The Department
The Department of Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources at Justus Liebig University Giessen is a leading research centre dedicated to developing science-based, environmentally sustainable solutions for insect pest control. Located within the Liebig Centre for Agroecology and Climate Impact Research, an IAEA Collaborating Centre, our department plays a key role in international efforts to strengthen integrated pest and vector management systems in support of plant health, food security, and One Health objectives.
For over two decades, we have conducted pioneering work in the fields of developmental biology, gene editing, transgenic systems, and biotechnological innovation for pest control. Our research includes genetic sexing systems, insect microbiome studies, support technologies for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), and risk assessment frameworks for novel biocontrol approaches.
As coordinator of the EU Horizon Europe project REACT, and through our active partnerships with the FAO/IAEA Insect Pest Control Laboratory, WHO, USDA-APHIS, and relevant German federal authorities including the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), and the Federal Foreign Office, we contribute to turning basic research into field-adaptable systems that are species-specific, scalable, and compliant with international biosafety and sustainability guidelines.
Our innovations address major agricultural and invasive pests such as Drosophila suzukii and the Mediterranean fruit fly. The technologies we develop are also adaptable to disease vectors and livestock pests. In parallel, we contribute to sustainable insect protein production and circular bioeconomy solutions.
We engage with ministries, regulatory agencies, industry, civil society, and the public to promote the responsible development and adoption of next-generation pest control technologies. Our team, which includes doctoral researchers, postdoctoral scientists, and senior investigators, contributes to academic training, international research networks, and policy dialogue. We are closely integrated with the Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL), helping to mentor and develop the next generation of experts.
In summary, the department is a recognized hub of scientific excellence, global cooperation, and practical innovation, offering impactful solutions to current and emerging challenges in sustainable plant production and protection.