Introduction of the ESRP-Institutes

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena

The Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) is dedicated to the study of the global biogeochemical cycles of the Earth and their interactions with the physical climate system. Through experiments and modeling it studies terrestrial ecosystems with an emphasis on canopy, plant and soil processes and their exchanges with the atmosphere as well as human influence on these processes. more...


Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPI-C) in Mainz

The Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPI-C) explores the Earth from nanoparticles to planets and from ecosystem dynamics to global change focusing on chemical processes. The MPI-C investigates Earth System components in field and laboratory and uses computer modeling to study system interactions and feedback mechanisms. It contributes basic knowledge needed for the sustainable use of our natural resources. more...


Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) in Hamburg

The Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) aims at understanding the changing climate of our Earth. With complex models, describing the interaction between atmosphere, ocean and land, the reaction of the climate on natural and anthropogene perturbations as well as the climate's predictability are investigated. Measurements and satellite observations complement the theoretical studies. more...


Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen

Our immediate cosmological surroundings are the research focus of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research: the solar system with its planets and moons, its comets and asteroids, and of course the Sun. more ...


Associated Partners

Especially close ties exist to the German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ) in Hamburg, which functions as the “laboratory” for German climate research. As a nationwide service centre, the DKRZ provides high performance computing and technical user support for climate simulations. As the ESRP is heavily involved in Earth system modeling, this connection is logical. full article...


Further partners associated with the ESRP include departments and research groups at

the MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg,
the MPI for Marine Microbiology in Bremen,
the MPI for Dynamics and Self-Organisation in Göttingen,
the Institute for Advanced Sustanability Studies (IASS) in Potsdam,
and neighboring universities.


International Research Programs

The Earth System Research Partnership is closely integrated with the international research community. The current major programs, the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), the International Human Dimensions Programme (IDHP) and Diversitas, are joined together to form the “Earth System Science Partnership” (ESSP). Directors and scientists from the institutes of the Earth System Research Partnership contribute to these programmes as chairmen, members of Scientific Steering Committees and chairmen of core projects. They thus significantly influence the international development of these programmes. Furthermore, they play a leading role in a large number of European research projects. They also make important contributions to the periodic statements by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Go to Editor View