Leibniz Lab Systemic Sustainability

The rapid loss of biodiversity and ongoing climate change are also the result of intensive agriculture. At the same time, they jeopardize agriculture and food security. The Leibniz Lab "Systemic Sustainability" brings together relevant knowledge in science and society on this fundamental challenge in order to promote the development and implementation of systemic solutions.
Leibniz Association, 2024-2027

Team

Dr. Anette Ruml

Research Fellow

Cooperation Partners

Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association German Institute for Adult Education - Leibniz-Centre for Lifelong Learning German Institute for Economic Research German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences Halle Institute for Economic Research Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Kiel Institute for the World Economy Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research Leibniz-Institut für Agrarentwicklung in Transformationsökonomien Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Rostock Leibniz Institute DSMZ- German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Leibniz-Institute of Plant Biochemistry Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science Research Center Borstel Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Peace Research Institute Frankfurt Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research TIB – Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology and University Library Leibniz Information Centre for Economics Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research

Head

Prof. Dr. Miriam Prys-Hansen

Lead Research Fellow / Head of Research Programme "Global Orders and Foreign Policies"

Research Questions

By pooling the expertise of 41 Leibniz research institutions and 11 research clusters Leibniz Lab "Systemic Sustainability" is creating a central knowledge and advice hub on issues relating to biodiversity, climate, agriculture and nutrition.

Contribution to International Research

The current socio-ecological crisis reveals a clear conflict between biodiversity and climate change on the one hand and agriculture and food on the other. The intensification of global agriculture is accelerating the loss of biodiversity and climate change. Conversely, this increases the risks for agriculture and food security as well as the need for adaptation. The achievement of existential goals for sustainable development is thus jeopardized, and several planetary boundaries have already been exceeded. There is an urgent need for a more systemic and action-oriented approach in science and an in-depth dialogue with society in order to arrive at transformative solutions.

Research Design and Methods

The Leibniz Lab addresses this need by integrating scientific findings in the field of "Biodiversity, Climate, Agriculture and Food" and identifying innovations. In pilot areas in different parts of the world, the Lab addresses regional requirements. It links these with global developments in order to understand the complex interrelationships from a holistic perspective and identify appropriate solutions. The Lab acts as a link between the relevant scientific communities and promotes dialogue between science and society.

With its expertise in comparative regional research, the social sciences, and policy advice, the GIGA is a key contributor to the Lab. Dr. Miriam Prys-Hansen is a member of the network’s steering group and a co-spokesperson for the work package “Dialogue between Leibniz Lab ‘Systemic Sustainability’ and Social Actors.”