The Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) is a creative, lively and diverse place for conducting research and teaching. Scientists from a whole range of disciplines work under one roof. Hydrologists, chemists, physicists, microbiologists, limnologists, fish ecologists and fisheries biologists from all over the world investigate the fundamental processes governing rivers, lakes and wetlands, and join forces to develop measures conductive to sustainable water management. In the process, we think beyond individual disciplines and spatial boundaries. After all, it will only be possible to develop solutions to the major challenges of the future by taking an integrative research approach.

It is our mission to generate objective and evidence-based knowledge for the preservation and management of freshwaters, and to make this knowledge publicly available. In collaboration with our partners from research, policy, industrial practice and civil society, we develop responses and recommendations for action for pressing environmental issues and support decision-making processes at the local, national and international level. In the context of innovative development programmes and transdisciplinary cooperation models, we give fresh momentum to research, teaching, application and participation. Our objective is to unite scientific freedom and substantive excellence with social responsibility and effectiveness, making a double impact.