European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF, since 2021)

Maria Teresa Aguado Molina and Christoph Bleidorn, Biodiversity Museum

Project title:
Biodiversity Museum Göttingen - Redesign of the Zoological Museum of the University Göttingen as a Biodiversity Museum on the 2nd floor of the Forum Wissen

Abstract:
We totally depend on biodiversity. However, it’s in crisis. The planned Biodiversity Museum aims to show the significant impact of human activity on the planet‘s biodiversity. The museum will focus on three main subjects: biodiversity and evolution, biodiversity and ecosystems, and biodiversity and human impact. The visitors will explore them through a six chapter exhibition where they will face riddles that have been solved, while others still need to be entangled. They will also meet professional explores: the scientists and their research.
Further information

Johannes Isselstein, Institute of Grassland Science

Project title:
DivGrass - Innovative biodiversity for climate resilient dairy grasslands in the North Sea Region

Abstract:
The goal of the project is to support dairy farmers in increasing biodiversity in their grassland for adaptation to climate change and to maintain the high level of milk production. The work comprises the recording of grassland performance on dairy farms in the North Sea region and the possibility of adaptation through biodiversity in grassland in order to achieve greater climate resilience and at the same time promote diversity. To this end, surveys and questionnaires will be conducted on the management, farm structure, feeding and mindset of participating farms in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. The work is flanked by field trials of intervention measures on farms. In return, farms receive data and information on feed volume and quality as well as on the ecosystem services of grassland.
Further information

Frank Beneke, Agricultural Engineering

Project title:
EMBER - Efficient peatland management for renewable resources

Abstract:
The EMBER project is developing and testing sustainable production and processing methods for bog plants using bogs-friendly management practices. The aim is to create new value chains by utilising plant-based raw materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and nutrition, whilst simultaneously promoting climate protection through rewetting. In doing so, specific cultivation, harvesting and processing techniques are being conceptually developed to suit the particular conditions of peatland sites. In addition, a plant screening process is being carried out to select suitable species. The results are presented in a practical format, disseminated through training courses and events, and are intended to enable the exploitation of previously untapped potential through rewetting.

Jens Tetens, Functional Breeding

Project title:
EquiFit&VetHappy - Digitisation of equine health data recording to optimise veterinary care

Abstract:
The aim of the project is a “digital patient record” for horses serving as a digital herd and breeding management system to simplify and safeguard future veterinary care in rural areas via a mobile app. Using the app, the owner records all relevant data about their horse, thereby contributing to the development of 1. a population-wide management system for hereditary defects, 2. a link to the veterinary emergency service for the resource-efficient identification of emergencies, and 3. medical compendia for horse owners with the potential to integrate AI applications for disease prevention. Previous attempts to implement a health database have not yet succeeded for a variety of reasons; sometimes the additional workload for vets was too great to manage, whilst at other times honest answers conflicted with financial interests. The app would represent a new approach offering many benefits for horse owners. Data could be entered by laypeople in their own interest, using simple drop-down menus to provide the horse’s medical findings, and would serve to collect health data across different organisations. In particular, this would allow data on diseases with lower incidence rates and in small populations to be analysed, which would otherwise not be possible. In summary, the app serves to prevent health problems in horses, to enable the clear identification and rapid, coordinated treatment of emergencies (animal protection & animal welfare), and to ease the workload on vets through better coordination of data and patients.
Further information

Christine Große-Brinkhaus, Animal Breeding and Genetics

Project title:
FixThePig - Focus on genetic characteristics: reverse phenotyping for innovative breeding strategies in pigs

Abstract:
In pig farming, genetic defects such as hernias (testicular, inguinal and umbilical hernias), cryptorchidism, splay-leggedness, anorectal malformations and hermaphroditism continue to pose a significant problem for animal health, animal welfare and economic efficiency. These defects occur regardless of the farming system, in both conventional and organic farms. They frequently lead to chronic suffering, impaired animal welfare and economic losses due to emergency culling or reduced fattening performance. This presents both economic and ethical problems for farms and breeding organisations. Furthermore, genetic defects can increase the use of antibiotics: a herd with few or no defects is healthier, more resilient and requires fewer medicinal treatment.

This is where FixThePig comes in: using innovative methods of genomic selection as well as reverse phenotyping and reverse genetics, existing and newly collected farm data will be analysed using state-of-the-art bioinformatics techniques. These concepts are based on the understanding that changes in the genome can be identified as the cause of traits, particularly genetic defects. This approach was initially used to identify potential lethal alleles in cattle, but can also be extended to the selection of other traits. Falling costs for whole-genome sequencing in recent years, whilst the costs of trait recording remain constant, make this approach particularly interesting for investigating regions responsible for genetic defects. The aim is to reliably identify genetic risk factors and thereby build a direct bridge between basic research and practical livestock farming. The particular innovative strength lies in combining practical data from agricultural holdings with modern breeding methods, thereby developing robust tools to enhance animal welfare, sustainability and economic efficiency in pig production.

