The Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) is a non-university research centre associated with the Leibniz Gemeinschaft (WGL). Since its foundation on 1 January 1992, and continuing under the scientific management of Prof. Ulrich Wobus and since April 2007 of Prof Andreas Graner, it has carried forward the scientific work in the fields of basic and applied research pursued by the former Institute for Crop Plant Research, and its forerunner, the Central Institute for Genetics and Crop Plant Research. The Institute draws its strength from its integration of various scientific disciplines and the use of the extensive biological diversity conserved within its internationally renowned genebank. State-of-the-art technology in gene and genome research is used to define and analyse the important processes driving the evolution of crop plants. Major opportunities are currently opening up for more intensive and novel uses of our crop plants, especially in combination with the unique biological material housed in the genebank. The beneficiaries of this research are agriculture, the food industry, medicine and, increasingly, the chemical industry.
A formal collaboration between the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg and the IPK has encouraged joint academic appointments, and a joint doctoral programme has been established for the further training of young scientists. Institute scientists are also involved in teaching at a number of German universities, and collaborate with private companies both in Germany and overseas. The Institute is the initiator and centre of the Gatersleben Biotech Campus, employing over 500 staff, of which about 180 are scientists. Many of the latter are international from about 20 countries.
Driven by its science, the IPK has continuously upgraded its stock of equipment and the quality of its greenhouses, renovated its buildings, and markedly improved the infrastructure both at its headquarters in Gatersleben and at its various branches. In addition to its ongoing reconstruction programme, a new research building, the genome centre, has been recently finished. Thanks to these many improvements, IPK now ranks among the leading research institutes in the field of crop plant research. This is reflected in its many publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals, its numerous patent applications and the four spin-off businesses which have grown out of the Institute's research activity.
You can support the research activities of the IPK with a donation. The Finances group readily answers all questions related to the donation.
