Conference

Taking place from September 30 to October 2, 2024 in Bonn, Germany, this international conference marked the 25th anniversary of interdisciplinary development research at ZEF and its doctoral program BIGS-DR.

ZEF was founded in 1997 to provide science-based and transdisciplinary solutions to living conditions related to poverty, inequalities, food security, land use, governance, migration, urbanization, and health. Over 450 scholars from all over the world have completed their doctoral research and degrees as part of the structured doctoral program at ZEF. Many have worked with ZEF as postdocs and senior researchers and are now actively contributing to solving global and local problems through their work in international organizations, governments, research institutes, companies, NGOs, and civil society organizations.

In the company of our partners, alumni, friends, donors, and colleagues, we celebrated our achievements, learned from the past, and discussed the ways forward against the backdrop of the global poly-crisis that we are currently facing.

We also used the opportunity to honor one of ZEF’s Founding Directors, Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun, for his contributions to building ZEF, and recognize his shift to Professor emeritus. Joachim von Braun, an agricultural economist, served as Director of ZEF from 1997 to 2002 and from 2010-2021, and as Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) from 2002-2009. He is President of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences of the Vatican. His research focuses on international economics, agriculture, and technology. He has chaired the Scientific Group for the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 and received several prestigious awards for his work on food security and nutrition.

Thanks to all who joined us to celebrate, share experiences and relevant insights, and contributed to developing ways forward for a sustainable future.