In addition to the DBU's diverse funding activities, the focus last year was above all on phosphorus. This essential element for all plant growth and the food security of a growing world population is associated with many environmental risks. Standard processes for phosphorus recovery and recycling require a great deal of energy and large quantities of chemicals. With the support of the foundation, innovative solutions for the efficient use and recycling of phosphorus were promoted.
Another topic in 2017 was the 25th anniversary of the foundation’s doctoral scholarship program. During this period, the DBU supported more than 1,300 doctoral students in Germany alone.
Despite the difficult financial market situation, the DBU draws a positive conclusion for 2017: The profit from investments was increased by 20 million euros compared to the previous year and is thus the second-best result of the last ten years. 51.4 million euros were invested in 207 projects. The assets of the DBU rose from 2.19 to 2.24 billion euros. The subsidy budget for 2018 was increased to 55 million euros.
