Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
3d render human social network and leadership as concept.

© Shutterstock | Connect world

People and events

Distinguished visitor at Fraunhofer IME: German Federal Minister Dorothee Bär learns about sustainable agricultural innovations

Bioressources

© Fraunhofer IME | Kim Weigand
Dr. Kornelia Hardes shows Minister Bär the high-security laboratories at Fraunhofer IME.
© Fraunhofer IME | Kim Weigand
Federal Minister Dorothee Bär listens as doctoral student Leonie Graser explains RNAi biotechnology research to her.
© Fraunhofer IME | Kim Weigand
Dr. Dorothee Tegtmeier presents her research on the use of insect larvae.

Dorothee Bär, Germany’s Federal Minister for Research, Technology, and Space, visited the Bioresources Division of Fraunhofer IME in Giessen. The focus was on RNAi-based plant protection and insects as a resource for food, fertilizer, and high-tech applications. 

Together with the head of the division, Prof. Dr. Andreas Vilcinskas; the Fraunhofer Society’s Executive Board Member for Research & Transfer, Prof. Dr. Constantin Haefner; the Vice Presidents of Justus Liebig University Giessen, Prof. Dr. Alexander Goesmann and Prof. Dr. Karsten Krüger, as well as Member of the German Bundestag Frederik Bouffier, we discussed how innovative insect biotechnology can contribute to more sustainable agriculture. 

The focus was on our RNAi research: PhD student Leonie Graser presented the world’s first approved RNAi spray against the Colorado potato beetle—Calantha® (active ingredient: Ledprona). Together with GreenLight Biosciences and Justus Liebig University Giessen, we were able to elucidate the mechanism of action: The spray specifically silences a vital gene in the Colorado potato beetle, thereby opening new avenues for precise, environmentally friendly plant protection (More info). 

In the high-security laboratory, junior research group leader Dr. Kornelia Hardes provided insights into new active compounds for combating viral infections, as well as innovative, environmentally friendly strategies for controlling invasive mosquitoes such as the tiger mosquito, which transmits dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. 

During a tour of the atrium, Junior Research Group Leader Dr. Dorothee Tegtmeier demonstrated how insect larvae can be used as a sustainable protein source for aquaculture while simultaneously producing climate-friendly fertilizer from organic waste. This closes nutrient cycles and creates alternatives to resource-intensive chemical fertilizers.

Our startups based at the Bioresources division of the institute demonstrated how research is turned into market-ready innovations:

PROMBYX GmbH develops sustainably produced cat and dog food based on silkworms 

SWARM Biotactics is working on reconnaissance technologies using remote-controlled cyborg insects

EntoSolutions transforms waste from insect farming into biochar for more climate-friendly concrete

Dorothee Bär’s visit impressively demonstrated that cutting-edge research is taking shape in Giessen—research that makes a difference for food security, climate protection, and the agriculture of the future 

OECD Interlaboratory Test launched to validate the NanoHYBIT Method

Applied Ecology

NanoHYBIT is a research and standardisation project funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) aimed at developing an OECD-compliant test method for assessing the bioaccumulation of nanomaterials using the Mexican fresh water shrimp (Hyalella azteca). It enables the determination of BCF and BMF values even for particulate substances and provides a more efficient alternative to traditional fish tests for regulatory applications.

In June 2025, Prof. Dr Christian Schlechtriem and Dr Sebastian Kühr, at the invitation of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), presented the latest research findings of the NanoHYBIT project during a meeting of the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) in Paris.

The consistently positive feedback from the international expert panel formed the basis for a further step: the submission of a so-called SPSF application (Standard Project Submission Form) to the OECD. The aim of this application is to initiate an international ring test to validate the NanoHYBIT method. In the long term, the aim is to achieve an extension of OECD Test Guideline 321 (HYBIT) to include a specific Part B for nanomaterials and to have the project included in the official OECD project portfolio.

© OECD
International expert panel of the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) in Paris

Workshop "SeedPlus"

Molecular Biotechnology | Applied Ecology

© Eskusa | Johann Lummer

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Fraunhofer Institutes IME, IMM, and ICT, along with our longtime partner Eskusa GmbH, hosted a workshop titled "SeedPlus: Innovative Seed Coating for Sustainability and Yield Security" in Parkstetten.

SeedPlus technology combines technological efficiency and ecological responsibility to provide a forward-looking solution for modern agriculture. SeedPlus offers a wide range of economic and ecological advantages that contribute to overcoming the challenges of sustainable food production.

The workshop program featured a presentation on SeedPlus technology in a hybrid format to enable broad participation. In-person attendees had the opportunity to learn about SeedPlus technology, gain insight into the work of the participating institutes, and engage in personal discussions with researchers from the SeedPlus consortium. They met Fraunhofer researchers Anna Musyanovych, Julia Peters, Marie Winter, Alexander Dresel und Thomas Heintz. The workshop strengthened our partnership with Eskusa GmbH and showcased SeedPlus's potential for sustainable food production.

