IPK Institute

The IPK is one of the world's leading international institutions in the field of plant genetics and crop science. Its research programme and services contribute materially to conserving, exploring and exploiting crop diversity. Its research goals are driven by the need to ensure an efficient and sustainable supply of food, energy and raw materials, thereby addressing a major global ecological challenge. The work of IPK’s four scientific departments is focused on revealing the underlying principles of evolution, development and adaptation in our leading crop plants. On this basis, it seeks innovative solutions in the fields of scientifically-based crop plant germplasm conservation and exploitation, aiming to improve resource use efficiency and enhance the sustainability of plant-based production. A unique feature of the institute is the close relationship enjoyed between its interdisciplinary and internationally focused research teams working within an ultramodern research infrastructure and the genetic diversity conservation activity carried out in one of the world's longest established and largest ex-situ gene banks. The topic “Biodiversity and Performance” combines scientific excellence, innovation and social relevance, and is targeted at addressing food security and sustainable production within a viable bioeconomy.