The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB)

Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry carries out basic and applied plant research on model, cultivated and wild plants using interdisciplinary approaches. The comprehensive analysis of plant and fungal natural products and phytohormones, studies on their molecular interactions and on the communication between plants and pathogens, symbionts as well as abiotic stressors are the center of our attention. We consider excellent basic research as the indispensable base for application-oriented research projects, which open new paths for a resource-saving plant production, innovative biotechnology and development of active substances.

The IPB was founded on January 1, 1992 as a non-university research institute of the so-called ‘Blue List’. The founding director of the institute, Prof. Dr. Benno Parthier, was at the same time president of the then German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. In 1998, the ‘Blue List’ research institutes merged to form the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Scientific Association. Today the Leibniz Association consists of about 90 non-university research institutes. The IPB is a member of Section C ‘Life Sciences’ within the Leibniz Association.

Being a foundation under public law, the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry is subject to the auspices and supervision of the State of Saxony-Anhalt. Basic funding comes one half each from State and Federal Government.