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. 

Today, May 30, 2024, we celebrate the first ever International Potato Day!

The global impact of potato is incredible
🥔 3rd most consumed food crop globally
🥔 159 countries cultivate it
🥔 5 000 varieties worldwide

We have a long history of working with our partners to advance the potato, from tools for accelerated breeding to pathogen detection.

Let`s celebrate UN International Day of Plant Health!

Today, on May 12th, we join the global community in recognizing the International Day of Plant Health.
At Fraunhofer IME, we contribute to the advancement of plant health research and innovation. Plant health is crucial for ensuring food security, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Through our cutting-edge research and collaborations, we strive to develop innovative solutions to combat plant diseases, pests, and other threats.

Scientists from the Fraunhofer IME Schmallenberg will be presenting their research work at the following trade fair:

SETAC Europe 2024 in Sevilla

Woche der Umwelt in Berlin

Achema 2024 in Frankfurt

From May 5th to 9th, 2024 the 34th SETAC Europe Annual Meeting will take place in Seville, Spain, with scientists from Europe and overseas. Biologists and chemists from Fraunhofer IME presented their research results from the scientific networks in numerous lectures and posters.

Read the abstracts of our scientists now.

As of March 1^st, 2024, Prof. Dr Christoph Schäfers has been appointed to the management of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME and will now lead the institute with its four locations together with Prof. Dr Stefan Schillberg...

The successor project to "Aspirant" - "Perspective" - started at the beginning of February. The research and development project made it through the second phase of the initiative "Tailor-made biobased ingredients for a competitive bioeconomy" of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Based on the success of the first phase "Aspirant", in "Perspective" the network is intensifying its focus on the production and application of triterpenes.

The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) had commissioned the two Fraunhofer Institutes IME and ITEM as well as Ramboll GmbH to conduct a survey to review the OECD test guidelines. With the help of international expert groups, test guidelines were identified that currently do not correspond to the current state of science and technology. Only the OECD TGs used to assess environmental impacts were considered. After completing the surveys, the results were discussed in three thematic workshops. Recommendations for the revision of the OECD TGs were developed and prioritized, which were finally presented to the members of the Working Party of National Coordinators for the OECD Test Guidelines Program (WNT).  

Read the report

The 33rd Setac Europe Annual Meeting will take place from April 30 to May 4, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland.

Also this year, scientists from Fraunhofer IME will participate and present their research results from the scientific networks in numerous talks and posters.

We publish the abstracts, posters and presentations for you.