Central Project (ZP): Experimentation, Data Hub and Synthesis of Findings

The central project (ZP) operates through six interconnected work packages that are fundamental to the success of the Research Unit. Overall, the ZP will continuously integrate findings from experiments and plant modelling through collaboration across all work packages and in conjunction with WP6, drawing on the data and insights from all other SPs.  This iterative process will culminate in several joint overarching key publications.

Central Project – Detailed Description

ZP consists of six workpackages, each aiming to support all other sub-projects of the RU:  

  • WP1 provides the experimental design and statistical support in evaluating all field experimental data of the CE and the DS (i.e. Diversity Screening).
  • WP2 and WP3 orchestrate and synchronise the crucial central experiments in Germany and Kenya, providing standardised experimental platforms for use by all sub-projects.
  • WP4 conducts a field evaluation of new experimental/DS hybrids developed in the greenhouse based on SP3’s Diversity Screening a (DSa).
  • WP5 carries out targeted and untargeted metabolomics, thereby providing key biochemical data that links genetic information to field-level performance/ecophysiology.
  • WP6 implements a comprehensive data management plan and establishes straightforward procedures and frameworks for data exchange.
A person stands in a partially planted field holding tools, embodying climate-resilient agriculture, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

Research Team ZP

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Prof. Rötter, PI

TROPAGS

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Dr. Hoffmann, PI

TROPAGS

A middle-aged man with short grey hair, wearing a blue and white striped shirt, smiles at the camera against a plain light background—passionate about crop modelling and its role in advancing food security.
Prof. Piepho, PI

Biostatistics UH

A person with long blonde hair and glasses smiles softly, wearing a black top, in front of a light brown textured background, reflecting on ecophysiology research for maize and its impact on food security.
Prof. Neugart, PI

Quality & Sensory
Analysis

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Prof. Scholten, PI

Crop Plant
Genetics

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Prof. Dippold, PI

Biogeo-
chemistry UT

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Dr. Komainda, PI

Grassland
Science

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Prof. Feußner, CoPI

Plant Bio-Chemistry

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Dr. Ur Rahman, CoPI

TROPAGS

Prof. Ngetich, CoPa

JOOUST

Prof. Otieno, CoPa

JOOUST

Dr. Bulli, CoPa

JOOUST

Dr. Abdulai, Postdoc 

TROPAGS

Dr. König, Postdoc

Plant Bio-Chemistry

Dr. Schmidt, Postdoc

Biostatistics UH

Ofori, PhD

Quality & Sensory
Analysis

Bode, TA

TROPAGS

Kaufmann, TA

Genetics

tbd, TA

Göttingen 

Quick Navigation → MultiStress Research Unit

Discover the central project, coordination project & 6 subprojects

Members
A glasshouse showcasing climate-resilient agriculture, with tall green plants inside, two large water tanks on either side, and a partly cloudy sky above.

ZP – Central Project

Experimentation, Data Hub and Synthesis of Findings

Read about ZP
Microscopic view of a plant root with thin, branching root hairs against a light pink background, highlighting structures crucial to ecophysiology and Multi-Stress Research.

SP1

Effect of stress by genotype interactions on above- and belowground carbon allocation, nutrient use efficiency and root-zone processes

Read about SP1
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SP2

Investigating the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of maize to concurrent biotic and abiotic stresses

Read ABout SP2
Several potted maize plants growing in a controlled environment chamber with green trays and reflective metal walls, supporting MultiStress Research and crop modelling studies.

SP3

Molecular Adaptation to Contrasting Stress Regimes

Read about SP3
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SP4

Combined effects of stem borers and abiotic stresses on maize commercial hybrids

Read ABout SP4
Close-up of a maize leaf with brown streaks and discolouration, indicating signs of disease or stress—valuable insight for MultiStress Research and climate-resilient agriculture—with other maize plants and a clear sky in the background.

SP5

Combined Effects of Setosphaeria turcica and Abiotic Stresses on
maize genotypes

Read about SP5
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SP6

Integrating genetics into crop growth models to understand genotype response to combined (abiotic + biotic) stresses & synthesis of modelling

Read ABout SP6
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COP – Coordination Project

Strategy, Dissemination, and Capacity Building

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  • AGRA logo with a green and yellow circular design and the text "AGRA Sustainably Growing Africa's Food Systems" on a white background, highlighting its commitment to climate-resilient agriculture.
  • CIMMYT logo featuring green icons of maize and wheat, with text reading "International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre," highlighting advances in Maize Ecophysiology and Multi-Stress Research.
  • Logo of Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen with the university name in red text and a stylised red tree on the right, symbolising its commitment to MultiStress Research and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
  • Logo of Georg-August-Universität Göttingen featuring stylised blue letters "GA" and the motto "In publica commoda seit 1737," reflecting its commitment to advancing research in climate-resilient agriculture and food security.
  • IPK Leibniz Institute logo featuring a stylised green plant on a green square background with "IPK" and "LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT" in bold green text, reflecting its focus on ecophysiology and climate-resilient agriculture.
  • Blue geometric logo featuring the letters "TUM" in a bold, angular typeface on a white background, representing pioneering work in Ecophysiology and Multi-Stress Research.
  • Logo of the University of Milan featuring a classical figure holding a staff inside a circular seal, with the university name in Italian to the right—symbolising its dedication to Maize Ecophysiology and MultiStress Research.
  • Universität zu Köln logo featuring a circular university seal with figures and text on the left, and the university name in blue capital letters on the right—reflecting excellence in fields like Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Multi-Stress Research.
  • Logo of Universität Hohenheim featuring a line drawing of a domed building with "1818" below, next to the university name in blue capital letters—a symbol of leading research in Crop Modelling and climate-resilient agriculture.
  • A shield-shaped crest divided into four sections with symbols representing climate-resilient agriculture, flanked by green branches, and a yellow banner below displaying the words "Oasis of Knowledge".