The iDiv Research Greenhouse is an innovative facility accommodating various demands for experimental biodiversity research and is now open to Associate Members.
The greenhouse offers 700 m² of effective area for high-end experimental biodiversity research. This includes 400 m² greenhouse space subdivided into 10 regular cabins and two cabins for S1 use. All cabins are equipped with tables adaptable to different pot sizes. Cabins provide different water types using an automated dripping system. Optimised artificial lights complement the natural sunlight, and air humidity is regulated with a high-pressure fog system. Cabin temperatures are regulated actively via modern and energy-effective heating and cooling systems and passively via energy screens on the out- and inside of the greenhouse roof.
Experimental microcosms need proper preparation, with experiments often needing to be set up in short time spans with many helpers to maximise comparability of plants and treatments – this requires sufficient working space inside and outside. At the final harvest, samples need to be stored cool before being processed, frozen, dried or freeze-dried, shredded, milled, weighed or counted. Roots also often need washing and scanning before further processing. To accommodate all of these demands, the greenhouse is supplemented with a 300 m² building part, which offers an open working space with a root washing table, two fully equipped labs, freezers, drying ovens, and a cooling room.
The iDiv Research Greenhouse is also equipped to accommodate a broad range of approaches aiming to support the variety of exciting biodiversity research at iDiv. Last and certainly not least, users will benefit from the expertise of Alvin Barth (gardener), and Ricardo Müller (greenhouse technician).
The iDiv Research Greenhouse can be used for research projects of all iDiv Members and Associate Members and their groups. We invite you to book for 2025 to take advantage of our available capacities. Application forms and detailed information on technical infrastructure and terms of use are available online.
Contact: alexandra.weigelt@uni-leipzig.de