Leibniz Centre expands research competencies: Foundation stone ceremony for the “House of Agricultural Biome Research” in Muencheberg

Press Release

3D-Animation des neuen Forschungskomplexes Haus der Kulturbiomforschung.

On 5 June, the foundation stone ceremony of the new “House of Agricultural Biome Research” took place at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) with guests from politics, science and industry. In the new building, the research on the impact of microorganisms on crop plant production and climate change will be intensified. With the construction of the laboratory and office building on the campus in Muencheberg, ZALF is strengthening international agricultural research in the state of Brandenburg in the 90th anniversary year of the research institution.

The world's population is growing rapidly, while at the same time the demands on sustainable, environmentally friendly and highly productive agriculture are increasing. In order to consider both goals, the understanding of the interactions of microorganisms and non-crop plants on growth, diseases, soil fertility and site conditions of crops as well as on the climate need to be deepened. Research in the new House of Agricultural Biome Research is therefore also focused on the eponymous agricultural biome, which describes this integrated approach. ZALF brings together methods and concepts from modern microbiology, plant physiology, biodiversity research and biogeochemistry.

The project builds on the already existing scientific competences of the Leibniz Centre and is 80 percent financed by the EU within the framework of the European Programme for Regional Development and 20 percent from federal funds as well as funds from the State of Brandenburg. The total investment amounts to 4.0 million euros. Completion is planned for the end of 2020. The building will house 10 laboratories, 8 offices and a large seminar and conference room.

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Among the guests were Dr. Martina Münch, Minister of Research of Brandenburg, Michael Stübgen, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and Dr. Uta Barkusky, Mayor of the town of Muencheberg. In the picture (from right to left): ZALF Executive Board members Prof. Frank Ewert, Cornelia Rosenberg together with Michael Stübgen and Dr. Martina Münch placing a time capsule in the foundation. The image is released for editorial reporting purposes provided the source of the image is given: © Hendrik Schneider / ZALF.

3D animation of the new research complex House of Cultural Biome Research. The image is released for editorial reporting purposes provided the source of the image is given: © Bauplanungsbüro Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Schulz.