Many of man’s technical achievements pose an existential threat to species of both animal and plant. Couldn’t we also use our technological possibilities to prevent the extinction of endangered species, however? This is a question that the foundation for “Species Conservation and Technology” wants to answer. Prof. Dr. Markus Schmitt from Landshut University of Applied Sciences now sits on the board of the foundation. The purpose of the foundation is to promote science, research and education in this field. It provides financial support for research work, seminars and school and university projects that aim to improve species conservation with the use of technological methods, for example.
“Landshut University of Applied Sciences is heavily involved in the topic of sustainability, especially from the perspective of technology. The idea of the foundation of combining biology with technology is therefore very appealing to me,” explains Schmitt. As a professor at the Faculty of Electrical and Industrial Engineering, much of his work focuses on sustainable development, as well as technology- and innovation management. In addition to Schmitt, the foundation board has four other members: founder, entrepreneur and natural scientist Manfred Hoffmann, former deputy chairman of the Landesbund für Vogelschutz (State Association for the Protection of Birds) Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Leppelsack, chemist Dr. Manfred Pitsch and member of the Bund-Naturschutz (Association for Natural Conservation) Karlheinz Schaile.
“We welcome contributions from anyone who has ideas on how technology can be used to preserve biodiversity,” explains Schmitt. As its key area of activity, this year, the foundation intends to focus primarily on southern Germany. It accepts project proposals which match the purpose of the foundation at all times, and in view of the Red List of Threatened Species, hopes to be able to achieve some small-scale successes as soon as this year. Further information about the foundation is available at