Project kick-off "SEASON"

Molecular Biotechnology

© Fraunhofer IME | Lena J. Freund

In the third round of the “Green Economy.IN.NRW” innovation competition, the review committee approved the project“SEASON-Slow Release of Biostimulants from Seed Coatings.”
The kick-off meeting for the three-year collaborative project took place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Fraunhofer IME. The project partners are Deutsche Saatveredelung AG and HUMINTECH GmbH, and Fraunhofer IME in Münster is providing coordination.

SEASON is developing novel technology for the targeted, time-delayed release of biostimulants via winter rapeseed seed coating. Winter rapeseed is the most important oilseed in North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany. Uniform germination and the development of strong young plants are essential for high yields. The project aims to strengthen the early development and sensitive initial phases of rapeseed plantlets, increasing their resilience to stress factors such as cold, drought, and nutrient deficiency without the need for additional agricultural measures.

Organic. Innovations. Strengths. – The colours of biotechnology

Bioressources

© Technologieland Hessen

The events in the “Bio. Innovations. Strengths.” series organized by Technologieland Hessen aim to shed light on the future of the bio-based economy, innovations in processes and design, and technological advancements in the context of the bioeconomy. To this end, Technologieland Hessen regularly hosts themed events. From sustainable packaging made from bio-based materials and bio-inspired medical devices to resource conservation through biotechnological processes and the development of sustainable business models through R&D funding. 

On October 21, 2025, we delved deep into the world of yellow biotechnology in Giessen—focusing on insects as a sustainable resource with enormous potential for medicine, agriculture, and food. 

The day was all about the color yellow: insects and their wealth of mechanisms and tools that we humans can utilize. We learned how these tiny all-rounders contribute to sustainable plant protection, what role they play in the circular economy, and how they can be used as a source of food or protein. We also explored why these creatures serve as a source of inspiration for biomolecular innovations. Our guests were particularly delighted by the on-site lab tours, which provided insights into analytics, the biobank, and the insect breeding.

Many thanks to all the speakers, staff, and our cooperation partners for their presentations, practical insights, and technical expertise, which have opened up new possibilities in the field of yellow biotechnology!

Workshop plant biotechnology in Hamburg

Molecular Biotechnology

© Fraunhofer IME | Birgit Orthen

The Society for Plant Biotechnology holds a workshop every two years that focuses on the latest developments in plant biotechnology. From September 22 to 23, 2025, the exciting event took place at the Biozentrum of the University of Hamburg. Topics included genome editing, in vitro culture, and abiotic stress resistance.

Fraunhofer IME in Münster was represented by doctoral researcher Christos Iordanidis, who presented his work entitled “Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms of Antagonistic FT Homologs in Nicotiana tabacum.” His research explores the regulation of flowering in tobacco, a developmental process that plays a crucial role in plant reproduction.The timing of flowering is a strictly regulated developmental process that significantly influences the reproductive success of plants. A key protein that regulates flower development is FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). The molecular mechanisms of its mode of action are largely unknown. Iordanidis is investigating these mechanisms in his work with N. tabacum, particularly the interaction with various partners that can activate or suppress flower development.

Workshop on "The Mobility of Polar and Ionisable Substances in the Environment" in London

Applied Ecology

© Benedikt Ringbeck
The Royal Society of Chemistry - Burlington House in London

Our colleagues Dr Dieter Hennecke, Dr Michael Hüben, Dr Benedikt Ringbeck and Dr Dimitrios Skodras from Fraunhofer IME, Department of Applied Ecology, organized a workshop in November 2025 at the library of the “Royal Society of Chemistry – Burlington House” in London, in collaboration with scientists from the UK Environment Agency and wca Consultant. The workshop was organized to develop a screening test for determining the mobility of polar and ionisable substances in the environment. In two consecutive projects, the project partners established the theoretical and experimental foundations for such a method. Following an initial literature review, a dataset comprising more than 40 relevant test substances was compiled using mixed-mode HPLC columns. This methodological approach offers a promising basis for expanding the existing OECD 121 or developing an entirely new OECD guideline. During the workshop, the project’s findings were presented to a panel of experts from industry, regulatory bodies and academia and critically discussed in order to evaluate the results achieved, gather suggestions for planned projects aimed at further developing the method, and establish contacts for new collaborations.

Symposium “Innovative Approaches to Triterpenoid Research: From Genomics to Application”

Molecular Biotechnology

To celebrate the completion of the successful PERSPECTIVE project, which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), the project partners invited guests to the Garching Research Center.

