BMBF State Secretary Helge Braun: „Visions for the future of biotechnology“
29.07.2010 08:46
BMBF announces 200 million euros for the development of the next generation of biotechnological methods / Kick-off for strategy process has been given
Biotechnology offers many solutions: novel drugs for medicine, environmentally friendly processes for industry. "However, the full potential of biotechnology is not yet being exploited. This can change through closer integration of the life sciences and engineering," emphasized Dr. Helge Braun, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), in Berlin on Thursday. The kick-off congress for the strategy process "Next Generation of Biotechnological Processes" took place there, marking the starting point for developing necessary research and development steps and bringing together researchers from the life sciences and engineering.
„I very much welcome the fact that the non-university research institutions are presenting a declaration of intent today to jointly advance the next generation of biotechnological processes,“ said Braun. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) intends to provide up to €200 million over the next ten to fifteen years for the development of this next generation of biotechnological processes.
A closer integration of both disciplines offers opportunities to master the challenges of the 21st century. Braun: „Our society is aging, and our energy sources and raw materials are becoming scarce. We need solutions for many problems that cannot be addressed with current approaches.“ The strategy process is not about obvious solutions, but about initiating long-term visions. These are ideas for products that may not reach the market for another 10, 15, or 30 years. For example, an artificial pancreas is conceivable, which, as an implant in diabetic patients, measures blood sugar levels, produces insulin, and releases it directly into the bloodstream. „This could represent a significant improvement for patients compared to current medications,“ Braun emphasized.
„We are looking for visions for the future of biotechnology and visionaries who can show us the way forward for the next twenty years,“ said Braun. Initial topic-specific expert discussions are scheduled for the fall, with more planned for the coming years. „All interested parties from science and industry are cordially invited to actively participate in the strategy process,“ Braun added.
08.07.2010