The Institute
The Linnaeus Competence Centre Hemp
The Linnaeus Competence Center for Hemp takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, whose Systema naturae (1735) and binary nomenclature (1753) laid the foundation of modern biological classification.
Hemp was first described under his designation Cannabis sativa L., with the “L.” referring to Linnaeus himself. This legacy continues to shape the institute’s mission today: to structure knowledge systematically, foster interdisciplinary exchange, and unlock the potential of the hemp plant for research, education, and sustainable innovation.
Mission and Core Activities
The Linnaeus Competence Center for Hemp is dedicated to applied research, development, and education focused on Cannabis sativa L. as a sustainable raw material. Its mission is to connect scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and practical training in a coherent framework.
The institute’s work spans the interdisciplinary fields of agricultural sciences, material research, circular economy, and biotechnology. It develops and supports projects that explore hemp’s potential as a basis for bio-based materials, sustainable construction products, textiles, and energy sources.
Beyond research, the Center serves as a platform for knowledge transfer, vocational training, and academic collaboration. In partnership with universities, industry, and policymakers, it promotes professionalization within the hemp sector and supports the creation of new occupational and educational pathways.
Its overarching goal is to advance the role of Cannabis sativa L. as a catalyst for the socio-ecological transformation of the economy and to make its potential tangible in practice.