The joint funding of the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) by the federal and state governments is to be continued. The Senate of the Leibniz Association published its positive recommendation for continued funding on 15 July 2025 in its statement on the regular scientific evaluation of the institute. This decision recognises the significant transformation and outstanding achievements of the ATB since the last evaluation in 2017.
The federal and state governments review at least every seven years whether the conditions for joint funding of a Leibniz institution continue to be fulfilled. This is based on an independent evaluation by the Senate of the Leibniz Association. As part of this evaluation, an external and international evaluation group visited ATB on 10 and 11 September 2024. A report submitted by ATB was made available to the group.
In its statement, the Senate of the Leibniz Association emphasises that ATB has undergone outstanding development in the areas of organisation, structure and human resources since the last evaluation. It particularly appreciates the efficient structuring into five programme areas, in which the work is strongly interdisciplinary. In addition, ATB has significantly increased its international visibility in research and clearly strengthened its position as a recognised cooperation partner and leader in international activities. The successful implementation of the recommendations from the previous evaluation was also expressly acknowledged.
‘We are delighted with this very positive evaluation result, which recognises the hard work and commitment of our entire team,’ said Prof. Dr. Barbara Sturm, Scientific Director of the ATB. ‘It confirms that we have been on the right track in recent years and encourages us to further intensify our commitment to research in the sustainable circular bioeconomy and to consolidate our position within the Leibniz Association and in the international research landscape.’
The positive statement of the Leibniz Senate forms the essential basis for the upcoming decision of the Gemeinsamen Wissenschaftskonferenz (GWK) on the renewed extensive funding of ATB for the next seven years.
Further information
Statement by the Leibniz Senate
Press release from the Leibniz Association
About ATB
The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy is a pioneer and driver of systemic-technological bioeconomy research.
We create scientific foundations for the transformation of agricultural, food, other industrial and energy systems into a sustainable bio-based circular economy.
We develop, implement and integrate technologies, techniques, processes and management strategies, strategically integrate a variety of bioeconomic production systems within a comprehensive system approach, and manage these in a knowledge-based, adaptive and largely automated manner using converging technologies.
We conduct our research in dialogue with society, political decision-makers, industry and other stakeholders – motivated by knowledge and inspired by application.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Barbara Sturm
Scientific Director
Phone: +49 331 5699-101
Email: director@atb-potsdam.de