Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection
- The Department
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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.
- Team Profile
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The Insect Pest and Vector Control team at the Department of Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources is a diverse and interdisciplinary group working at the intersection of agricultural sciences, environmental health, and biotechnology. Our mission is to advance scientific solutions for insect pest and vector control that are ecologically responsible, technically sound, and globally relevant.
Our team brings together early-career scientists, postdoctoral researchers, technical experts, and senior investigators. Together, we pursue innovation in areas such as genetic sexing systems, gene editing, insect-microbe interactions, and risk-informed pest management strategies. The focus is on building tools that can be adapted to a range of pest species and agroecological contexts, supporting sustainable production systems and reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
Collaboration lies at the heart of our approach. We work closely with national and international partners in research, regulatory science, and implementation to ensure that the technologies we develop are both scientifically rigorous and operationally relevant. Our group has contributed to the design of scalable, modular systems that are now forming the basis for future applications in agricultural and public health pest control.
We also prioritize capacity building and academic development. Through active mentorship, supervision, and teaching, we support the training of PhD and postdoctoral researchers within the Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL). We promote interdisciplinary thinking, responsible research conduct, and scientific communication as essential components of our work.
In addition to peer-reviewed research, we share our findings through conferences, public engagement, and stakeholder dialogue. These activities reflect our commitment to open science and the development of technologies that are safe, sustainable, and fit for addressing future global challenges.
In summary, our team is a committed and forward-thinking scientific community dedicated to delivering solutions for sustainable pest and vector management through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
- Bachelor and Master Programs of our Department
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Bachelor Studiengang "Nachwachsende Rohstoffe & Bioressourcen"
Die Weltbevölkerung wächst immer schneller. Natürliche Ressourcen, wie Boden, Wasser und Luft werden immer knapper. Hinzu kommen die Folgen des Klimawandels. Zukunftsweisende Konzepte zur nachhaltigen Umnutzung vorhandener Ressourcen und der Erschließung neuartiger Rohstoffvorkommen sind gefragter denn je. Der Bachelorstudiengang „Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioressourcen“ vermittelt den Studierenden ein breites forschungs- und anwendungsbezogenes fachliches Grundlagenwissen sowie praxisorientierte Kenntnisse in den Bereichen Bioressourcen und nachwachsende Rohstoffe. Die Studierenden verstehen den Wert natürlicher Ressourcen (Boden, Wasser, Pflanzen, Tiere), kennen deren Bedeutung für eine bioökonomische Gesellschaft und können ihr Nutzungspotential erforschen und in der Praxis im Rahmen einer nachhaltigen Bioökonomie umsetzen.
Studienfachberatung und Koordination:
Prof. Dr. Marc F. Schetelig
Institut für Insektenbiotechnologie, Abteilung Insektenbiotechnologie im Pflanzenschutz, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Gießen
Tel.: 0641 - 99 35901
Sprechstunde nach VereinbarungPress here for more information.
Master program "Insect Biotechnology & Bioresources"
Since 2017, our new master's program has been launched in cooperation with the JLU Gießen faculties 'Biology & Chemistry' (FB08), the 'Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management' (FB09), and the THM University of Applied Sciences.
The English master program will combine profession-oriented training and scientific research in agriculture, natural product research, food technology, and bioprocess engineering. Students will learn about the entomology and ecology of insects and various methodical and practical research approaches to investigate insects and their associated organisms as new resources for food, enzymes, and bioactive natural products. Press here for more information.
Open Positions:
We always seek highly motivated PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
To get in contact, please send an e-mail to Marc Schetelig containing a motivation letter, a short CV with a list of publications and other achievements, as well as the names and e-mail addresses of 2 to 4 mentors who agreed to provide a short letter of recommendation on your behalf (as one single PDF).
