German Biotechnology Days

Despite Volcanic Ash, the German Biotechnology Days Get Off to a "Flying Start" in Berlin

With around 600 participants, who discussed the current developments and challenges in all areas of biotechnology at 16 symposia and three plenary events held on 21 and 22 April in Berlin, the expectations of the organisers were greatly exceeded.

For the first time, the German Biotechnology Days were co-organised by the Working Group of the German BioRegions and BIO Deutschland as a national forum for the entire German biotech sector.

As host of the event, Dr Kai Bindseil, Spokesperson of the Working Group of the German BioRegions and Director of BioTOP Berlin-Brandenburg, was extremely pleased about the high attendance and positive feedback. "Our expectations were greatly exceeded. Over 600 scientists and industry representatives registered for the conference. We are pleased that we have been successful in establishing a forum in the form of the German Biotechnology Days where the central issues of the sector can be discussed intensively. This is a strong signal to the biotech industry, which is aware of its importance for Germany's innovative strength and is continuing its growth course."

There was an excellent atmosphere on both days. It became very clear that the sector needs and is willing to use this type of forum. It is therefore gratifying that the continuation of the German Biotechnology Days has been secured. With the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the event will be held from 2011 to 2014 in Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.

The success of the German Biotechnology Days 2010 was also due to the very good mixture of participants. Not only representatives of red, green and white biotechnology came to Berlin. There was also excellent representation from the large pharma and chemical companies and science. The political sphere showed great interest in the event. With the attendance by Dr Georg Schütte from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Stefan Kapferer from the Federal Ministry of Health and Hans-Joachim Otto from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, secretaries of state from three political fields relevant to the biotech sector came to the event to take part in the discussions on the future of biotechnology in Germany.

It is planned that the 2011 German Biotechnology Days will be held on 25 and 26 May 2011 in Munich.

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