Max Planck Institutes and Experts

The increasing loss of global biodiversity has generated concern about the consequences for ecosystem functioning. The relationships between plant diversity and ecosystem processes are investigated in the “Jena Experiment”, a large biodiversity experiment with grassland species. A central issue of this research is to contribute to a mechanistic understanding of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships, for which the analyses of species functional characteristics is a substantial prerequisite.

An increasing number of people are living in the growing cities of this world. This results in a rapid growth of the fraction of anthropogenic emissions of pollutants from such megacities. For a detailed investigation of the particulate and gaseous substances in the atmosphere in such a city and in its vicinity, extensive measurements were performed in the metropolitan area of Paris. The study of the transformation and aging processes of such species was done using modern instrumentation in a ground measurement station, on a research aircraft, and on a mobile laboratory for aerosol research.

The exchange of reactive trace gases and aerosol particles between biosphere and atmosphere contributes substantially to chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere. Recent investigations provide insight into the interplay of reactive nitrogen compounds, volatile organics and aerosol formation. The results underline the major importance of the Amazonian rainforest for the global climate and the Earth system.

Malaria infects more than 300 million people and kills about 1 - 2 million children annually. Vector control programs and impregnated bednets limit the spread of malaria, but are not effective in eliminating the disease in Africa. Therefore, a vaccine is urgently needed. Since the pathogen constantly hides from the host immune system, scientists need to design innovative immunization strategies.

Diminishing fossil reservoirs and global warming make the efficient utilization of alternative feedstocks imperative. Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising feedstock, not in competition with food, and allows for CO₂-neutral technologies. Its conversion via hydrogenolysis presents an interesting entry point for future biorefinery and the development of suitable catalysts is highly desirable. Alike, alternatives for commodities as terephthalic acid, important for PET production, are required. Based on sugars, furandicarboxylic acid, a sugar-based alternative to this compound, can be prepared.