Martin Schebeck, Forest Entomology

Project title:
Goldafter (brown-tail moth), Euproctis chrysorrhoea, on Sylt – a research project on population dynamics, natural enemies and management

Abstract:
The brown-tail moth has been recorded on Sylt since 2022; in spring 2025, cases of serious health problems in humans caused by the caterpillars’ stinging hairs were reported taking the form of severe skin rashes and respiratory problems. Between 2022 and 2025, the area affected has expanded from a few square metres to now documented occurrences spanning several hundred hectares on Sylt. As the brown-tail moth is currently also spreading to other islands and the mainland around the North Sea, this research project on Sylt is highly relevant to the entire Uthlande region.

The aim of the project is to analyse the distribution of the brown-tail moth on Sylt and to identify the environmental factors that promote its spread. A review of the specialist literature aims to summarise the current state of knowledge and adapt it for different target groups, thereby promoting evidence-based decision-making in managing the brown-tail moth. Natural antagonists (predators, parasites, etc.) will also be investigated to determine if they could play a role in sustainable management strategies. The development and implementation of a monitoring programme forms the basis for the long-term survey of brown-tail moth populations and provides data on interactions with other species. Furthermore, a well-founded risk assessment of brown-tail moth populations is to be developed, which should be useful for both public institutions and private individuals.
Further information

Olaf Deinert, Chair of Civil Law, Labor Law and Social Law

Project title:
Haus der Selbstständigen (translation: House of self-employed persons/ freelancer)

Abstract:
The self-employed persons, and in particular the solo self-employed, work in a wide variety of professional fields. They are self-employed with a wide range of skills and working conditions on a full-time or part-time basis. Some are exclusively self-employed, others work hybrid, i.e. they are also permanently employed alongside their self-employment. So that solo self-employed persons are not left behind economically compared to dependent employees and receive support, especially in coping with digital change:

• ... "solo self-employed persons in particular should be strengthened in their organisational competence by providing knowledge and networking opportunities."
• ... "the strengthening of joint interest groups and collective measures - also with regard to their remuneration - should be given great importance".
• ...the "Haus der Selbstständigen" should be a central point of contact in order to improve the working conditions of solo self-employed workers in particular, regardless of whether they work in the analogue or digital space."

We want to achieve these goals in cooperation with solo self-employed workers and their interest groups. The "Haus der Selbstständigen" is open to anyone who wants to work together to improve their working conditions.
Further information

Markus Port, Conservation Biology

Project title:
Luchs Thüringen (Lynx Thuringia) – Connecting Europe’s lynx populations

Abstract:
The aim is to release up to five lynx into the wild each year over the next four years. Through this lynx reintroduction programme, a broad coalition of ten organisations has set itself the goal of securing a sustainable future for the lynx in our forests. The Department of Conservation Biology at the University of Göttingen is also involved; research into the spread of the lynx in central Germany has been ongoing there for ten years. Researchers from the University of Göttingen are supporting the project with monitoring, that is, the observation and surveillance of the newly emerging lynx population.
Further information

Thomas Waitz and Almut Popp, X-LAB

Project title:
MINT:ZE+ – Building blocks for a sustainable science, technology, engineering and mathamatics (STEM) region in Southern Lower Saxony

Abstract:
Since August 2022, a regional network has been established in southern Lower Saxony as part of the “MINT:ZE” project, which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim was to strengthen STEM education – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – in the long term through close cooperation between educational institutions, out-of-school education providers, local authorities, academia and industry. The project centred on fostering children’s and young people’s interest in STEM subjects, guided by the principle of sustainable development. The current challenge is to embed the existing MINT:ZE network in the region, to further develop individual components and to address the needs identified during the first funding phase. The MINT:ZE+ project therefore aims to address these challenges and to further develop the successful work of the MINT:ZE network in a targeted manner, in order to strategically strengthen and sustainably embed STEM education in southern Lower Saxony across the entire education continuum.
Further information

Lutz Kolbe, Chair of Information Management
Mathias Willnat, Smart Mobility Research Group - Chair of Information Management

Project title:
Mobility Makers - Customising sustainable mobility mixes to fit users’ needs

Abstract:
The Interreg North Sea region’s intermediate and rural regions are struggling to increase the share of sustainable mobility. Available policy instruments are well known and implemented in cities, but less so in towns, suburbs and rural areas. Limited availability of public transport and shared mobility services result in heavy reliance on personal cars to get around and associated negative impacts on climate change, air quality, road safety, accessibility (to public services, jobs, businesses,etc.) and liveability.

Despite North Sea region’s projects’ work (MOVE and SHARE-North) on supplying sustainable mobility measures suited to their areas (e.g., car and bike sharing, mobility hubs, company support), adoption remains difficult. With a slight change in modal split and reduction in passenger-kilometres, authorities realise that apart from the supply-side, they must address the demand-side (mobility behaviour, habits and attitudes toward car use) to meet users’ needs, as well as maintain or invest only in the most relevant services. With this project, we aim to create and implement user-centred mobility mixes through better understanding users’ needs and incentivising them to change their (perceptions of their) daily mobility practices.
Further information

Max Krott, Forest and Nature Conservation Policy and Forest History

Project title:
Managing prOtective foreSt fAcIng clImate Change compound events

Abstract:
Climate change (CC) is undeniably responsible for the increase in climate-related disasters affecting Alpine communities. These phenomena are often the result of compound events, a combination of multiple climate-related hazards that contribute to socio-ecological risks. One of the key drivers of the increased vulnerability are changes in forest ecosystems.

