Anaerobic bacteria are among the oldest life forms on earth. Compared to other organisms, they can survive in places where there is no oxygen. These adaptive artists are therefore of great interest to researchers. With Clostridium thermocellum, researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI) and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena have scrutinised an anaerobic bacterium that is of crucial importance for the degradation of cellulose in plant cell walls.

Spruce forests once characterised the landscape of Germany's low mountain ranges - today they are struggling to survive. Climate stress, bark beetles and extreme weather conditions have taken their toll on the robust conifers. The SURVEY joint project heralds a new era in forest research: in the future, research will be conducted directly in the forest instead of in the laboratory.

While CO₂ emissions continue to rise worldwide, one technology is increasingly coming into focus: carbon capture - the capture and storage of carbon dioxide directly at the source. On 1 July 2025, the Max Planck Society will take on two new research groups working on the development of more efficient processes for capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Joachim Schulze, Vorstandsvorsitzender von  eröffnete die Konferenz mit einem Appell an Zusammenarbeit und Offenheit: „Auf dieser Veranstaltung geht es ums Vernetzen, den Austausch – und darum, die Bioökonomie konsequent weiter voranzubringen,“ sagte er in seinen einleitenden Worten.

Digitalisation in agriculture is progressing. Field robots and the like can not only make work easier and more efficient. Modern monitoring technologies such as radio chips and sensors can also ensure higher yields in animal husbandry. However, such innovations are cost-intensive and rarely affordable for small farms.

Whether milk or meat substitutes, alternative proteins have become an important source of raw materials for the production of sustainable and healthy foods. These are not only plant-based proteins that can replace animal proteins, but also proteins that can be obtained using cell-based or fermentative processes. However, the path to producing such innovative foods is associated with numerous hurdles and risks for companies.

Germany is considered a pioneer in waste separation and recycling throughout Europe. Despite this, only 17% of plastics are recycled in this country, with the majority being incinerated. In the reGIOcycle project, a consortium of eleven joint and five associated partners, including the University of Augsburg, has developed specific solutions for the Augsburg region to avoid, replace and recycle plastics more efficiently. The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research from January 2020 to January 2025.