Just in time for the start of the summer holidays, the latest issue is now available. Once again, it is full of stories from the research campus in Gatersleben, offering insights into our research and the people behind it. In this issue, we spoke to wheat researcher Friedrich Longin from the University of Hohenheim. We also caught up with our former colleague, Murukarthick Jayakodi, for our regular feature, 'Whatever happened to...?[JF1] '. He now works at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas, USA, and reflects on settling into life in Texas, as well as on the differences between the research systems in Germany and the States.
© Leibniz-Institut (IPK)
The latest issue of the IPK Journal has been published!
Our feature article, ‘The Nitrogen Dilemma’, explores one of the most important nutrients for crop production. Nitrogen fertilisers play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and securing high yields of high-quality crops. However, their use also poses significant environmental challenges. In the article, Ricardo Giehl explains how this dilemma might be addressed, presents the latest research from his group and outlines the key topics that will be discussed at the “Nitrogen 2026 international symposium”, which will take place at IPK at the end of August.
Another highlight is the conclusion of the INCREASE project, after six years of research. The project gained recognition well beyond the scientific community through its citizen science initiative on bean diversity, inspiring more than 27,000 people from across Europe to participate. In the article ‘When Home Gardeners Meet Leading Scientists’, Kerstin Neumann reflects on the project and highlights its most significant scientific achievements.
This issue also features Friedrich Longin, who explains why wholegrain foods should play a greater role in our diets. Meanwhile, Campus Manager Katrin Menzel shares some remarkable discoveries from the institute’s attic spaces, including works of art, historical records, and expedition crates dating back to the 1960s.
We hope you enjoy reading the latest issue! Greetings from all of us at the IPK Managing Office!