HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01: Understanding and tackling the decline of insects

The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) is a non-profit research organisation with more than 35 years of experience in applied laser and photonics technologies. LZH develops innovative, application-oriented solutions ranging from laser systems and optical technologies to automation, digitalisation, and AI-supported processes. The institute closely collaborates with industry, research organisations, and public stakeholders at national and European level.

Within LZH, the Food & Farming Group focuses on laser- and optics-based technologies for sustainable agriculture and the agrifood sector. A core research area is chemical-free plant protection, addressing current environmental and biodiversity challenges.

Key activities include the development of optical and AI-based systems for automated insect identification and monitoring, as well as selective laser-based treatment of (regulated) plant pests. These technologies aim to support precise, non-chemical interventions while improving knowledge on insect presence, dynamics, and ecosystem interactions.

In the context of the Horizon Europe call “Understanding and tackling the decline of insects”, LZH contributes expertise in agriphotonics, sensor-based monitoring, data-driven insect analysis, and selective intervention technologies. As a non-profit research organisation, LZH offers its technological infrastructure, interdisciplinary expertise, and strong agriphotonics network to collaborative European research consortia.