Research for a sustainable future
The Institute of Biological and Geosciences (IBG) at Forschungszentrum Jülich stands for interdisciplinary research on biological and geoscientific systems—with the aim of developing sustainable solutions to key societal challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and food security.
As the leading institute in the research area of “bioeconomy,” the IBG brings together biological, geoscientific, and digital expertise. Its research ranges from the molecular level to the landscape scale and extends from experimental basic research to simulation and application. The five complementary institute divisions—biotechnology, plant sciences, agrosphere research, bioinformatics, and computer-aided metagenomics - work closely together to develop integrated solutions.
The aim is to make scientifically sound contributions to the transition to a bio-based, circular economy within the framework of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Five institute divisions – One common goal
Our research addresses key stages of bioeconomic value creation – from the development of biological production systems and the optimization of plant resources to the modeling of complex environmental processes.
IBG-1: Biotechnology
Development of microbial and enzymatic processes for sustainable production – from renewable carbon sources to synthetic cell factories and the upcycling of plastic waste. Projects such as AutoBioTech, the Jülich Biofoundry, and the spin-off MiBioLab are creating scalable, bio-based solutions for industrial applications, environmental protection, and resource conservation.
IBG-2: Plant Sciences
Research for sustainable, efficient, and resilient plant production. At the Jülich Plant Phenotyping Center (JPPC), plants are measured with high precision, alternative biomasses are tested, and new cultivation systems are developed. Projects on agri-photovoltaics, agri-robotics, and the ESA satellite FLEX combine technological expertise with concrete solutions for resilient agriculture.
IBG-3: Agrosphere
Analysis of soil, water, and atmospheric processes in the context of climate change and land use. Digital tools such as AgraSim, the digital twin ReGenFarm, and the water monitor are being used to develop instruments for integrated land management.
IBG-4: Bioinformatics
Development of data-based and AI-supported methods for analyzing biological systems – from genomes and biomacromolecules to metabolic processes and digital twins. Projects such as MetaProcess and DNAzymes support the targeted design of biological functions.
IBG-5: Computational metagenomics
Analysis of microbial systems that cannot be cultivated using classical methods. Metagenomics, single-cell technologies, and cloud-based platforms are giving rise to new tools for genome reconstruction tools – including those within the framework of de.NBI and ELIXIR frameworks. They unlock microbial potential for environmental monitoring, biotechnology, and bioeconomic applications.
Working together for a sustainable bioeconomy
The IBG collaborates closely with partners from science, industry, agriculture, and society—including the BioEconomy Science Center (BioSC), the Geoverbund ABC/J, and the BioökonomieREVIER initiative.
Our research combines scientific excellence with practical relevance, making a concrete contribution to the transformation of the economy and society. Our focus is on sustainable production systems, resource conservation, and resilience.
The future is bio-based, and we are helping to shape it.