The newly elected board of the Central German Institute for Wine Research (MIW) at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences held its inaugural meeting on October 15, 2025 in the newly renovated vineyard garages on the Waladala vineyard. The course for the future development of the institute was set in a fitting atmosphere.
The new Board of Directors consists of:
- Prof. Dr. Markus Holz (Chairman), Vice-President for Research, Transfer and Sustainability at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Sabine Thalmann (Deputy Chairwoman), Director of Central Administration at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Michael Bumann, Practical Assistant at the Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Dr. Daniel Elias, Research Associate at the Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Prof. Dr. Cornelia Scott, Professor of Business Administration, in particular Management and International Finance at the Department of Economics at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
The Central German Wine Institute, a scientific institution of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, was founded in 2008 at the suggestion of representatives of the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region. Its primary mission is to carry out applied, transfer-oriented research tasks in order to create solutions for the further development of viticulture under the changed climatic conditions in the Central German wine-growing regions.
To this end, professors from specialist areas such as nutritional sciences, Food Technology, Biotechnology and Process Engineering cooperate in order to increase the effectiveness and practical impact of research through synergies.
Strategic realignment
Building on the considerable successes of recent years - symbolically, a "mountain of uncontrolled growth has been transformed into a beautiful vineyard with different vines" - the new Executive Board has announced a strategic realignment. This focuses on four central pillars:
1. increased support for research: applied research, particularly on practice-relevant topics such as the effects of flowering meadows and green strips on yield, will be intensified. A closer exchange with practitioners (winegrowers) and the acquisition of new collaborations with research partners from viticulture and wine production at regional, national and international level are key objectives. In addition, research into production optimization is to be expanded.
2. clearer marketing: The MIW and its scientific findings as well as the resulting products (such as the institute's own wine) are to be communicated more visibly and more prominently. The already established scientific credits for wine at events and the publication of results (e.g. in specialist journals) will be stepped up.
3. intensification of cooperation: In addition to research cooperation, the establishment and maintenance of networks with other wine producers in the region and beyond will be strategically promoted. This serves the transfer of knowledge and the joint tackling of current challenges in the industry. A particular concern, also from the perspective of old traditions, is to re-establish viticulture in the lower Saale valley under the changed conditions.
4. strengthening the network & knowledge transfer: As a concrete measure, the board is planning a workshop for the coming year. This is intended to offer winegrowers from the region the opportunity to network and discuss current challenges. The venue - the Waladala vineyard in Bernburg - offers the ideal setting with its ambience above the rooftops of Bernburg.
"We have a solid foundation, which has been created by the dedicated work of the past, in particular by Prof. Dr. Orzessek and Sabine Thalmann, and will continue to be a central component of our work," emphasized the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Dr. Markus Holz. "The task now is to further develop the potential of the MIW with clear priorities. Our strategic realignment with a focus on increased research, clearer marketing, expanding cooperation and strengthening the network will put the institute in an even better position for the future and further increase its contribution to the Central German winegrowing region. We are very much looking forward to these tasks."
About the Central German Institute for Wine Research (MIW)
The MIW is a research institute of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences based in Bernburg. Since 2008, it has been promoting applied, transfer-oriented research in the fields of viticulture, oenology and related disciplines. Through cooperation between science and practice, it contributes to the further development of the Central German wine-growing region.
Contact for queries:
Sabine Thalmann
Central German Institute for Wine Research (MIW)
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
03496 67 4001
sabine.thalmann@hs-anhalt.de
