ZEF Faculty
Welcome to the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, Germany. 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. Our scholars address global challenges through innovative science, collaboration, and policy-relevant solutions.
Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim (Executive Director)
Matin Qaim is a leading food systems and development economist whose research on sustainable agriculture and food security has shaped global policy.
Prof. Dr. Ina Danquah (Director)
Ina Danquah is a nutrition scientist and epidemiologist researching how climate change affects nutrition and health, developing sustainable solutions to improve wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Prof. Dr. Christian Borgemeister (Director)
Christian Borgemeister is an entomologist specializing in integrated pest and vector management to improve food security and health in tropical regions.
Prof Dr. Eva Youkhana
Eva Youkhana is a professor of critical development studies and head of the working group ZEF-CPC.
Prof. Dr. Jan Börner
Jan Börner is an interdisciplinary environmental economist with a doctoral degree in agricultural economics from the University of Bonn (2006).
Jun.-Prof. Wolfram Barfuss
Wolfram Barfuss is a sustainability system scientist and heads the Argelander chair of the University of Bonn's Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) Sustainable Futures.
Jun.-Prof. Lisa Biber-Freudenberger
Lisa Biber-Freudenberger is an interdisciplinary human–environment systems researcher with a doctorate in Biodiversity Research from the University of Potsdam, Germany.
Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun
Joachim von Braun is an agricultural economist. He is distinguished Professor (emeritus) for Economic and Technical Change. He was Director of ZEF during its foundation phase 1997-2002 and also in 2010 to 2021.
Prof. Dr. Conrad Schetter
Conrad Schetter is Professor for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Bonn and the Director of bicc. From 1999 to 2013 he worked at ZEF where he most held the position of Acting Director.