Helmholtz in Dialogue: Research and Innovation for Environment, Energy, and Health

On September 16, 2025, 42 participants from science and politics, including 16 members of the German Bundestag, gathered at the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus of the German Bundestag in Berlin. Four directors of the Helmholtz Association presented current research and innovations on the environment, energy, and health. The focus was on solutions to the societal challenges of climate resilience. Particular attention was paid to scientifically sound, multidisciplinary approaches that can be used to develop concrete options for action – for nature-based climate adaptation strategies, the preservation of ecosystems, climate-neutral energy technologies, and early warning systems in the health sector.

The German government is clearly committed to German and European climate targets and is pursuing the goal of making Germany climate-neutral by 2045. In doing so, it is relying on an integrated approach that combines climate protection, economic competitiveness, and social balance – as set out in the coalition agreement. Innovations play a central role in this.

Germany faces the challenge of effectively combining climate protection, health, biodiversity, and the transformation of the energy system. Against this backdrop, the Helmholtz Research Fields Earth and Environment, Health, and Energy, as well as the dialogue platform Helmholtz KLIMA hosted a parliamentary breakfast at the German Bundestag to promote dialogue between politics and science. The event was held under the patronage of Dr. Silke Launert, Member of the German Bundestag and Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space.

In her introduction, Prof. Dr. Katja Matthes (Director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Chair of the Helmholtz KLIMA Steering Board) outlined the central core message, which is presented together with thematic background information and options for action in the accompanying fact sheet: Decisive and cross-sectoral action is crucial to preserve biodiversity, limit the health impacts of climate change, and drive forward the transformation of the energy system. Only through integrative perspectives can Germany's livelihoods, resilience, competitiveness and sovereignty be secured in the long term. Scientifically sound, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches provide solutions to meet these challenges.

Three keynote speeches formed the basis for the subsequent exchange:

• Prof. Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese, Scientific Director of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, pointed out in her presentation that restoring nature is key to strengthening social and ecological resilience: "The restoration of ecosystems is a long-term benefit for everyone," and "Ecological restoration makes a difference – both locally and nationally," emphasized Böhning-Gaese. The Leipzig-based environmental researcher focused in particular on possible solutions that address existing conflicts of use: "By working with nature, we can make a difference," said Böhning-Gaese. The Federal Government's ‘Action Program Natural Climate Protection’ provides the financial resources for this.
• Prof. Dr. Josef Penninger, Scientific Director of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, highlighted the diverse health threats posed by climate change, which will continue to increase in the future. In view of the climatic changes, monitoring is becoming increasingly important for the early detection of infections (e.g., with HIV, Mpox, Ebola). To this end, it is important to consider bacteria and viruses, plants and human health in context. Penninger emphasized in particular: "Infections are international, we must look at this together as a global community."
• Prof. Dr. Bernd Rech, Vice-President for the Research Field Energy at the Helmholtz Association and Scientific Director of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB), concluded the series of presentations with the clear message that the transformation of the energy system is the most important building block on the road to climate neutrality. Rech emphasized the great opportunities that this transformation opens up for Germany: "The transformation of the energy system strengthens Germany's energy sovereignty and its position as a business location, while at the same time protecting public health." Helmholtz contributes to this.

This was followed by a lively and constructive dialogue between members of the Bundestag from all political parties, staff of members of the Bundestag, and the speakers. Key topics included strategies for dealing with moors, the restoration of forests and seagrass meadows, the costs of inaction, international development aid, and dealing with misinformation.

In the discussion, Böhning-Gaese emphasized: "Maintaining trust in science is key to preserving our democracy." From kindergartens onwards and into all social circles, science communication needs to be promoted ‘so that there is a public understanding of science and research.’

In their feedback on the event, participants described the ‘interesting data/figures for discussion’ as particularly helpful. There is also a desire for more opportunities for exchange between science and politics, as well as for parliamentary events and advice on the protection of biodiversity, ecological restoration, forest protection, and seagrass meadows.

Matthes concluded by summarizing: "Decisive action is needed – and time is pressing. Whether it's the environment, energy or health, climate change is challenging us in all areas. Effective climate protection, economic competitiveness and social balance require targeted research and innovation. This is the only way to secure our livelihoods, strengthen Germany's competitiveness and preserve its sovereignty."