Leibniz Research Alliances
In Leibniz Research Associations, current topics of high scientific and societal relevance are addressed. The complementary scientific competencies of the participating institutes enable outstanding collaboration beyond the boundaries of their own institutions. The collaborations within the alliances serve the researchers to network on an interdisciplinary level and to jointly advance complex research projects.
Leibniz Research Associations are central points of contact for politics and industry, funding agencies, the media and civil society. They are established by central bodies of the Leibniz Association. The DIfE is currently a partner in the research network "Resilient Ageing".
The interdisciplinary network "Resilient Ageing" researches mechanisms that enable people to remain functionally healthy despite progressive aging processes so that they can participate in life physically, psychologically and socially into old age. A joint digital analysis platform will bring together and make usable the highly complex research data from a wide variety of areas at the institutes. [further information]
Coordinating Institutes
- Leibniz Institute for Research on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz
Leibniz Research Networks
In Leibniz research networks, various Leibniz institutes bring together their professional and methodological-technical competencies. For this purpose, researchers exchange ideas on special focus topics or key technologies, develop them further and strengthen their visibility. Leibniz Research Networks are established by the Leibniz Presidium on the basis of proposals from the Leibniz Association. DIfE coordinates the Leibniz Research Network "Green Nutrition - Healthy Society" and is a partner in the research networks "Immune-Mediated Diseases" and "Stem Cells and Organoids".
Scientists involved in this research network are working on interdisciplinary solution strategies for a healthy and at the same time sustainable food system. A "green diet" includes both a nutritionally optimal diet and resource-conserving food production, processing and distribution. The focus of the cooperation is the scientific exchange between Leibniz researchers, the identification of concrete research needs and a regular transfer of knowledge to politics and the public.
Coordinating Institution: German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE)
In this research network, scientists from Leibniz institutes from a wide range of disciplines are involved in researching and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of immunologically-related diseases and developing therapies. These diseases include allergies, neurological inflammatory diseases, intestinal inflammation, rheumatism and diabetes.
Coordinating Institution: German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ)
The development of methods for the production of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS cells) represents a groundbreaking step that will allow more and more researchers to use human organ-like (organoid) experimental models in addition to or as an alternative to animal experiments. By combining this with modern genome-editing techniques, the development of completely new human disease models for the life sciences is thus possible.
The methodological-technological exchange on stem cells and their application in the research areas represented by the network partners - with a focus on basic research, disease modeling, drug development, stem cell therapy, safety-toxicological testing and species protection - generates significant added value within the Leibniz Association .
Coordinating Institution: Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine Research, Düsseldorf (IUF)
Leibniz Strategy Forums
Research and topics areas that concern several Leibniz Institutes are frequently based on existing interdisciplinary profiles of the Leibniz institutions and are identified by the Leibniz Association Sections and Executive Board. This process receives additional support from Leibniz Strategy Forums, which consider and report on shared concerns and developments.
The DIfE participates in the Leibniz Strategy Forum on Sustainable Agri-Food Systems.
The role of the Leibniz Strategy Forum on Sustainable Agri-Food Systems is to ascertain the Leibniz Association’s interdisciplinary expertise for overcoming conflicts of objectives in agricultural and aquatic production systems. As we now know, agriculture and fisheries are drivers of soil and water eutrophication, biodiversity loss and climate change. Conversely, far-reaching structural change and climate change pose major challenges for farming, fisheries, and aquaculture. What strategies exist to minimise these conflicting objectives? How can production systems that were previously considered separately be connected? How can global interactions be taken into account? There is a lack of holistic, forward-looking models and transferable solutions. New technologies and digital transformation could close this gap and enable sustainable biomass production.
The members of the two-year strategy forum are working together, and with stakeholders, to develop a methodological framework and research approach for sustainable biomass production systems.
Members of the Strategy Forum on Sustainable Agri-Food Systems
Boosting Health by Nutrition Research.
DIfE is a member of the
Leibniz Association
EUROPEAN UNION
European Regional
Development Fund