An international graduate school with an agreeable size under the single organisational umbrella of the University of Excellence TU Dresden – at IHI Zittau, numerous things are somewhat different from the mainstream of the German educational landscape: Our neighbouring countries Poland and the Czech Republic are are in close proximity; and you can literally break down barriers as part of everyday life! Teaching and research at IHI Zittau address an exciting interaction of ecology, economy and social science. Research areas and courses range from molecular biotechnology, taxonomy of biodiversity and ecosystem services to responsible and sustainable management.