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the symposium "Innovative Approaches to Triterpenoid Research: From Genomics to Application” took place. The day was dedicated to the latest advances in the functional and applied genomics of triterpenoids. Engaging project presentations were complemented by a program of expert lectures on terpenoid research. In the discussions, participants exchanged ideas with leading experts about how biotechnological innovations are opening new perspectives for the sustainable production and application of these valuable natural compounds. The project team, consisting of Fraunhofer IME, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Phytowelt GreenTechnologies GmbH, and VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH, was delighted by the lively exchange.  

ECHA Project Meeting on Evaluation of New Approach Methods

Applied Ecology

In mid-October 2025, Dr. Elke Eilebrecht, Dr. Sebastian Eilerecht, Dr. Benedikt Ringbeck, and Dr. Sebastian Kühr, researchers at Fraunhofer IME in Schmallenberg, visited the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki to discuss, as part of the “CRO Days” event, requirements for environmental studies under REACH, test material and analytical issues, methods for endocrine disruption, GLP obligations, bioaccumulation (including the Hyalella test and dietary fish studies), the handling of “difficult-to-test substances,” and new, regulatory-compliant New Approach Methods (NAMs) for aquatic toxicity. This was followed by a project meeting focused on the evaluation of NAMs for predicting chronic toxicity in fish. The project investigates the extent to which ecotoxicogenomic methods can be used in zebrafish embryos to potentially reduce animal testing for the assessment of chronic effects.

© Fraunhofer IME
ECHA Project Meeting

"Early Warning Systems" workshop at Fraunhofer IME in Schmallenberg

Applied Ecology

© Fraunhofer IME | Klaus-Peter Kappest
The Environmental Specimen Bank in Schmallenberg

As part of the EU project “Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals” (PARC) and in response to a call from the Federal Environment Agency, experts gathered at Fraunhofer IME on 2 April 2025.

A total of 26 international scientists from universities, public authorities and research institutions accepted the invitation from Dr Bernd Göckener, Project Manager of the German Environmental Specimen Bank at Fraunhofer IME.

The aim of the workshop was to discuss how early warning systems for the occurrence of chemicals in the environment can be designed in order to protect the environment from harmful inputs. Particular focus was placed on the suspended particulate matter in the German Environmental Specimen Bank, which Fraunhofer IME operates in Schmallenberg on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency.

Award for "Best Presentations by Young Scientists" for Alexandra Loll

Applied Ecology

© Umweltbundesamt | Susanne Kambor

Fraunhofer IME was represented at Umwelt 2025, the joint annual conference of SETAC GLB and the Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology Division of the GDCh, in Dessau from 22 to 24 September 2025.

Our doctoral student Alexandra Loll presented the results of her research on the ecotoxicity of artificial sweeteners. For her presentation “Ecotoxicogenomic Hazard Assessment of two Artificial Sweeteners: Acesulfame and Sucralose”, she was awarded second prize in the category of best presentations by young scientists.

In her work, Alexandra shows that acesulfame K and sucralose cause significant changes in gene expression in ecotoxicological model organisms. These effects indicate, for example, oxidative stress and possible neuroendocrine effects, which require further investigation.

Due to their high persistence and mobility, some artificial sweeteners have long been considered environmentally relevant. The identified sublethal effects underscore the need to reduce the release of such substances into the environment.

The recent decision by the Federal Environment Agency to add the sweeteners acesulfame K and sucralose to the list of relevant trace substances underscores the high scientific and social relevance of Alexandra's research work.

PhD Seminar Fraunhofer IME in Schmallenberg

The Fraunhofer IME PhD Seminar took place for the first time in Schmallenberg on 4 and 5 December 2025. 24 PhD students from all IME sites presented their innovative research and provided an insight into their diverse fields of study, which ranged from polymer degradation to sustainable food innovations. Our institute directors, Prof. Schäfers and Prof. Schillberg, along with other researchers, engaged in discussions with the presenters and offered valuable advice for their future research.

Over pizza and drinks, the first evening ended with stimulating conversations and further networking opportunities. The participants are already looking forward to the next PhD Seminar, which will take place in Münster this year.

© Fraunhofer IME | Julia Karbon
Participants in the PhD seminar

Congratulations on becoming an AI Manager

Molecular Biotechnology

© AITI

In the laboratory of the future, AI will play a central role in shaping R&D processes and supporting innovation.

The AI Transformation Institute (AITI) is a spin-off of the renowned German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). The institute prepares individuals and organizations to safely, strategically, and effectively use AI, promoting the responsible, values-driven use of AI. The institute focuses on developing AI competence through the interplay of knowledge, attitude, and the ability to act in order to actively shape the future with AI.

