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Center for Development Research
The Center for Development Research (ZEF) is an institute of the University of Bonn, Germany. It started its research activities in 1997. ZEF researchers aim to find science-based solutions to promote sustainable development and planetary health. ZEF’s research divisions and groups conduct inter- and trans-disciplinary research in, for and with emerging economies and on global issues with its collaborating research partners around the world. ZEF educates and trains international doctoral students in its Doctoral Studies Program. ZEF is guided by an International Advisory Board.
Latest News
Moving forward: ZEF junior-professor Lisa Biber-Freudenberger appointed full professor at Bonn University
On June 2, 2026 ZEF Junior-Professor Lisa Biber-Freudenberger received the official certificate of appointment from Bonn University's Rector Prof. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch.
She was accompanied by her husband and son (see photo).
ZEF part of two new DFG-funded Research Training Groups (RTGs) at the University of Bonn
What is the best way to shape the future of waterfront cities in the Global South in the face of challenges like climate change? How are conflicts overcome in various different cultures? These key questions are now to be explored by two new Research Training Groups (RTGs) at the University of Bonn. Alongside the University Hospital Bonn as a partner, the proposal was submitted together with the Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS). The German Research Foundation (DFG) is providing with millions of euros in funding to train doctoral students. Across Germany, the DFG will be supporting 10 new RTGs in all from fall 2026 onward.
New ZEF-led Collaborative Research Center (CRC) on Food System Diversification
Whether it’s malnutrition, diet-related diseases, or negative environmental impacts, our food systems are neither sustainable nor sufficiently resilient. A promising approach to changing this is to diversify food systems.
Less hunger, more environmental problems?
Bonn University published a press release on the publication by Juliana Minetto Gellert Paris, Ute Nöthlings, Felix Ankomah Asante & Matin Qaim: The sustainability of diets in sub-Saharan Africa: Synergies and tradeoffs between human health and the environment; Sustainable Production and Consumption (see link below).
ZEF Research Projects
ZEF is running interdisciplinary research projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Upcoming Events
ZEF Colloquium: Becoming river
ZEF, Genscherallee 3, ...
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Water is at the center of the struggle for life. Modern civilization's dependence on capitalist formations has led to the destruction of ecosystems and ...
The Kara Ritual of the Konso
Genscherallee 3, 53113 ...
01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
This talk is part of the Heritage Week of the Bonn. More info here: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/research-profile/transdisciplinary-research...
ZEF public lecture. Ruptures: What are we now?
ZEF, Genscherallee 3, ...
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
The world is more and more fractured and disconnected, despite the technology that was designed to connect us. What is the nature of rupture, both individual ...
ZEF/CSG Expert Talk: The implications of complexity
Center for Development ...
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Join us for this open session as we discuss "The Implications of Complexity" and explore how self-organization, AI, and systems science are reshaping ...