FORSCHUNGSVERBUND BERLIN EV

Their core work

Forschungsverbund Berlin (FVB) is the administrative umbrella for eight Leibniz research institutes in Berlin, covering a remarkable breadth of natural sciences — from freshwater ecology and biodiversity to laser physics, crystal growth, and structural biology. Their H2020 portfolio reflects this multi-institute structure: they run aquatic mesocosm facilities, develop advanced laser and photonics technologies, investigate molecular mechanisms in drug targets, and model complex environmental systems. They are a major training hub, hosting numerous Marie Skłodowska-Curie networks that bring early-career researchers into interdisciplinary programs across Europe.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), FVB's work centred on semiconductor materials (III-nitride superlattices for LEDs), freshwater and coastal ecosystem modelling, and foundational structural biology — a mix of applied photonics and environmental science. By 2019–2022, the focus shifted toward fundamental physics (attosecond science, cavity quantum electrodynamics), advanced environmental monitoring (remote sensing, biodiversity indicators for global policy), and neurophysiology (ion channels, glia-neuron interactions). The trajectory shows a move from applied materials and ecology toward more fundamental measurement science and policy-relevant environmental monitoring.

FVB is strengthening its fundamental physics and advanced measurement capabilities while pivoting its environmental work toward policy-relevant biodiversity indicators and remote sensing — expect future projects at the intersection of advanced instrumentation and environmental observation.

How they like to work

FVB acts as both a reliable consortium partner (44 participations) and a capable project coordinator (21 projects, about one-third of their portfolio), particularly for training networks and infrastructure projects. With 522 unique partners across 41 countries, they function as a major networking hub rather than a closed circle — their multi-institute structure means different Leibniz institutes bring different partner networks, creating an unusually broad and diverse collaboration map. Their heavy involvement in MSCA training networks (16 projects) signals an organization comfortable with coordination, mentoring, and cross-border knowledge transfer.

FVB has collaborated with 522 unique partners across 41 countries, making them one of the most broadly connected research organizations in Berlin. Their network spans Western and Northern Europe most densely, but extends well beyond the EU through infrastructure and training projects.

What sets them apart

FVB's defining advantage is its multi-institute structure: eight Leibniz institutes under one roof means a single partnership gives access to expertise spanning laser physics, freshwater ecology, molecular biology, and materials science — disciplines that rarely coexist in one organization. This makes them exceptionally versatile for interdisciplinary consortia where environmental, physical, and biological sciences need to converge. For consortium builders, FVB offers a proven track record of managing training networks and infrastructure projects, with the administrative capacity to coordinate complex multi-partner efforts.

Highlights from their portfolio

• gluactive
  Largest single grant (EUR 1.98M ERC Starting Grant) — fundamental research on glutamate receptor activation mechanisms with direct implications for neuropharmacology.
• AQUACOSM
  Coordinated a pan-European network of aquatic mesocosm facilities connecting mountains to oceans — positioned FVB as a key node in European freshwater research infrastructure.
• LASERLAB-EUROPE
  EUR 1.58M participation in Europe's integrated laser research infrastructure initiative — reflects FVB's standing in the European photonics community.