Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

The core competencies of the Fraunhofer IME are structured in two divisions, "Molecular Biotechnology" and "Applied Ecology", on four locations. In Aachen and Münster, we establish demand-optimized plants, animal cells and microorganisms for various industrial applications. At the institute branch "Bioresources" in Giessen, which belongs to the "Molecular Biotechnology" division, a worldwide unique center for the exploitation of bioresources is being established. The division "Applied Ecology" in Schmallenberg concerns iteself with risk evalutation of synthetic and biogenic substances for both environment and consumers. 

Shaping history, feeding the future

This year’s theme acknowledges the potato’s deep historical and cultural significance and its evolving role in today's global agrifood systems. It also acknowledges the opportunities and challenges that exist across the potato's value chain for our nutrition today and in the future.
The potato is one of our focus plants at Fraunhofer IME for many years. Together with our R&D partners, we are conducting various projects along the value chain.  These projects range from developing modern breeding tools and boosting photosynthesis to increase yield to detecting pathogens and increasing resistance to pests, as well as pest control and the effective use of sidestreams.

The Fraunhofer Institutes IME, IMM and ICT cordially invite you to the workshop 'SeedPlus: Innovative Seed Coating for Sustainability and Yield Security', which will take place on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at our long-standing cooperation partner Eskusa GmbH in Parkstetten.
SeedPlus combines technological efficiency and ecological responsibility to provide a cutting-edge solution for modern agriculture. This technology provides economic and ecological advantages and can assist in overcoming the challenges of sustainable food production.
Come and discover our innovative SeedPlus technology for yourself. You can look forward to exciting demonstrations and the opportunity to have one-to-one discussions with scientists from the SeedPlus consortium.

On May 12, we join the global community in celebrating International Plant Health Day.

At Fraunhofer IME, we drive research and innovation in plant health. Ensuring plant health is crucial for guaranteeing food security, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Through our research and collaborations, we aim to develop innovative solutions to combat plant diseases, pests, and other threats.

Read about our highlights of the past year.

A recent multidisciplinary study led by Dr. Alexandra Furch (University of Jena) in collaboration with apl. Prof. Gundula Noll and Prof. Dirk Prüfer (Fraunhofer IME, Münster), along with further experts, explores how plants convert pathogen perception into electrical signals, triggering local and systemic defense responses. Surprisingly, the evidence indicates that sieve element occlusion proteins, previously thought to be mainly involved in phloem sealing, also contribute to the signal transmission process.

In collaboration with Wolfgang Eisenreich (TUM) and Richard Twyman (TRM), our Münster colleagues analyze cis-prenyltransferases, essential for linear isoprenoid biosynthesis. This study offers insights into the localization, interactions, and products of the T. koksaghyz cis-PT family, revealing a previously unknown pentaprenol exclusive to flowers. The findings will enable the selection of targets for future experiments focusing on primary and secondary polyisoprenoid metabolites. Importantly, our study underscores the specialized nature of the T. koksaghyz rubber transferase complex, paving the way for the rational design of improved enzymes.

The Fraunhofer IME in Giessen organises networking meetings between science, politics and industry to promote the sustainable and energy-efficient use of insects for the circular bioeconomy.