Research

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  topic Hightech Strategy

  The Pharmaceuticals Initiative for Germany

  In recent years, biotechnological methods have helped us identify new approaches to many diseases, enabling treatment with fewer side-effects or even a complete cure. Many of the research results were generated in Germany. But in many cases, new medicines based on these research results are produced in other countries. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the Pharmaceuticals Initiative for Germany in order to give new impetus to Germany's biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industries. The key element of the initiative is the BioPharma Competition. Its three winning consortiums have now been chosen. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/10540.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Infection and Inflammation

  Many infectious diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, BSE or avian flu cannot be healed. This is despite the fact that many of these illnesses have been known for a long time. There is a great demand for research into the causes, progress and treatment of infections. It is also important that the results of research into inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism are translated into practice more quickly. The BMBF therefore supports both research and the transfer of results. Together with other ministries, the BMBF is funding studies on how avian influenza spreads as well as on the development of strategies to combat it. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/1074.php)
   
  
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  topic Research

  The Earth System

  The earth, the planet on which we live, is highly sensitive. It is being constantly subjected to changes which interact in a complex system. What fundamental processes influence the climate and what role does mankind play in all of this? Answers to these and other questions can only be provided when the "earth system" has been studied and understood. BMBF funding programmes are supporting this research. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/917.php)
   
  
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  topic Research

  Research on Climate Protection and Climate Change

  Greenhouse gases cause an increase of the earth's temperature. As a consequence, extreme weather incidents such as severe storms, floods and draught periods occur with increasing frequence. This is the conclusion of the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the UNO. In 1992, 189 states agreed upon the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This led to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 with the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Today it is realised, that strategies for the adaption to climate change are necessary. BMBF now supports the development of strategies oriented towards practical needs. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/8493.php)
   

  Further links to this topic

  • Climate Research Summit: Federal Research Minister Dr. Annette Schavan invited...
    (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/8186.php)

  
  
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  "Entrepreneurial Regions" The BMBF's innovation initiative for the New Länder

  The ability to create innovations has a considerable influence on a region's economic development and employment situation. There are still considerable deficits in the development of innovations in East Germany as a result of structural weaknesses. Against this background, the BMBF has in recent years systematically developed a series of programmes for the New Länder to improve the framework conditions for innovations.  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/1280.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  New Newsletter of the Bernstein Centers

  Our ear is specialized in understanding language and discriminating it from background noise. