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Seeing the big picture
The aim of our work is to ensure high-performance infrastructure while simultaneously providing support for the climate-resilient and environmentally responsible development of Germany’s federal waterways designed to be as nature-based as possible. In our work, the waterways’ various functions within society for transport, water management, and leisure and recreation are key. Our activities focus particularly on Germany’s federal waterways, i.e. the major rivers, canals and coastal waters. We primarily advise the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) and the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV), but we also provide guidance to other government departments and third parties.
- Aquatic ecosystems in the Anthropocene
- Impacts of climate change
- Trace substances - identification, evaluation, long-term analysis
- Mitigating the loss of biodiversity
- Opportunities of digitalisation
- Performance of the transport system
- Transformation in transport and the movement of goods
- Promoting environmental awareness
- Scientific policy advice at a glance
Events in 2024
BfG regularly organises colloquia and workshops at the interface of science and practice. Upcoming events are listed below. In the “Events” section, you will find an overview of all BfG events and further events in which BfG is participating. Please note: Most BfG events take place in German. If an English title is displayed, the event (or parts of it) will be held in English. Please feel free to contact the persons shown in the announcement for any further questions.
BfG – anything but a dry job
Our scientific disciplines are changing all the time. Our staff get to grips with wide-ranging tasks day in, day out. You, too, can become part of BfG. We regularly publish new vacancies.
Issues that are relevant to the whole of society
Issues that are relevant to the whole of society
Staff are working on
issues that will become increasingly important in all areas of society in the future, for example due to extreme hydrological events.
Interdisciplinary working environment
Interdisciplinary working environment
BfG has 470 members of staff from a whole host of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, hydrology, geosciences and specific fields such as spatial planning and civil engineering.
High-quality laboratory infrastructure
High-quality laboratory infrastructure
Research work benefits from a high-quality laboratory infrastructure that includes chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, ecotoxicology and animal ecology labs.
International collaboration
International collaboration
Waterways do not stop at national borders. Growing
internationalisation means that collaborations and international networking are becoming more and more important.
Image credit
Teaser image: panoramic view of the River Rhine, Germany. Source: ollo, GettyImages
