Research for the Future

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern stands for cutting-edge research, outstanding teaching and innovative technology. In the world of science and research, the strengths of MV are put to varied and sustainable use.

Core area of expertise: fusion energy

The climate crisis and limited amounts of fossil fuels require consistent steps towards the creation of new energy systems over the medium and long term. In addition to renewable energies, research into nuclear fusion offers hope. In the 725-tonne Wendelstein 7-X at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald, the world’s largest and most modern stellarator-type fusion facility, in the form of an international collaboration, research is taking place into how to generate energy from the fusion of hydrogen nuclei, similar to the processes in the sun. The goal of fusion research is to develop a climate- and environmentally-friendly power plant. After the first two experimental phases, the fusion facility has expanded to such an extent that plasma discharges lasting up to 30 minutes are now possible, allowing the ability for continuous operation to be demonstrated.

Coastal seas under observation

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) conducts research into coastal seas such as the Baltic Sea. Extensive observation programmes provide the basis for understanding the interactions in the ecosystem. Innovative measuring methods allow for the detection of pollutants such as pesticides and microplastics. Computer models are being used in order to create future scenarios for visualising the responses of the oceans and their ecosystems to intensive use by human society and to climate change. The newly acquired knowledge serves one purpose – the well-being of the Baltic Sea.

Studying and living in MV

Studying in Mecklenburg- Vorpommern is traditionally associated with top-quality teaching and research and an excellent quality of life. In addition to the excellent facilities, the seven universities and colleges in the federal state offer numerous prospects for working life after graduation – against the fantastic backdrop of the Baltic Sea and local lakes. In addition to the two traditional universities in Rostock and Greifswald, which are among the oldest in Northern Europe, the federal state is home to additional state universities in Wismar, Stralsund, Rostock, Neubrandenburg and Güstrow.

The degree courses available to students are as varied as the university landscape. Whether it’s opera singing, medical information management, regenerative energy or marine biology combined with a diving course – the range of courses on offer in MV is unique. Emphasis is also placed on ensuring a good ratio of teaching staff to students, which doesn’t go unnoticed and regularly results in leading positions in the university rankings.

Both the university towns and the students benefit from the varied nature of student life, which is characterised by the proximity to nature, the many leisure opportunities, the water sports as well as the colourful cultural offerings. Life after university is also taken care of: 15 research institutes in the federal state provide opportunities for working in an innovative environment after graduation. The same applies to the many promising companies here. Here, too, graduates are in good company. The universities also support people who are interested in starting their own business.

Research into the moors at the UNI

Gloomy, dark, mysterious: the picture that moors paint in our minds is anything but paradisiacal. As the sun rises, however, the moors in MV awaken and transform into something magical. Dewdrops sparkle like diamonds, birds sing in chorus, dragonflies take off and land, while moor frogs provide a dash of blue. And to ensure that this magic never disappears, it is also important for the moors to be protected and revitalised. Yet their biodiversity isn’t the only reason: wet moors are important storage reservoirs for CO2 and can therefore make an important contribution to climate protection.

As a federal state, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern has one of the lar­gest coverages of moorland in Germany. It is therefore no coincidence that this area is also important for research and science.
Since 2023, the University of Greifswald has had a professorship for moorland research. The chair is the only one of its kind at a German university and is regarded as a centre of moorland expertise. The functioning of moorland ecosystems, their rewetting and naturalisation are key research topics at the university. In this way, it is making a major contribution to the fight against the climate crisis and supporting the preservation and development of fascinating moorland landscapes.