Forests provide essential ecosystem services that support human well-being and play a critical role in the mitigation of CC, but their health and stability are also threatened by CC. Therefore, MOSAIC focuses on hazard-resilient and sustainable protective forest management coping with climate changes’ multiple dimensions, which is essential for managing climate-related risks. In order to support regional and Alpine climate action plans, the project aims to collect, harmonize and share data, models on Alpine climate-related disasters and trends. The project partners strive to raise awareness among foresters, risk managers, decision makers and the public through an Alpine network of forest living labs.
Further information

Andreas von Tiedemann, Plant Pathology and Crop Protection
Annette Pfordt, Plant Pathology and Crop Protection

Project title:
PathoGen - Diagnosis of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi in soil and plant samples using a new tool based on genome sequences

Abstract:
Trichoderma harzianum was recently identified as the causative agent of ear rot in maize in Europe. While some strains of this species cause significant damage and yield losses, others are non-pathogenic and live as saprophytes in the soil. A similar phenomenon has been demonstrated for the vascular pathogen Verticillium longisporum, which is important worldwide in oilseed rape. Various lineages differing in their virulence properties have been identified, including strains that can be classified as non-pathogenic in oilseed rape.

Based on these observations, comparative genome analyses of well-characterized strains of both species are being conducted within the PathoGen project. The goal is to detect differences between pathogenic and non-pathogenic isolates that could causally explain this difference in pathogenicity. Based on this, diagnostic primer combinations will be developed and tested that allow the specific detection of pathogenic strains in different sample types. The project not only aims to gain fundamental knowledge but also pursues an application-oriented goal by developing an innovative, genome sequence-based diagnostic method for the identification of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi in soil and plant samples, which can contribute to integrated pest management.
Further information

Tim Salditt, Institute for X-ray Physics

Project title:
QUADRANT - Project to develop 3D X-ray microscopy

Abstract:
Diseases manifest themselves both in the visible body and on a microscopic level in tissue. However, conventional histological methods only use two-dimensional tissue sections. The interdisciplinary QUADRANT project, a collaboration between Histomography GmbH, Hannover Medical School and the University of Göttingen, aims to develop non-destructive quantitative 3D analyses of larger tissue samples for (bio)medical research and diagnostics. To this end, questions from the fields of developmental biology, regenerative medicine, anatomy and pathology are answered using a 3D X-ray microscope specially developed for paraffin tissue blocks as well as morphometric quantification of tissue architecture using 3D image processing and artificial intelligence methods.
Further information

Kilian Bizer, Chair of Economic Policy and SME Research
Martin Stammann, Transfer & Startup Hub University of Göttingen

Project title:
StartupSpace of the Transfer & Startup Hub - We support science-based start-up teams in particular and focus on female founders and international/ intercultural founders

Abstract:
The ERDF start-up space establishes 14 new workplaces for founders in Göttingen. Located in the University's historic observatory, they are intended to establish themselves as an interface between the start-up ecosystem of the region and the University and make a significant contribution to the start-up culture. The premises on site offer the teams space to develop ideas and provide a place for joint exchange and mutual inspiration. Accompanying workshops and consultations enable founders to develop and sell their project professionally. With a focus on female entrepreneurship and intercultural/ international founders, two target groups are particularly addressed that have been underrepresented and make the local start-up system more diverse.

The excellent networking with local companies and associations as well as the strong cooperation partners, the city of Göttingen, the district of Göttingen and the Life Science Factory gGmbH (LSF) founded by Sartorius, make a decisive contribution to the success of the start-up space. The founders therefore have direct access to relevant players and structures and can, for example, use the LSF's Makers Factory to develop prototypes or benefit from experienced founders through meet-ups.
Further information

Frank Beneke, Agricultural Engineering

Project title:
Smart Farming-Technikum - Expansion of the infrastructure with a technical centre (research hall) for smart farming and digital technologies

Abstract:
The research and further development of data-driven and smart plant cultivation is not possible without a corresponding technical basis. As part of this ERDF project, the planned infrastructure therefore represents a platform or the necessary basis for research on real machines and enables far-reaching, future-orientated research and teaching projects with a lighthouse character for the region of southern Lower Saxony and beyond. Sensor applications, assistance systems in machines, automated agricultural systems and agricultural robots are playing an increasingly important role, and their use and integration in crop production systems are being researched.

This is supplemented by issues relating to the sustainable energy supply of agricultural machinery and infrastructures. A PV-based electrical supply for agricultural machinery with alternative drives (e-tractor, agricultural robots) is planned. The planned research building is to obtain part of the required energy from its own PV system.