Geisenheim university specializes in research that addresses some of the most pressing global challenges of our time—climate change, biodiversity loss, and creating sustainable food systems—with a distinct specialization in special crops like grapes, fruits and vegetables. Our research covers the entire value chain—from sustainable cultivation and processing to marketing and urban landscape development. We conduct both fundamental and applied research, closely collaborating with regional producers, municipalities, and a wide network of international partners. Our research activities include the following 5 core areas which the potential collaboration with Frontiers Research could focus on:
Read MoreClimate-resilient agriculture and sustainable crop production: From viticulture and horticulture to ornamental plant cultivation, we explore innovative and resource-efficient farming systems. Our work includes plant breeding, smart irrigation and the use of sensor technologies to optimize inputs and reduce environmental impact.
Bioeconomy and food innovation: We investigate how plant-based products can be processed sustainably and marketed successfully, focusing on food safety and fresh produce logistics. Topics include extraction and formulation of functional ingredients from harvest products and their health effects, circular production systems and consumer behaviour and preferences.
Urban green spaces and cultural landscapes:Our interdisciplinary research focuses on developing and assessing nature-based solutions and climate adaptation strategies for urban and rural landscapes—with particular attention to traditional winegrowing regions. We investigate how green infrastructure can contribute to ecological resilience and environmental quality in cities and cultural landscapes under climate stress. We actively contribute to regional transformation processes, including close cooperation with the Rheingau region within a living lab and the Federal Garden Exhibition (BUGA) 2029.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation: We assess risks and develop strategies to ensure food security, protect biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Current projects range from water management, use of biochar and pest control to agroforestry and agro-PV.
Digital transformation in agriculture and landscape planning: We implement and evaluate digital tools—from drone technology and sensor-based diagnostics to AI-driven modelling and precision agriculture —for improved decision-making in production, processing, and spatial planning.
These research fields offer rich storytelling opportunities for science journalists. Our unique infrastructure provide direct access to field trials, labs, greenhouses, and real-world innovation environments. Our 50 professors along with researchers from all over the world use this unique research setup as part of our ca. 180 international cooperations with universities, institutions and companies.
Frontier Research
Geisenheim University conducts research that breaks new ground at the intersection of plant science, climate adaptation, food systems, and landscape transformation. Our distinctive focus on special crops—such as grapes, fruits, and vegetables—provides a highly specific yet globally relevant research area, in which we explore urgent questions about the sustainability and resilience of our food systems in the face of climate change and biodiversity losses.
Geisenheim University’s work is frontier research because we tackle complex, system-level questions: How can vineyards and horticultural systems adapt to increasing heat and drought? How can cultural landscapes be reimagined as multifunctional, biodiversity-supporting, and socially inclusive spaces? How can digital tools—from virtual vineyards to AI-driven pest forecasting—support sustainable agriculture in real time?
Our university plays a key role in real-world transformation processes. Through experimental settings such as the Living Lab Rheingau and contributions to the implementation of the Federal Garden Exhibition (BUGA) 2029 in the Middle Rhine Valley, we co-create knowledge with stakeholders and test new solutions under real conditions. This collaborative and innovative approach expands classical research formats and bridges the gap between science, policy, and practice.
Furthermore, we also maintain close cooperation with companies—ranging from local producers to international partners—ensuring that our research remains relevant, applicable, and forward-looking. We actively support innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging new ideas and start-up initiatives developed by our students and academic staff.
Through the combination of methodological innovation, transdisciplinary ambition, and real-world relevance, our research not only generates new knowledge—it challenges and reshapes existing paradigms in agriculture, climate science, and landscape planning.
Furthermore, our focus on special crops – a largely underrepresented field in mainstream agricultural research – opens up new scientific terrain, particularly in relation to climate adaptation, soil health and the sustainable processing of plant-based foods.
With its interdisciplinary setup, experimental openness and transfer orientation, our research not only explores future scenarios—it helps shape them.
A key success factor for this is a close collaboration with all involved parties, be it authorities, industry partner or the general public. Thus, getting support and partnership for the Geisenheim research areas from the Frontiers network would significantly contribute to the success of the transformation of the agriculture as such.