• Scientific attitude
• Independence
• Sustainability

We have set ourselves the task of raising society’s awareness of the links between individual eating habits and their global impact. At the same time, we help to promote a sustainable diet that focuses on fairness towards people, animals and the environment. In particular, we want to scientifically investigate the various aspects of vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as other alternative diets, derive recommendations and promote the implementation of these recommendations in society. Our particular concern is to close existing gaps in research on these alternative diets.

In particular, our research and educational work relates to the following dimensions of sustainable nutrition:

• Health: investigating various aspects of a wholefood, plant-based diet and its practical implementation in terms of enjoyment, optimal nutrient supply, reduction of diet-associated diseases and health promotion.
• Ecology: Sustainable use of resources, reduction of greenhouse gases and pollutants in the air, soil and water, preservation and promotion of soil fertility and biodiversity, protection of the oceans from overfishing and forests from deforestation for livestock grazing and the cultivation of animal feed, avoidance of packaging waste.
• Society: Fair distribution of resources, establishment of humane working conditions and environmentally friendly cultivation methods, improvement of the living and nutritional situation of people in developing countries, taking on global responsibility in the fight against hunger, improvement of animal husbandry conditions.
• Economy: Fair prices for food, fair trading conditions, avoidance of ecological and social consequential costs and food waste.

• Conduct of own research projects and systematic evaluation of scientific studies to investigate the health effects and global impact of different diets, in particular vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Publication of reference books, book contributions and specialist articles.
• Presentation of research results at scientific congresses.
• Training of nutritionists and other multipliers.
• Lectures, seminars and workshops at educational institutions such as universities, technical colleges and schools.
• We consider all our educational activities to be part of the UNESCO Global Action Program on Education for Sustainable Development.
• Advising companies, institutions and public and private bodies on issues relating to sustainable nutrition and nutritionally valuable plant-based foods.
• Target group-oriented consumer information on sustainable nutrition through media appearances on TV and radio, press interviews, consumer brochures and articles in magazines as well as online.
• Networking, cooperation and scientific exchange with research institutions, organizations and other stakeholders.

• We pursue long-term ethical, ecological and social benefits with our work.
• We are independent: We investigate research questions impartially and assess scientific findings objectively.
• We believe in fair, respectful and successful collaboration within our team and with our cooperation partners.
• Our office is ecologically oriented. We use recycled paper and environmentally friendly office supplies. We obtain 100% of our electricity from renewable energy sources (in accordance with the Green Electricity Label) and gas from a provider that promotes wind gas technology. Business trips are reduced to the necessary minimum and are mainly made by public transport.