Dr. Christian Schulze Gronover, group leader at our Münster location, successfully completed the “Certified AI Manager” training program in fall 2025. This program provides in-depth knowledge and practical methods for strategically planning AI solutions, successfully implementing them, and shaping the digital transformation in small teams. The modules combined in-person and live online formats, and the final project linked theory with practice. For his final project, Christian Schulze Gronover developed an AI agent for synthetic biology that links various molecular biology tools used in basic research with those used in applications.

New Fraunhofer IME Branch Lab in Soest at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

Applied Ecology

© Fachhochschule Südwestfalen | Bernd Ahrens
Branch Lab for Physical Metrology

With its official affiliation effective January 1, 2026, the former Fraunhofer Application Center for Inorganic Phosphors at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Soest has been integrated into Fraunhofer IME as a new branch lab. The branch lab, headed by Prof. Dr. Stefan Schweizer, brings extensive expertise in physical measurement technology as well as access to state-of-the-art analytical infrastructure. A key advantage lies in the diverse opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of polymer research. Fraunhofer IME’s comprehensive expertise in the environmental assessment of polymers and particulate materials will be complemented in the future by the new branch’s strengths in analysis and material development.
This close integration enables a holistic view of these materials along the entire value chain—from manufacturing to application and environmental assessment. Building on the branch’s existing research focus, this also opens up opportunities for the design of customized lighting systems, for example to simulate weathering processes in the environment or to optimize Controlled Environment Agriculture systems (CEAs) for plant production. Under the strategic umbrella term “agrinomics,” Fraunhofer IME is currently consolidating its broad activities in the field of agricultural research, thereby enabling a systemic, holistic view of agricultural production, its products (food, natural medicines, renewable raw materials), and the opportunities and consequences of cultivation and use for people and the environment.
In this context, plans are underway to further integrate Fraunhofer IME with the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, which has a strong agricultural focus in both research and teaching. In addition to integrating the new branch lab in Soest, this collaboration will provide a further boost to strengthening South Westphalia as a research hub.

 

Resolving Conflicts Constructively: Successful Mediation Training at Fraunhofer IME

Bioressources

© Fraunhofer IME | Jasmin Schuller
The eight mediators from the Fraunhofer IME’s Bioresources Division and the training director, Dr. Jürgen von Oertzen (Einigungshilfe).

Eight employees from the IME’s Bioresources Division have successfully completed mediation training. The initiative was launched by the Works Council and supported by Human Resources Development. The training was conducted by Dr. Jürgen von Oertzen (Einigungshilfe). The goal was to train the participants as mediators and thereby advance the creation of the institute’s own pool of mediators. In the future, this pool is intended to serve as a point of contact for all employees in the event of conflicts and to contribute to quick and fair solutions in everyday work. On the final day of training, department heads also joined the session. In a joint discussion, initial ideas were developed on how the mediator pool can be sustainably established and integrated into daily practice.

Fraunhofer IME Team Workshop

© Fraunhofer IME

42 colleagues from the administration and public relations departments across all Fraunhofer IME sites met in Schmallenberg on 4 and 5 September 2025 for a team workshop. Held every two years, the event focuses not only on in-depth discussions of subject-specific topics and workarounds, but also on getting to know one another and networking. In addition, current administrative topics are presented and discussed in short talks. During 20-minute World Café sessions, every employee was able to contribute to various administrative topics and share their experiences. A tour of various laboratories and an informative talk on the research focus in the field of applied ecology gave visitors further insights into the Schmallenberg institute. 

Empowering Women in Science: A Look Back at the First Year of the Fraunhofer IME Women’s Network

Bioressources

© Fraunhofer IME

The first year of the newly launched women’s meetup (After Lab) at IME-BR was a resounding success. At the first meeting, which still had a small group of participants, there was an open atmosphere that fostered a valuable exchange of ideas and laid the groundwork for future gatherings.

Right from the start, the suggestion to hold the meetup outside the institute was well-received, as it created more space for networking.

The women’s meetup has quickly evolved into an important space where women in the academic environment can network and support one another—both professionally and personally—according to their individual needs.

Over the course of the year, the group grew, and the women’s meetup became a valuable platform for personal and professional exchange. We look forward to future meetings and the continuation of this exciting program.

Crossing the Finish Line Together: Fraunhofer IME at the Start of the 12th Giessen Company Run!

Bioressources

© Fraunhofer IME

At the 12th Giessen Company Run on May 14, 2025, nearly 5,000 runners and walkers took to the course—including a dedicated 6-person team from the Fraunhofer IME Bioresources Division!

With a total time of 2:26:33.0, our team placed 377th out of 551 in the team rankings—a great achievement you can be proud of! In addition to the athletic success, team spirit and the joy of exercising together were the main focus.

The next Giessen Company Run will take place on May 20, 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner, everyone can join and strengthen our team!