On 10 April 2026, researchers from the Institute for Environmental Planning, along with members of the affiliated groups at ZALF (Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research) and ARL (Academy for Spatial Development within the Leibniz Association), convened in the institute's library for the IUP Research Day. This event provided a platform for discussing current research findings and forward-looking planning approaches. The day provided an in-depth look at the variety of subjects covered by the institute, ranging from the administrative management of the energy transition to ecological solutions for agriculture.
During three thematic sessions, speakers presented their projects in a dynamic format comprising short presentations followed by expert discussions.
The first block, Governance and Administration: The event began with analyses of the accelerated expansion of wind energy and photovoltaics, as well as studies on the transformative capacities of modern planning administrations.
Agriculture and the Environment: The second session focused on climate change and related issues, with particular emphasis on innovative irrigation technologies, socio-ecological networks within agri-environmental programmes and cultural identity in the context of peatland restoration.
Landscape Planning and Management: In the afternoon, practical solutions were presented, including mobilising private investment for nature, community involvement in forest transformation, GIS-based site analyses for power-to-gas plants and the success factors of 'sponge city' measures (also known as the 'sponge city' principle).
Once again, the Research Day highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary exchange in understanding complex environmental problems holistically and making them manageable. The Institute for Environmental Planning would like to thank all the speakers and guests for their contributions to the lively debates and inspiring atmosphere that made this day such a success.
