ZMT - Leibniz Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung

04/08/2022 | The Leibniz Environment and Development Symposium (LEADS) is back. After a pandemic-induced break the event will take place on November 2 and 3, 2022 at the GIGA in Hamburg. The aim of LEADS is to foster interdisciplinary exchange and stimulate collaboration on global societal challenges among early career researchers and senior scholars.

The prevailing pattern of economic and social development all too often fails to deliver progress for all and to respect our planetary boundaries. We see climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation caused by economic development that is accompanied by persistent or even rising inequality, poverty, and even hunger. The current multiple crises are reinforcing some of these global problems. Simultaneously, meeting the global challenges of achieving sustainable and inclusive development requires strong interdisciplinary and international research collaboration. Research at the interface of environment and development is often hampered by traditional academic boundaries. New ideas and fresh research approaches as well as inter-disciplinary exchange are needed to meet such challenges. Young researchers in particular play a key role in doing so.

Therefore, several German research institutes ATB, GIGA, IGZ, PIK, ZALF and ZMT – all members of the Leibniz Association – have initiated the Leibniz Environment and Development Symposium (LEADS) that now also counts on the support of RWI.

LEADS organisers now invite researchers to join the event and to submit original research papers that address challenges at the interface of environment and development. They are planning for a hybrid event with preference for physical presence. Yet, they are aware that they may have to be fully online if circumstances do not allow for a physical meeting.

There will be ample opportunities for academic discussion and network building. Accepted papers will be discussed in the conference by a dedicated discussant. There may also be a poster session. Participants are encouraged to explore new research collaborations.

Please send your submission (at least an extended abstract, ideally a full draft paper, in English) and a short CV (maximum two pages) in PDF format by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 30 August 2022. Decisions will be communicated by the mid of September 2022. There will be discussants, therefore the final papers (completed or draft version) are due by 23 October 2022. The conference language will be English.

For further information send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Academic Committee: Achim Schlüter (ZMT), Anette Ruml (GIGA), Barbara Schröter (ZALF), Jann Lay (GIGA), Kati Krähnert (PIK), Lasse Loft (ZALF), Maximiliane Sievert (RWI), Philipp Grundmann (ATB), Roman Hoffmann (PIK/ IIASA), Tilman Brück (IGZ)

Local Organisers: Anette Ruml and Jann Lay (GIGA)