The UFZ
The Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ was founded in 1991 under the name UFZ- Environmental Research Centre Leipzig-Halle GmbH and has more than 1,100 employees on its premises in Leipzig, Halle/S. and Magdeburg. We conduct research to support a sustainable use of our natural resources to benefit both mankind and the environment.
The UFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.
Our Vision
The UFZ is one of the world’s leading research centres in the field of environmental research, enjoying high social recognition. It demonstrates ways in which a sustainable use of our natural resource base is possible for the benefit of both mankind and the environment.
Our Mission
Biodiversity, functioning ecosystems, clean water and intact soils all make up our natural resource base. In the face of global change, employees at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ are united by the goal of demonstrating ways to combine societal development with a healthy environment.
The UFZ conducts excellent research and takes on a shaping role in the scientific community. As a reliable partner, the UFZ supports the political arena, the economy and the general public to better understand the consequences of human actions on the environment and to develop options for social decision-making processes. For this purpose, the UFZ responds to the stimuli created by society and by producing know-how and technologies that should help to rapidly identify problems comprising conflicting priorities between the environment and society. The UFZ will consequently work on precautionary measures.
In dealing with complex environmental issues, the disciplinary borders between the natural-, engineering- and social sciences need to be overcome. The UFZ has extensive competences in integrated environmental research. It boasts innovative scientific infrastructures and nurtures indispensable national and international cooperation, enabling problem-solving at the highest level.
The creativity and motivation of UFZ employees, their personal and professional development and the promotion of young scientists all within a positive working environment as well as highly attractive working conditions for leading international researchers are all key factors for the successful promotion of this mission.