Ecologic Institute – Science and Policy for a Sustainable World

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© Ecologic Institute, 2026

Plastic Pirates Research Wins First Prize in Citizen Science Research Award

Award-winning study sheds light on plastic pollution in German rivers

News
Date
Location
Berlin, Germany
We are delighted to announce that Dr Sinja Dittmann, lead author of a study investigating plastic pollution in German rivers, has won first prize in the "Wissen der Vielen – Forschungspreis für Citizen Science" (Knowledge of the Many – Citizen Science Research Award). The study draws on data collected through the Plastic Pirates citizen science initiative. The award is also a recognition of years of collaboration between researchers, educators and the public – and of the many people who have made the Plastic Pirates possible.
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Photo: Canva.com

Europe's Diversification Paradox

Growing US and Russian gas import shares in 2026

Publication
Policy Brief
The data and charts in this brief update those presented in our January 2026 paper: Europe's Selective Blindness on Gas: US LNG and the Limits of Supply Diversification. This brief draws on the most recent (2 July 2026) version of Bruegel’s European natural gas imports dataset, covering the first half of 2026.
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© Ariadne project, 2026

Connecting the Dots on EU Transition Governance

Towards more integrated climate, economic, and social policy for the clean transition

Publication
Policy Brief
A new policy paper by Ecologic Institute examines how the EU can better integrate climate, economic, and social governance frameworks for the clean transition. It finds that important links already exist, but differences in timing, reporting, and political priorities often prevent them from working effectively.
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Tagesspiegel

© Der Tagesspiegel

Sprechen oder nicht sprechen, das ist hier die Frage

Article in the Tagesspiegel

Publication
Article
Europe’s climate movement has adopted different approaches to engaging with far-right parties. In this Tagesspiegel opinion piece, Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf of the Ecologic Institute and Erik Tang of Green Transition Denmark discuss these approaches and draw conclusions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors.
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Bild von Michal Jarmoluk auf Pixabay, Abbildung des Kommentars: Nature Reviews Biodiversity (Springer Nature), 2026

Implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation Requires a Shift from Restoration Targets to Restoration Landscapes

Publication
Document
Published as a Comment in Nature Reviews Biodiversity in 2026, the article "Implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation requires a shift from restoration targets to restoration landscapes" explores the next phase of implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Daniel Hering, Benjamin Kupilas and Rafaela Schinegger argue that achieving the Regulation's ambitious objectives now requires a shift from setting restoration targets to developing spatially coordinated restoration landscapes, supported by effective governance, strategic spatial planning, sustainable financing and strong stakeholder engagement.
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Ecologic Institute works on key topics

Climate, Energy & Adaptation
Climate
Energy
Adaptation
Sustainable Resource Use
Resource Conservation + Circular Economy
Bioeconomy
Plastics
Water & Marine
Water
Coastal + Marine
Biodiversity & Ecosystems
Biodiversity
Arctic
Nature-based Solutions + Green Infrastructure
Agriculture, Food & Land Use
Land Use
Agriculture
Food
Environmental Law & Governance
Governance
Environmental Law – Ecologic Legal
Economics, Finance & Trade
Economics
Trade
Finance
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
Education, Communications & Events
Education
Communication
Events

Ecologic Institute: Science and Policy for a Sustainable World

Ecologic Institute conducts inter- and transdisciplinary environmental research. In its role as a private, independent organization, Ecologic Institute is dedicated to the preparation of relevant sociopolitical aspects of sustainability research and contributing new knowledge to environmental policy. Innovative research methods, an orientation on practice and a transdisciplinary approach ensure scientific excellent and social relevance. The work done at Ecologic Institute covers the spectrum of environmental topics and includes the integration of environment-related issues into other political spheres.

Ecologic Institute was founded in 1995 and collaborates closely with other European and international bodies, including active participation as a member of the Ecological Research Network (Ecornet). Today, the more than 100 individuals at Ecologic Institute work in a variety of international and interdisciplinary project teams.

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Events by Ecologic Institute

12
Oct
Berlin, Ecologic Institute, Germany
Page
 
With successful work in more than 75 European research projects, our scientists can point to a strong track record in conducting highly effective, interdisciplinary research. We coordinate some of these projects ourselves, taking care of everything from forming the consortium and developing the concept to project management und scientific coordination. In other projects, we provide expertise and diverse experience in specific areas.
 

European Research at the Ecologic Institute

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Event:Conference
 
In 2025, the Ecologic Institute marked an important milestone: 30 years of independent environmental research and policy engagement. On 30 June 2025, we gathered with our community of alumni, colleagues, funders, partners, and friends in Berlin to celebrate this special occasion.

Ecologic Institute turns 30

A special evening to reflect, connect, and celebrate


Berlin, Germany

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Ecornet Logo

Ecologic Institute is a partner in Ecornet, the network of leading non-university, non-profit German research institutes focusing on environmental and sustainability research.

Biodiversity Bridge Logo

Ecologic Institute is a partner of Biodiversity Bridge, a non-profit association of biodiversity experts developing science-based solutions, narratives, and business cases for biodiversity.