18/05/2026  The Greifswald Moor Centrum has published a new series of policy briefs. Titled “2026 Policy Briefs: Rewetting drained peat soils supports climate neutrality”, the publications highlight how rewetting drained peat soils can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support national and European pathways towards climate neutrality.

The series includes an EU-level edition as well as country-specific versions for Germany, Belgium, Finland, Austria, and Poland. The policy briefs provide science-based and practice-oriented insights for policy and decision-making, illustrating how peatland rewetting as a nature-based climate solution can contribute to achieving climate goals.

The publications are aimed at policymakers, administrations, and practitioners and offer context-specific information tailored to different national settings.

Further information and access to the policy briefs are available online: GMC briefing papers

13/05/2026  How can paludibiomass be used as a raw material for construction, manufacturing and energy? This question will be addressed in the free online seminar ‘Value Creation & Utilisation: Peatland Biomass as a Raw Material for Construction, Industry and Energy’ on 10 June 2026 from 10:00 to 12:30.

The seminar will focus on material and energy applications of peatland crops, market potential and practical examples along the value chain. The event is aimed at stakeholders from agriculture, business, science and public administration.

The programme includes presentations by Roman Adam on the link between peatland climate protection and value creation through MoorFaser, by Henning Voigt on cattail as a peatland crop, and by Frank Havemeyer on the development of regional value creation structures using peatland biomass in the Teufelsmoor.

The seminar series, jointly organised by FNR, the Farmers’ Association and the Greifswald Moor Centrum, is designed to be interactive and offers opportunities for exchange and discussion, as well as new perspectives on the sustainable use of peatland soils.

More information and registration for the seminar online.

11/05/2026  Researchers, students, and early-stage teams are invited to apply for the new “greenCHEM x Paludi Challenge”. The innovation program supports the development of new applications and value chains for underutilized paludi biomass and its side streams.

The challenge is looking for ideas for sustainable materials, chemical building blocks, or scalable processes that can contribute to climate-positive land-use approaches.

Participants will gain access to laboratories, infrastructure, equipment, and biomass, alongside workshops, mentoring from academia and industry, and opportunities to test and validate ideas in practice. The program also offers networking opportunities within a strong innovation ecosystem and support for further validation projects or funding opportunities.

Applications are now open. The application deadline is 30 May 2026.

The initiative involves besides the Greifswald Mire Centre also the Universität Greifswald, Technische Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and additional partners.

Further information and application details are available online.

08/05/2026  At Science Day 2026 on 27 June 2026, peatland researchers from the University of Greifswald and the Greifswald Mire Centre will be spinning the wheel – the wheel of peatland knowledge – offering insights into their work on peatlands and climate protection.  At an own stand, they will demonstrate the role peatlands play for the climate, the environment and society, and why peatland research is important both locally and globally.

Visitors can find out more through these activities:

• spin the big (lucky) wheel of peatland knowledge to discover curious peatland facts and set the record straight on some peatland myths,

• peatland-match – find out which peatland plant can be turned into which product

• take a look at thousands of years of Earth’s history through the pollen puzzle and under the microscope

• find the nearest peatland in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on the ‘Peatland near you?’ map

The peatland researchers are happy to stamp your acquired peatland knowledge. There is a small reward for a full collection card.

The Science Day in Greifswald in 2026 will focus on “One Health” and, with lectures, guided tours and numerous hands-on activities, invites visitors to discover science and engage in conversation with researchers. At the same time, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences will be celebrating its 75th anniversary.

You can find more information on the website.