The WIMEK was founded in 1993 and executes a broad multi-disciplinary environmental research programme at Wageningen University to solve complex environmental problems. Characteristic of the institute’s research programme is its combination of natural and social science research. WIMEK's fundamental research contributes to a sound understanding of processes in soil, water, air and ecosystems that involve nutrients, environmental pollutants and greenhouse gases. The Institute's strategic research is focused on developing socio-economic, technological and spatial solutions for environmental problems and the sustainable recovery and management of ecosystems and the environment.