Topics

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of species, habitats, and genetic resources and is central to the functioning of ecosystems. Current data show a significant decline in this diversity, caused in part by habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and overexploitation. This page provides information on the importance, status, and development of biodiversity, as well as scientific approaches to its conservation.

Embryo research investigates the early development of human embryos outside the body and the underlying biological processes. It provides important insights into developmental biology and can contribute to a better understanding of the causes of genetic disorders or miscarriages and to the further development of reproductive medicine procedures. At the same time, ethical and legal restrictions are at the forefront in Germany, as the Embryo Protection Act prohibits research on early human embryos. This page provides an overview of the scientific basis, legal framework, and current expert discussion.

The energy transition refers to the profound transformation of the energy system towards a sustainable, climate-friendly, and resilient supply. The EU strategy aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, which will require replacing fossil fuels with renewable technologies. This poses major challenges: in addition to the technical expansion of power grids and renewables, social participation, economic incentives, and global cooperation are required. This page provides information on current scientific analyses of the energy transition as well as on key technical, legal, and economic issues.

In Germany, the number of children born with the help of these techniques is growing, while at the same time the applicable legislation has remained largely unchanged for over 30 years. Procedures such as egg or embryo donation, surrogacy, and single embryo transfer are either prohibited or insufficiently regulated. This page provides information on the medical basics, legal framework, and current discussions surrounding reproductive medicine.

Genome editing refers to techniques that can be used to specifically modify genetic material—from the treatment of hereditary diseases to plant breeding. These technologies open up new medical and agricultural possibilities, but at the same time raise ethical, legal, and environmental questions. This page highlights the application prospects, risks, and framework conditions of genome editing.

Genetic engineering techniques have significantly expanded the possibilities of plant breeding. At the same time, green genetic engineering is strictly regulated by law in Europe and has not yet gained much importance here. With the development of new molecular genetic tools, known as “gene scissors,” the question of potential, safety, and legal regulation arises once again. This is because these tools allow crops to be modified in a more targeted, cost-effective, and time-saving manner than with the breeding methods used to date.

Vaccinations are among the most effective measures for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and reducing severe cases of illness. They are based on scientifically proven methods that trigger a targeted immune response, thereby providing protection for both individuals and communities. At the same time, issues of safety, transparent communication, public acceptance, and fair global availability play a central role. This page provides an overview of the basics, effectiveness, and challenges of vaccinations, as well as the latest scientific findings in this field.

Since the beginning of industrialization, the average global temperature has risen by more than 1 °C, and without consistent climate protection measures, it could rise by more than 2 °C in the coming decades. Research uses large data sets, complex climate models, and scenario analyses to quantify impacts such as extreme weather, sea level rise, and greenhouse gas budgets. It also examines technical, social, and political options for action to shape a climate-neutral and resilient future.

Artificial intelligence is one of the most significant developments of our time. It is changing how we work, communicate and generate knowledge – and thus extends far beyond the technological sphere. Its processes handle large amounts of data and independently recognise patterns, while its use raises questions about social consequences, values and decisions. At the same time, AI opens up new opportunities in research to understand complex problems more quickly and develop innovative solutions.

Pandemics are outbreaks of disease that have a massive global impact on health, society, and the economy. They occur when a pathogen spreads rapidly across national borders and everyone is potentially at risk. Scientific research shows that factors such as globalization, climate change, increasing contact between humans and animals, and weak health systems increase the likelihood of pandemics emerging and spreading. This page highlights the medical basics, strategic prevention measures, and political and social challenges involved in dealing with pandemics.