expertise of 19 Leibniz institutes across environmental, social, life, spatial, humanities, and economic sciences to develop sustainable solutions.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Dr Rita Grosch

Leibniz Research Network “Green Nutrition – Healthy Society”

This network combines interdisciplinary expertise in nutrition, health, environment, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development to advance the transformation towards a healthy and resource-efficient food system. Its objectives include identifying research needs, initiating interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthening scientific exchange and early-career support. The network also promotes knowledge transfer to policy and the public to embed sustainable nutrition strategies socially.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Prof. Dr Monika Schreiner

Leibniz Research Network “Mathematical Modelling & Simulation (MMS)”

The network investigates interdisciplinary questions using modern mathematical modelling and simulation (MMS) methods to extract insights from large datasets, conduct experiments more efficiently or virtually, and shorten development cycles. Its goal is to develop cross-cutting methods applicable across natural, life, social, and engineering sciences and to address socially relevant problems such as climate, health, and the economy. Complex processes are analysed across all spatial and temporal scales to enable risk assessment, optimisation, and evidence-based forecasting.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Dr Jan Gräfe

Leibniz Research Network “Central and Eastern Europe”

Established in 2015, this network unites Leibniz expertise in Eastern European research to comprehensively understand regional dynamics and international linkages. Its aim is to foster interdisciplinary research on energy, environment, security, migration, and identity topics and to strengthen exchange between science, the public, and policymakers. The network covers the eastern EU member states, South-Eastern European EU accession candidates, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, and Caucasus and Central Asian countries; research on Russia continues, although relations have been frozen since the invasion of Ukraine.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Prof. Dr. Tilman Brück

Leibniz Research Network “Environmental Crises – Crisis Environments”

The network examines under which conditions environmental changes are perceived or contested as crises and how governance arrangements support effective and sustainable crisis management. It combines natural and social science perspectives to better understand the interactions between environmental changes and societal perception. Its goal is to strengthen societal resilience to environmental crises and to use crisis scenarios as opportunities for sustainable development.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Prof. Dr. Tilman Brück

Leibniz Research Network “Bioactive Compounds”

Naturally occurring or synthetic bioactive compounds play a key role in addressing current societal challenges such as diseases, antibiotic resistance, climate-related yield losses, and environmentally harmful plant protection. The Leibniz Bioactive Compounds Research Network pools the expertise of 17 institutes from four sections of the Leibniz Association to improve integration across the development of bioactive substances, from discovery to application. Its aim is to expand a thematic communication platform that facilitates the exchange of scientific, methodological, and technical expertise among participating institutes and external partners.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Prof. Dr Franziska Hanschen, Prof. Dr Nicole van Dam

Leibniz Labs bring together institutes of the Leibniz Association to work interdisciplinarily with actors from society, politics, and business to develop practical solutions to current societal challenges. The collective knowledge of the association is systematically utilised and applied to concrete transformation processes.

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Leibniz Lab “Systemic Sustainability”

The Leibniz Lab “Systemic Sustainability” consolidates knowledge from science and society to understand the complex interactions between biodiversity, climate, agriculture, and nutrition, and to develop systemic solutions. Regional requirements in pilot areas worldwide are linked with global developments to promote practical, holistic approaches. As a central knowledge and advisory hub of the Leibniz Association, the lab supports exchange between research institutions, scientific communities, and society.

More information: Website | IGZ Work Package
IGZ contact: Prof. Dr Tilman Brück, Prof Dr Nicole van Dam, Prof. Dr. Monika Schreiner

EPSO

The European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO) unites over 200 research institutes, departments, and universities from 31 countries to strengthen plant science in Europe. EPSO’s mission is to increase the visibility and impact of plant research, provide policy advice, and coordinate research activities at national and European levels. It also supports the scientific community, informs about funding opportunities, and helps apply plant science research to current challenges in breeding, agriculture, forestry, ecology, and related fields.

More information: Website
IGZ contact: Dr Marina Korn (institutional representative), Dr Giuseppe Carlo Modarelli (Co-chair Horticulture Working Group), Prof. Dr Monika Schreiner (Co-chair Food Security Working Group)