The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has relaunched the Research Framework Program "Research for Sustainability" (FONA), which has been running since 2005. It focuses on the 17 global sustainability goals of the United Nations.
Plastic shopping bags have been part of people's everyday lives for a long time. However, in recent years, the images of beaches and seas polluted by plastic waste have triggered society's rethinking: Many customers bring their own bags for shopping. Likewise, retailers offer reusable alternatives or paper bags, and charge a few cents for each plastic bag sold. With regards to environmental protection and resource conservation, Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze launched a draft law banning plastic bags in November 2019.
For the past nine months, the coronavirus has determined the lives of people worldwide. From hygiene rules to contact and travel restrictions: the consequences of the pandemic are felt in all areas of social life. But the fight for survival has also shown new ways and made people more aware of issues such as sustainability and environmental protection. Can the crisis be seen as an opportunity for a transformation of society towards more sustainability? This question was the focus of the now 13th German Sustainability Day in Düsseldorf.
Once again, Germany has a Bioeconomy Council: On December 7, 2020, the expert body met in a new composition and began its work - virtually, of course. There had already been a German Bioeconomy Council from 2009 to 2012 and from 2012 to 2019, which acted as an advisory body to the German government. The third council now has the particular task of accompanying the implementation of the National Bioeconomy Strategy adopted in January 2020.
Insects are considered the protein source of the future. The founder of "Snack-Insects", Folke Dammann, certainly agrees. In addition to offering a variety of insect-based products to private consumers and restaurants since 2013, the company also organizes tasting sessions, insect cookery courses and information events to counteract prejudices and misconceptions regarding insects as food.
Microplastic particles are not restricted to oceans: they also invade inland waters. But how do these tiny particles get into rivers and lakes, how dangerous are they really and how can they be removed? Christian Schaum intends to answer these and similar questions over the next three years.
A growing number of people on the planet also means a growing amount of waste and waste water. Its conventional treatment in sewage treatment plants requires a lot of energy and is quite expensive. Now, there is a new approach that focuses on bacteria. In short: these microorganisms can not only purify waste water, but also generate electricity at the same time.
Computer-aided modelling and simulation of processes is standard in many places today. Such computer models are rarely used in biotechnology. Sonja Berensmeier wants to change that. The Munich biotechnologist is focusing on peptides, the multi-talented biomolecules. As part of the initiative "Next Generation of Biotechnological Processes - Biotechnology 2020+", she is investigating the biomolecules and their interactions with different materials. Using computer models, the researcher aims to functionalise peptides and tailor them for technical applications.
Jellyfish are not very popular. On the beach or in the water they are usually considered a nuisance. However, Jamileh Javidpour is convinced that the sea dwellers could very well turn out to be quite useful. In the EU project "GoJelly", a team led by the Kiel marine biologist is investigating whether marine organisms can also be used as microplastic filters or for the production of fertilizer and fish feed, similar to algae.
Does the dramatic decline in insect populations in recent years have similarly serious effects on populations of plants whose reproduction depends on pollination by insects?