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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) receives a positive assessment in its recent scientific evaluation: in its statement published yesterday, the Senate of the Leibniz Association positively acknowledges the institute’s comprehensive strategic realignment under its new scientific leadership, as well as its improved research performance and international visibility. The Senate recommends that the federal and state governments continue to funding the institute.
Prof. Dr Nicole M. van Dam, Scientific Director of the IGZ, comments on the outcome: “This positive evaluation confirms that our new strategic direction is right on course. We welcome the recognition of both our research and our commitment to sustainable agrifood systems. The recommendations will be invaluable in helping us to further refine IGZ’s profile and develop it into a leading institution for horticultural research in Germany.”
In its statement, the Senate expresses its appreciation for the strategic path that the institute has taken under the new scientific director, as well as the scientific progress that has been achieved. Three of the four scientific Programme Areas receive better ratings compared to the previous assessment. The volume of competitively acquired third-party funding tripled in the evaluated years 2021 to 2023 compared to the previous evaluation period. About 30 per cent of the total budget came from external funding sources.
The institute's new administrative leadership also receives high acclaim.
The Senate also approves the appointment of leading scientists as research group leaders as well as the planned joint professorships with universities in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, including Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. The targeted support of early career scientists and the establishment of a new science support platform that integrates modern high-throughput analytics with bioinformatics and data management also receives a positive response in the evaluation report.
The Senate explicitly highlights IGZ’s unique research profile in the horticultural sciences, a field of growing scientific and societal importance in Germany that is represented by only a few institutions internationally. Particular focus should be placed on further strengthening the core competencies in horticultural sciences and fostering more targeted internal collaboration. According to the report, the proposed name for the new institute, 'Leibniz Institute for Horticultural Sciences', aptly reflects this role.
Background: Evaluation by the Leibniz Association
The 96 current institutions of the Leibniz Association undergo an independent scientific evaluation at regular intervals of no more than seven years. The evaluation is carried out by independent experts based on written documents and an on-site visit. The aim is to assess scientific quality, societal relevance and structural performance. The results are compiled into an evaluation report, to which the institute may respond. Based on this, the Senate of the Leibniz Association issues a science policy statement with recommendations for future funding. This statement serves as a basis for the decision by the Joint Science Conference (GWK) of the federal and state governments.
Further Information
The Senate's full statement on the IGZ evaluation is available at www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Bilder_und_Downloads/%C3%9Cber_uns/Evaluierung/Senatsstellungnahmen/IGZ_-_Senatsstellungnahme__15-07-2025__mit_Anlagen.pdf
More information on the evaluation procedure of the Leibniz Association can be found here: https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/about-us/evaluation/the-evaluation-proced...
Prof. Dr. Nicole van Dam, Wissenschaftliche Direktorin
E-Mail vandam@igzev.de
Tel. +49 (0) 33701 78 105
Leibniz-Institut für Gemüse- und Zierfplanzenbau (IGZ)
Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1
14979 Großbeeren
Web: www.igzev.de
IGZ
Source: J. Vogt
Copyright: IGZ
Criteria of this press release:
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Biology, Chemistry, Environment / ecology, Nutrition / healthcare / nursing, Zoology / agricultural and forest sciences
transregional, national
Organisational matters, Science policy
English
IGZ
Source: J. Vogt
Copyright: IGZ
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