University/college

Since 1999, the ZEU has been active as an interdisciplinary institution of research of the Justus-Liebig-University, transcending faculties in the process of its work. At present, the disciplines of Agricultural und Food, Geography, Environmental Safety, as well as the disciplines of Law, Political Science and Economics are involved in the ZEU. Research is mainly financed through third-party funds.

The fact that the ZEU's subjects and contents concentrate on the topics of environment and development owes to the idea that issues of development and environment are usually interdependent, and should therefore be examined through faculty transcending research.

This basic idea is supported by the research potential of Giessen University. Developmental as well as environmental research is conducted in a variety of institutes which perform their work in many different countries and, partly, in international comparative studies regarding one or even both topics.

A major task of the ZEU is to use this potential effectively and to fill a gap in the market of international research with the comparative advantages arising through the Center's activities.

The importance of interdisciplinarity for the ZEU is mirrored in its organisational structure: it is made up of the four sections

1. Use of Natural Resources and Environmental Preservation
2. Food Security
3. Development and Poverty Fighting
4. Institutional Foundation of Regional Development Processes

A regional specialisation is not intended.

Research main focus developing sociology