Research at Hochschule Geisenheim University

Creating Strategies for a Sustainable and Livable Future

Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Sustainability Targets – We're Meeting the Planet's Most Urgent Challenges

Our mission is to develop resource-efficient, innovative, and sustainable solutions in the area of agriculture and food. Our work spans a broad range of key issues: advancing organic, climate-resilient cultivation strategies for specialty crops, developing sustainable production and marketing methods, and designing livable cultural landscapes and urban regions. By uniting ecology, profitability, and a focus on quality of life, we aim to create a sustainable future in which society and nature can flourish together.

Our Focus Areas

Sustainable Cultivation Systems for Specialty Crops

Cultivating grapevines, fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals is particularly resource intensive – as such, a careful balance between producing the highest quality products possible and ensuring sustainable practices needs to be struck.

Through our research, we are developing innovative, ecofriendly strategies that ensure healthy harvests and preserve resources. We breed varieties and growth forms that are optimally adapted to climate change, environmental factors, and potential pests and pathogens. Modern sensor systems help control water and nutrient supply with pinpoint accuracy, alternative plant protection strategies – such as the use of antagonists – strengthen plants and their environments, and new digital techniques make precise management measures possible. Together with our partners, we are establishing diverse cultivation strategies that promote biodiversity and preserve ecosystem functions, creating an economically and ecologically sustainable future for viticulture and horticulture.

Innovative and Safe Processing and Marketing for Plant Products

Sustainability in food production spans the entire journey, from cultivation and processing to the moment the product reaches the customer. At every stage, product quality and safety needs to be guaranteed. The bioeconomy plays a key role in this context, enabling the more efficient use of resources, processes, and systems, while supporting the livelihood of the businesses that produce them. 

Through our research, we develop energy and resource-efficient methodologies for processing plant products and extracting valuable ingredients from crops and by-products. We examine microorganisms as natural protective cultures, evaluate the health effects of plant-based ingredients, and conduct sensory tests with our university panel. Market research, consumer behavior analyses, and industry data deliver essential insights for sustainable marketing strategies, particularly in the wine industry. We also analyze the logistical processes, from packing to distribution, and boost the efficiency and sustainability of the entire value chain with the help of modern, digital technologies.

Livable Cultural Landscapes and Urban Regions

Intensified land use has reduced valuable landscape features and biodiversity in many areas. Urban regions are also under pressure to maintain quality of life through green infrastructure such as parks and green belts.

Through our research, we develop methods to optimize and assess urban open spaces and enhance their social sustainability. We create techniques for greening sites with limited soil and for using plants in urban areas in a targeted manner, particularly in the context of climate change. For viticultural landscapes, we design strategies to adapt to climate change and preserve rare species. Additionally, we develop concepts for multifunctional, ecologically valuable, and attractive landscapes that enable new, sustainable production scenarios.

Questions about Our Research?

Please get in touch!

Christiane Jost
Dr. Christiane Jost
Building 5924
Room 01.01
Phone +49 6722 502 6334
Christiane.Jost(at)hs-gm.de Details

News & Latest Projects

New Programs and Expanding Research Excellence: President Mühling Shares Vision for Hochschule Geisenheim University

New degree programs, a stronger international focus, and driving research and industry partnerships – Prof. Dr. habil. Karl H. Mühling shared his strategic vision for the future of Hochschule Geisenheim University during an academic reception held on October 26, 2026. About five months after taking office, the president outlined how he intends to strengthen the university’s unique profile and open up new opportunities. Among the guests was the Hessian Minister of Science, Timon Gremmels, who delivered the opening remarks. As part of the event, the university re-launched its brand, which had been refined in terms of both content and visual design. About 250 guests from academia, industry, the local region and the university community attended the event, while a further 100 guests watched online. 

“We combine scientific basics with real-world questions – from landscapes to food production and marketing. These are our strengths we want to build on: with a broader, more international range of degree programs, even stronger research, and partnerships that translate scientific findings into practical solutions”, explained Mühling.  

As an independent, “new type” university, Geisenheim combines university research with hands-on education since 2013. Degree programs and research activities address wine, beverages, food, horticulture and landscape architecture. State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities – including the Beverage Technology Center and the new Viticulture Adaptation Center – provide excellent conditions for academic education, research and collaborations. 

The Hessian Minister of Science, Timon Gremmels, emphasized: “The university has a clear academic focus, combined with strong research that address key questions for the future: How can we ensure food security, adapt agriculture, landscapes, and cities to climate change, and manage natural resources responsibly? With his vision for stronger international collaboration and a close exchange with business and society, Prof. Mühling builds on these strengths.”

Driving interdisciplinarity, internationality & research excellence – enhancing practical focus & efficiency 

In terms of academic teaching, Mühling strives to foster closer ties between disciplines and enhance their international focus. His vision includes establishing a cross-disciplinary B.Sc. program (Studium Generale), new English-taught M.Sc. programs, for example in horticulture, food security and liquid foods, dual work-study M.Sc. programs and additional programs for lifelong learning. With these initiatives, Mühling aims to reach new target groups and attract more students. The European university alliance EU-GIFT is intended to further strengthen international cooperation in teaching and research. 

With regard to research, Prof. Mühling shared his goal of securing more funding and increasing the university’s involvement in research alliances. Additional programs for doctoral students will support early-career researchers. In terms of collaborations with private partners, Mühling intends to focus on long-term partnerships and real-world laboratories. Start-up support and a greater engagement with society will also take on a more important role. 

According to Mühling, a successful future development requires resource-efficient campus operations, a viable digital infrastructure and more efficient administration. In this context, sustainability is to be equally integrated in research, teaching and university operations. 

Brand relaunch

Prof. Mühling’s strategic vision for the future of the university perfectly aligned with the presentation of the revised university brand. To summarize its mission, the university has chosen “Bringing Green Knowledge to Life” as a headline, emphasizing the active role as a guide and supporter during a time of transformation in agriculture, landscaping and urban planning. This is also reflected in the new claim “Grow forward”. The terms "specialized”, “close to nature”, “connected” and “personal” were used to describe the university’s unique approach. The presentation of the revised brand was supported by a new image video, roundtable discussions with members of the President’s Council, and videos featuring voices from the university as well as insights into the brand’s design and rollout.

The brand’s relaunch is the result of a broad participatory process which started in 2025. The process was based on surveys of employees, students, and industry representatives, supplemented by workshops and interviews, as well as a trend and competitive analysis. An interdisciplinary project team and a university-wide working group supported the development process in collaboration with the design agency Schwarz+Matt. 

More information


Photos: Hochschule Geisenheim / Tina Kissinger

Categories: Zentralredaktion, MyHGU-App, Mein-Netzwerk, Hochschulrat, Dashboard, PRAXIS, STUDIUM, HOCHSCHULE, FORSCHUNG, Nachrichten

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Research brochure (click to enlarge)

Our University has unique opportunities to conduct scientifically recognized and applied research along the entire value chain of special crops. In doing so, we benefit both from a strong network of national and international partners and our own excellent research infrastructure at Geisenheim. Vice-President of Research Professor Annette Reineke

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