German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research
Team WissensSpuren
The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig is a leading research center of biodiversity sciences with a research focus on insights into the biological diversity of Earth. Researchers from all over the world cooperate to build the scientific foundation of a sustainable development of biological diversity.
History
iDiv was founded in 2012 as a research center of the German Research Foundation (DFG). Presently, it has 300 employees and 170 members. The main seat, with more than ten research groups, is located in the Puschstraße on the Alten Messe in Leipzig. One of its core components is a member-network that comprises research group leaders from eleven scientific institutions located in Central Germany. Predominantly, the institute is supported by the three federal states Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringa and Saxony. Its three universities in Halle, Jena, and Leipzig are operating iDiv in cooperation with the Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research – UFZ. Since 2024 the external activities of iDiv are represented by a society.
Education and Research
Scientists from more than 30 nationalities collaborate at iDiv to develop the scientific foundation for a sustainable development of biological diversity on our planet. They explore the consequences of the loss of biological diversity. iDiv’s integrative research approach facilitates cooperation across disciplines using an extensive spectrum of scientific methods. Its work supports politicians and stake holders to develop solutions to cope with the changes in biological diversity.
Its member scientists are teaching at the three universities of Halle, Jena, and Leipzig.
Outreach
iDiv engages in Science and Politics and Science Communication. With events, media relations, and politics consultation iDiv strives to disseminate its insights such that it enters public discussions and political decisions.
Moreover, the center reaches out to the civil society – for instance in its internationally oriented media relations, or in events like the Long Night of Sciences, the Leipzig Book Fair or SPIN 2030.