Moving away from carbon to a bio-based circular economy: At Jülich, we are helping to make agriculture fit for climate change. We conduct research into how new applications for chemistry, energy production, and pharmaceutics can be developed from biological resources.

It is worth taking a fresh look at nature’s toolbox of microorganisms, algae, and plants, since they often have amazing capabilities. For instance, there are a number of microscopic organisms that can eat plastic. With their help, we might be able to get to grips with the global waste problem. Other organisms act as catalysts to produce bioplastics or active pharmaceutical ingredients and chemicals from plant waste.

Phages are masters at manipulating bacteria. We would like to copy the tricks they use and utilise them for industrial processes. For example, to allow bacteria to produce active medical ingredients or fine chemicals.

We investigate the numerous possibilities presented by biological resources at Jülich. In doing so, we utilize outstanding research infrastructure in microbiology, biotechnology, and plant and soil research. We are working on the development of a sustainable circular economy, known as the bioeconomy. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas – which our current economic system is based on – biological raw materials are renewable. They are the future.

Agrosphere

Soil and water resources are overused – the atmosphere is polluted. Entire ecosystems are changing as a result. We analyse the impact this has on humanity and develop strategies for global change.

Bioinformatics

The molecular analysis of plants generates enormous amounts of data. We develop algorithms that can analyse these data. Bioinformatics thus helps in the search for new active ingredients for drug development.

Biotechnology

Which microorganisms and enzymes are able to decompose plastic or serve as a catalyst for active ingredients and new plant-based materials? Jülich scientists investigate processes and technologies for bio-based product development.

Plant Sciences

How can agricultural yields be maintained or increased? Jülich researchers investigate the properties of plants in order to find or breed resistant, high-yielding varieties. To do so, they even conduct MRI scans of sugar beets

Making agriculture fit for the future

Agriculture has an important role to play. Jülich scientists therefore aim to make it fit for the future. They conduct research into the interactions between microorganisms, plants, and soils. The data from their test fields and from simulations help to optimize crop yields, reduce the use of fertilizers, and tackle the changes caused by climate change. Rising temperatures and more frequent periods of drought are ultimately putting crops under increasing stress. We therefore develop digital systems that can be used to monitor the condition of plants in the fields and optimize their irrigation. We are also looking for and breeding varieties that can meet the new requirements. Our major goal is to ensure that we can continue to feed the world’s growing population in future.

The Rhenish mining area serves us as a model region for the structural change away from fossil fuels towards a bio-based circular economy. Within the scope of the BioökonomieREVIER initiative, which we coordinate, we bring together stakeholders such as local authorities, companies, and farmers. Together, we are testing new cultivation methods and technologies and developing new products such as grass paper from plant residues. Since 2010, we have also been pooling our expertise with the universities of Bonn and Düsseldorf and RWTH Aachen University in the Bioeconomy Science Centre in order to lay the foundations for a sustainable, bio-based economy.

Agri-PV: Electricity from the field

Even a bio-based economy requires energy production. In our agrivoltaics demonstration projects, we show how electricity and crops can be harvested simultaneously on agricultural land. The collectors high above the plants also protect them from hail and the sun.

Bioeconomy News

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More on research

Information

Our powerful supercomputers are among the world’s best. We are also working on computers that utilize completely new technologies, such as quantum computers or computers modelled on the brain.

Energy

Sun, wind, and water instead of coal and oil: what could a sustainable energy system that relies on renewable energy look like? We show how the climate transition can be improved, accelerated, and made more economical.

Output & Impact

Forschungszentrum Jülich is a knowledge factory. Through our work, we push the boundaries of knowledge and establish the basis for new applications. Our expertise is in high demand and is put to use in a variety of ways.

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