JUSTUS-LIEBIG-UNIVERSITAET GIESSEN

Their core work

Justus Liebig University Giessen is a major German research university with deep strengths in visual perception science, molecular biology, and infectious disease research. Their teams investigate fundamental questions in color vision, RNA processing, and pathogen biology, while also contributing applied expertise in electric space propulsion, sustainable agriculture in Africa, and vaccine development. The university bridges basic life sciences with targeted applications in health (malaria, COVID-19, CCHF vaccines) and agricultural intensification for developing regions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2018, JLU's H2020 portfolio was dominated by training networks in molecular biology (circRTrain, DNAREPAIRMAN, TRANSMIT) and early infectious disease work (malaria via SPARk, CCHF vaccines), alongside foundational perception research (SHAPE). From 2019 onward, the university shifted noticeably toward applied domains: electric propulsion technologies matured into multiple follow-on projects, COVID-19 response work emerged (OPENCORONA, MAD-CoV 2), and new coordinator-led efforts in sustainable African agriculture (UPSCALE) and advanced color science (Color3.0) marked a move toward larger, self-directed research agendas.

JLU is transitioning from a predominantly participant-in-networks role toward leading ambitious ERC-funded programs while expanding into applied sectors like space propulsion and African agriculture — expect growing independence and interdisciplinary reach.

How they like to work

JLU primarily operates as a consortium partner (26 of 33 projects), but their 7 coordinated projects include some of their largest and most distinctive work — notably two ERC Consolidator Grants (Color3.0, mRNP-PackArt) and the UPSCALE agricultural project. With 338 unique partners across 51 countries, they maintain an exceptionally broad network rather than relying on repeat collaborators. This makes them an accessible and experienced partner for new consortia, comfortable in both large research infrastructures and focused bilateral collaborations.

JLU has collaborated with 338 distinct partners across 51 countries, making them one of the more internationally connected German universities in H2020. Their reach extends well beyond Europe into Africa (INSA, UPSCALE) and includes both large research infrastructure consortia and smaller specialist teams.

What sets them apart

JLU stands out for an unusual combination of deep fundamental science (two ERC Consolidator Grants in perception and RNA biology) with practical applied engagement in space propulsion and African agricultural development — sectors rarely found together in one institution. Their perception science group around color vision and shape understanding is among the most productive in Europe, making them a go-to partner for anything involving visual cognition or material appearance. For consortium builders, JLU offers the rare combination of strong basic research credentials with willingness to engage in applied, impact-oriented projects across multiple continents.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Color3.0
  Largest single grant (€2.5M ERC Consolidator), coordinator-led program redefining how color perception is studied through an object-oriented framework.
• mRNP-PackArt
  €2M ERC Consolidator Grant on nuclear mRNA packaging architecture — positions JLU as a leading group in RNA biology.
• UPSCALE
  Coordinator-led project bringing push-pull agricultural technology to East Africa — demonstrates JLU's capacity for development-oriented applied research beyond their traditional strengths.