The ZERN network began in 2024 with a selection of forward-looking scientific research projects. These have already been expanded through an 'open call' to include additional projects focusing on current topics. To address the overarching issues of ZERN, the next thematic call will focus on the beginning (arable farming and soil) and end (sustainable diets and society) of the value chain.
For potential new projects, it is assumed that they contribute to the overall logic of ZERN - i.e: Agriculture in functioning ecosystems, regional food economy in a global context, innovative food and sustainable nutrition.
As part of the current call for funding, innovative projects are being sought that focus in particular on the starting point (arable farming, soil) and/or the end point of the value chain (sustainable diets, society) in Lower Saxony. Funding is primarily available for projects that test new types of crops, develop improved cultivation systems, sustainably increase productivity while taking into account the overall use of resources or contribute to the adaptation of agriculture to climate change. Another focus is on projects that research resilient and safe nutritional concepts such as the "Planetary Health Diet"/"EAT-Lancet" or address social issues relating to the concept of the food environment or similar. The aim of the funding is to develop application-orientated basic research through to practical solutions for a sustainable agricultural and food system. Links to existing ZERN projects are welcome.
You can download the complete call for proposals here: 1st call for tender
If you have any problems downloading or questions about the contents of the tender, please contact zern@uni-goettingen.de .