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How can science, politics, business, and society work together to find answers to the great challenges of our time? This is precisely what the Leibniz Labs are for. Three Labs are working interdisciplinarily and with a hands-on, practice-oriented approach on solutions—ranging from preparing for future pandemics, to protecting biodiversity and the climate, to learning from historical upheavals.
The principle: pool knowledge from across the Leibniz Association, connect it with practitioners, and thereby accelerate innovation and transfer. The Labs act as catalysts for societal transformation and create formats that demonstrably deliver impact. They are accompanied by a dedicated network project that supports networking, reflection, and learning, so that the experiences gained generate momentum for future initiatives.
The Leibniz Labs are funded through the Leibniz Competition with a total of €10 million over a three-year period. Of the 96 Leibniz Institutes, 77 are involved in at least one Leibniz Lab—representing all five sections of the Leibniz Association.
Where can you find the latest information on the Leibniz Labs?
Who is involved in the Leibniz Labs?
What goals does the new Leibniz Labs format pursue?
What is the network project for inter- and transdisciplinary excellence?
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Useful links
Administrative information (German)
Leibniz Labs Science Communication Catalogue
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Events
Fall 2026: Leibniz Lab Transfer Event Series — more information
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Contakt at headquarters
Dr. Florian Keil
SAS – Strategische Vorhaben
Phone: 030 20 60 49 312 Email: keil(at)leibniz-gemeinschaft.de
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How can we be better prepared for the next pandemic?
The Leibniz Lab brings science and practice together at one table, developing evidence-based strategies that make society and research more resilient. The focus: emerging respiratory pathogens considered likely triggers of future pandemics. The team investigates how forms of livestock farming influence infection risks, what immunity already exists within the population, and why some cases turn out especially severe. From this knowledge, concrete plans emerge, ranging from more robust healthcare systems to crisis-proof schools and international cooperation
Spokesperson **
Prof. Dr. Gülsah Gabriel, LIV
Coordinator
How can we shape agriculture and nutrition to protect climate and biodiversity while remaining fit for the future?
This is exactly where the Leibniz Lab comes in. It pools knowledge from science and society to advance transformative solutions. The approach is systemic and action-oriented: research from biodiversity, climate, agriculture, and nutrition is linked with social and technical innovations—together with actors from practice. In pilot regions around the world, the Lab takes up local needs and connects them with global trends. The result is a holistic perspective that brings science, society, and politics closer together.
Spokesperson
Prof. Dr. Jochen Schanze, IÖR
Coordinator
How can societies learn from past crises to master future ones more effectively?
The Leibniz Lab looks back at pivotal historical turning points—from the end of the Cold War, through globalization, to climate change—and examines how politics, society, and individual actors responded to these challenges. From these experiences emerges actionable knowledge for the future: knowledge that strengthens resilience and provides orientation. The Lab relies on dialogue with society, develops new forms of science communication, and opens up perspectives on topics such as de- and re-industrialization, democracy, right-wing populism, and the consequences of new technologies.
Spokesperson
Prof. Dr. Judith Miggelbrink, IfL
Coordinators
Dr. Tilmann Siebeneichner, ZZF
The Labs have their own Websites and post on several social media:
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Pandemic Preparedness
Bluesky: @leibnizpandemic
LinkedIn: Leibniz-Lab Pandemic Preparedness
Instagram: leibnizpandemic
YouTube: @LeibnizLab_Preparedness
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Each of the two Leibniz Labs, "Pandemic Preparedness" and "Systemic Sustainability," involves 41 Leibniz Institutes. The Leibniz Lab "Disruptions and Transformations" pools the expertise of 28 Leibniz Institutes. A detailed overview of which Leibniz Institutes are involved in which Labs, and who is contributing, is available on this interactive web app: labs.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de
What exactly do the Leibniz Labs aim to achieve? Their focus is on systematically pooling knowledge and making research gaps visible. On this basis, they develop evidence-based options for action on the major questions they address.
Close collaboration with all relevant actors is essential here—from science and politics to public authorities and the general public. The results are not just produced but actively communicated and carried into practice.
Beyond that, the Labs are testing how excellent inter- and transdisciplinary research can best succeed: from suitable organizational forms to sound governance structures. In doing so, they lay the groundwork for future initiatives both within and beyond the Leibniz Association.
How can inter- and transdisciplinary research formats be designed to unfold their full impact? This is precisely where the network project comes in. It accompanies the Leibniz Labs with a structured reflection process—covering everything from organizational and governance questions to research and transfer activities. The goal is to strengthen their effectiveness and to learn from the ongoing implementation..