From newly discovered animal species to historical collection treasures, from environmental changes to nature conservation in the Anthropocene, from the opening of a special exhibition to a panel discussion: here you will find the latest information. We also offer current press releases for download in the press section.
Practical programme for Ukrainian biology students
12.05.2025
It was an event with a vision for the future, a course that was more than just a learning unit for students from Ukraine. As co-initiator, the LIB supported a practical programme for Ukrainian biology students from Kharkiv and thus the training of those who have to restore the natural areas damaged by bombs, tanks and mines to their pre-war state.
Digitising museums faster with the smartphone
27.03.2025
A team from the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) has published tutorials that can be used to quickly and cost-effectively read out collection data from natural history museums using a smartphone. The researchers are thus making an important contribution to the faster digitisation of the collections of these research institutions.
Establishment of science centre for biodiversity research in Ecuador
18.02.2025
The Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change is working with the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE) in Quito to establish a science centre for biodiversity research in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian-German Integrative Biodiversity Research Centre (EGiB) will work with a network of research institutions to further develop the scientific infrastructure in one of the world's most important and at the same time highly endangered biodiversity hotspots.
Effects of plant protection products on animals, plants and microorganisms much more profound than assumed
13.02.2025
Plant protection products are mainly used in agriculture to control pests. However, they can also harm many beneficial animal, plant and fungal species that are not the target of the pesticides. An international meta-study involving the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) shows just how profound and previously unknown the actual effect of different pesticides is on a large number of organism groups. The synthesis of 1,705 papers was published in the journal Nature Communications published.
Insight and exchange: New rooms and exhibition open at the Museum der Natur Hamburg
12.02.2025
Since 12 February, two newly designed rooms in the zoological exhibition at the Museum der Natur Hamburg have been inviting visitors to linger, marvel, discover and participate. Their design encourages visitors to immerse themselves in an exciting dialogue on the subject of science and nature. A creative workshop marks the start of participative events in the "Tiger Lounge". The exhibition series "Menschen machen Museum" (People make museum) will be launched in another newly designed room for special exhibitions.
Museum Koenig Bonn opens special exhibition "Meadow habitat"
06.02.2025
From spring flowers and butterflies to hares and deer - meadows are home to numerous plant and animal species. The diversity of this habitat is shown in the photos taken by 15 photographers from the Eschmar Nature Photo Club. The Museum Koenig Bonn presents their impressive photographs in the special exhibition "Habitat Meadow", which opens on 19 February.
Quarries, sand and gravel pits as habitats: how the building materials industry can promote biodiversity
29.01.2025
More and more people are concerned about species extinction. Public pressure is also increasing on raw materials companies, as they change ecosystems by mining or extracting building materials such as sand and gypsum. However, extraction sites - which exist throughout Germany - can create important new habitats for rare species in particular. In order to better develop these potential habitats, researchers have developed a concept for holistic biodiversity management in dialogue with the building materials industry. With funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the project "Holistic Biodiversity Management in the Building Materials Industry" (GiBBS) has produced a handbook: it supports raw materials companies in planning, implementing and evaluating species protection measures.
The world's most venomous spider consists of three species
13.01.2025
The Sydney funnel web spider(Atrax robustus) is one of the most venomous spiders in the world. An international team of researchers from the LIB, the University of Hamburg and research institutions from Australia has now discovered that this spider is not one species, but a complex of three species.