Practice-oriented, green, innovative research

The central object of research is the optimisation of value chains from primary production to processing and distribution to the consumer. The sustainability of the land use cycle is based on responsible and value-oriented action.

Core topics of this research focus are:

• Sustainable animal & plant production including organic farming & agroecology.

• Welfare of farm animals

• Resource- & environmentally-friendly use of raw materials

• Establishment of water & nutrient cycles and functional agro-ecosystems

• Optimisation of Horticulture Production

• Marketing & consumer research to verify sustainability with consumers

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The central subject of this research is food. The optimisation of the entire value chain from primary production through processing and distribution to the consumer is examined. Questions in nutrition education or personalised nutrition can be answered. Topics from areas such as healthy lifestyles or nutrition to meet the needs of an ageing population are taken up.

Core topics of this research focus are:

• Food Biotechnology

• Brewing and Beverage Technology

• 3D Food Printing

• Personalised Nutrition

• Food Ingredients

• Alternative Protein Sources & Applications through Innovative Technologies

• Marketing & Consumer Research

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Climate change has serious consequences on species, ecosystems, land use and human health. Research in this area is concerned with detecting its ecosystem causes (greenhouse gas emissions) and effects. Based on this, the resilience of ecosystems and landscapes is assessed. Strategies for reducing emissions and adapting to climate risks in near-natural ecosystems (peatlands, forests) are developed. Of high relevance are questions on limiting global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.

Core topics of this research focus are:

• Monitoring & visualisation of climate change

• Research on climate protection potentials through ecosystem management, especially in peatlands & forests

• Adaptation of land use systems to climate change (management, site optimisation, species composition, etc.)

• green infrastructures in cities

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We develop procedures for monitoring, assessing and restoring the diversity of species, habitats and genetic resources. In this respect, not only wild plants and animals are of importance, but also the (varietal) diversity of cultivated plants and livestock breeds. We increase the effectiveness of nature conservation strategies and instruments and develop them further in cooperation with land users.

Core topics of this research focus are:

• Obtaining evidence-based data on species occurrence & decline.

• Testing efficient collection methods

• Researching the effects of climate & land use change on biodiversity

• Empirical & experimental development of conservation tools

• Analysis & resolution of conflicting goals between sustainable management & nature conservation

• scientific monitoring of the reintroduction of animal species

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The focus lies on the effects of land use on the natural and landscape balance and its relevance to the climate. Emphasis is placed on the intensity of land use and the methods of cultivation and use.

Core topics of this research focus are:

• Planning sustainable landscape development

• Environmental impacts of technical facilities

• Forms of production for renewable energies

• Conservation & promotion of biodiversity in the cultural landscape

• Recording material cycles

• Assessment of recyclable materials from waste

• Sustainable use of water resources

• Increasing biodiversity in the urban environment

• Mitigating the effects of climate change

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In the broadest sense, biomass is produced on meadows, fields and forests. This means that agriculture and forestry play a key role. The Biomass Institute expands the dimension of research in the direction of biogenic residues and raw materials, biomass utilisation and plant technology.

Core topics of this research focus are:

• Studies on the regional availability of biomasses

• Cultivation & use of perennial (energy) plants

• Inventories in agroforestry & energy forest systems

• working studies on innovative harvesting methods

• energetic optimisation of biogas & wastewater treatment plants

• innovative technical processes & technologies

• ecological footprint of residue utilisation

• marketing & acceptance studies

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An environmentally and climate-friendly supply of energy is a key factor for the prosperity and livelihood of humankind. Economic growth and ecological compatibility are considered together in the research topics, also taking social concerns into account. Current topics of the energy transition are addressed.

Core topics of this research focus are:

• energetic & material utilisation of biogenic raw materials & residues

• Material flow management

• Life cycle assessment

• Energetic optimisation

• Environmental resource management

• Biogas / Biomass

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The energy transition is raising our awareness. We need to replace fossil fuels, increase energy efficiency and optimise processes. Research is primarily concerned with the energy optimisation of agricultural and horticultural production. Another topic area is thermal insulation.

The core topics of this research focus are:

• Reduction of energy demand in the cultivation of horticultural products

• LED lighting control

• Urban farming in plant production containers

• Thermal optimisation

• Insulation materials from biogenic residues

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