Ecuadorian-German Integrative Biodiversity Research Centre (EGiB)

A science centre for biodiversity research in Ecuador

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 most important and at the same time highly endangered biodiversity hotspots on earth.

The project, which was launched in February 2025, will initially be funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research for three years, followed by a consolidation phase.

Objectives of the institutional cooperation

The science centre will offer Ecuadorian and German scientists an infrastructure and services for their work: For example, there will be assistance in applying for permits, establishing collaborations and organising joint excursions. The researchers will also have access to the morphological and molecular laboratories and biobanks of the PUCE as well as to the field stations and collections of the Zoological Museum in Quito (QCAZ) with its two million objects.

Scientists from molecular biodiversity research at the LIB contribute their knowledge to research into infectious and chronic diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans (such as Chagas, dengue). The CISeAL Centre for Research on health in Latin America is conducting research in this area and is an important project partner.

Capacity building

Another important focus of the project is the training of Ecuadorian researchers and students, particularly in animal groups where there is little local expertise to date, such as spiders or snails. As part of the project, a course in biodiversity research and systematics is offered as part of a degree programme at the PUCE.