The Institute for Latin American Studies (LAI) is an interdisciplinary Central Institute (CI) with seven social-scientific and cultural studies fields of study. Germany’s largest center for research on Latin America covers many research areas related to sustainability, including political culture, states, and transregional and global connections. An international graduate school examines the consequences of globalization, while a competency network addresses inequality research in Latin America.

The post-graduate program TrAndeS, financed by DAAD and in cooperation with Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, researches the connection between social inequality and the possibility of sustainable development in the Andes region. Also funded by the federal Department of Education is the Food for Justice project, which addresses inequalities in our food system based on class, gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality.