Brief Information, 03. September 2025
UFZ and Merseburg University of Applied Sciences sign cooperation agreement
The Merseburg University of Applied Sciences and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) have formalised their cooperation by signing a partnership agreement. With this agreement, both partners are laying the foundation for jointly strengthening the innovative capacity of the Central German Metropolitan Region.
Prof Dr Markus Krabbes (Rector of Merseburg University of Applied Sciences), Prof Dr Katrin Böhning-Gaese (Scientific Director of the UFZ)
Photo: Merseburg University of Applied Sciences
The focus is on supporting start-ups and nurturing an entrepreneurial culture. The partners also plan to combine their expertise in the sustainable circular economy and strengthen knowledge transfer.
Driving the region forward
The Central German Metropolitan Region is a dynamic centre of economy and innovation that benefits from interregional cooperation. By more effectively combining ideas, knowledge, and resources, the partners can make a sustainable contribution to the technological and economic development of the region.
Research, networks, and innovation
The collaboration centres on the development of joint research and transfer projects, particularly in the areas of sustainable circular economy and industrial transformation. The following are planned:
• Opening up national and international networks in science, industry and services
• Supporting spin-offs and establishing regional companies
• Developing structures for knowledge and technology transfer
The partners are thus emphasising their role as key players in the regional innovation system. They rely on a combination of scientific expertise and practical implementation in order to make the innovation landscape of Central Germany fit for the future.
Promoting entrepreneurship together
“We at the UFZ are pleased to further intensify our collaboration with Merseburg University of Applied Sciences with this cooperation agreement and to network more closely with another university in the region. By focusing on the circular economy, the two institutions are not only aligning their research and teaching but also combining their expertise to advance the urgently needed transfer of innovative solutions and technologies into society”, says Prof Dr Katrin Böhning-Gaese, Scientific Director of the UFZ.
“With this cooperation, we are creating ideal conditions to provide more targeted support for entrepreneurs. Our common goal is to establish a vibrant start-up culture and strengthen entrepreneurial activity in the region on a lasting basis”, says Dr Annette Henn, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Head of the Start-up Campus at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences.
“The cooperation agreement with the UFZ gives us new opportunities to better connect the existing scientific strengths within the Central German Metropolitan Region. Together, we aim to further strengthen the innovative capacity of the region, deepen the bilateral transfer of knowledge and foster sustainable development,” says Prof Dr Markus Krabbes, Rector of Merseburg University of Applied Sciences.
Further information
UFZ press office
Susanne Hufe
Phone: +49 341 6025-1630
presse@ufz.de
In the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), scientists conduct research into the causes and consequences of far-reaching environmental changes. Their areas of study cover water resources, ecosystems of the future, environmental technologies and biotechnologies, the effects of chemicals in the environment, modelling and social-scientific issues. The UFZ employs more than 1,100 staff at its sites in Leipzig, Halle and Magdeburg. It is funded by the Federal Government, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
www.ufz.deThe Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges facing society, science and the economy with top scientific achievements in six research fields: Energy; Earth and Environment; Health; Key Technologies; Matter; and Aeronautics, Space and Transport. With some 39,000 employees in 19 research centres, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.
www.helmholtz.de