News

On July 15, 2026, Timon Gremmels, Hesse’s Minister of Science and Research, Art, and Culture, visited the LOEWE Center of Excellence ADAPT in Witzenhausen, which has been receiving funding since the beginning of the year. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the planned research activities and to engage in direct dialogue with the participating scientists.

The visit focused on the irrigation experiments conducted by doctoral candidate Léa Aubry, under the supervision of Professor Miriam Athmann. In these experiments, treated water is used to irrigate vegetables in order to study how plants absorb trace elements. The project is part of a larger research consortium investigating how treated wastewater—such as that from sewage treatment plants—can be used safely and efficiently to address water shortages in agriculture.

The minister was impressed by the scientific work being conducted on site and emphasized the project’s importance for addressing the already noticeable consequences of climate change and increasing water scarcity. He particularly highlighted the importance of research that develops concrete and practical solutions to these challenges.

The visit highlighted how forward-looking and practice-oriented the research conducted within the LOEWE ADAPT priority area is. This work helps make agricultural systems more resilient to droughts and water shortages—an issue of growing importance for Hesse and beyond.

The ADAPT project also demonstrated how the LOEWE funding program strengthens, supports, and promotes interdisciplinary research. Close collaboration across various disciplines leads to scientifically sound and practical solutions to the challenges of climate change.