The Future of our Food
The Future of Our Food: Food Production and Food Quality
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Seidel-Morgenstern, Emeritus Scientific Member of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems Magdeburg (MPI), has participated in the interdisciplinary working group "Nutrition, Health, Prevention" of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW), contributing his expertise on resource-efficient agrochemistry. The expert recommendations have now been published in two volumes titled "The Future of Our Food."
Germany's food policy faces major challenges: while there is a visible positive trend toward healthier and more sustainable diets, international conflicts and climate change simultaneously threaten natural resources and global food security. In a three-year project, the BBAW working group identified key areas for action that should be at the heart of a long-overdue "food transition" (Ernährungswende).
In two new editions of the "Denkanstöße aus der Akademie" (Food for Thought from the Academy) series (Nos. 18/2025 and 19/2025), the experts provide science-based recommendations. These include strengthening research and innovation in the agricultural sector, ensuring transparent consumer education, and providing health-oriented, affordable catering and food options.
Specifically, Prof. Seidel-Morgenstern evaluated opportunities for resource-efficient agrochemistry through the provision of precision materials—work that builds on his many years of research at the MPI. This research directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of climate action, innovation, and health.
The Max Planck Institute in Magdeburg sees its central mission in the development of sustainable production technologies. Using innovative process concepts, the aim is to make processes in biotechnology (e.g., vaccines) as well as in chemical and food production faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Seidel-Morgenstern has been a member of the BBAW since November 2010. The Academy regularly publishes contributions on current research policy and scientific topics in its "Denkanstöße" series.
To the official press release of the Max-Planck-Institute