The IGB is delighted not only by the arrival of spring at Lake Müggelsee, but also by the positive evaluation. | © Angelina Tittmann/IGB
IGB's research focuses on the structure and functioning of inland waters, particularly their biodiversity, ecosystem services, and responses to global change. It operates excellent facilities and conducts knowledge transfer activities specifically targeting societal stakeholders and the interested public. By doing so, the institute contributes to a better understanding of freshwater ecosystems and more sustainable freshwater management. Thanks to the positive evaluation, this important work can continue.
The Leibniz Senate recommends continued funding.
In its statement published today, the Senate commended the research results achieved in areas such as biodiversity and the impacts of climate change, which have attracted significant international attention. Furthermore, IGB has been highly successful in communicating these findings to societal stakeholders. Against this background, the Leibniz Senate has recommended that the Federal Government and the Länder continue their joint funding.
Commitment to research data and new research priorities
In particular, structural changes were identified as playing a pivotal role in bolstering the Institute’s scientific capabilities and broadening its scope of advanced research. The steps taken to implement the new programme area of Predictive Ecology in the Anthropocene were highlighted as being particularly promising.
The IGB's strong commitment to the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) was viewed positively. By making an important contribution to the systematic collection, networking and provision of environmental and biodiversity data, the Institute is strengthening data-driven research.
Progress in training and gender equality
In its statement, the Leibniz Senate commended the IGB for its extensive training and support of early-career researchers. The Senate also recognised the institute's efforts to increase the proportion of women in senior academic positions. IGB will continue to pursue ambitious goals in this area.
"I am truly delighted about the encouraging evaluation of our work and to see our scientific achievements and our strategic development so clearly recognized," said Professor Sonja Jähnig, Acting Director of IGB. "This encourages us to continue on our path and to further sharpen our profile – with a clear focus on relevance for both science and society."
The Leibniz Senate's complete statement on IGB is available for download >
Background to the evaluation: Each Leibniz institution is evaluated externally on a regular basis, at least every seven years. An international panel of experts assesses the research strategy and the scientific achievements of the institute on the basis of written documents and during an on-site evaluation visit and records the results in an evaluation report. On this basis, the Senate of the Leibniz Association decides whether to recommend further funding for the institution by the Federal Government and the Länder.
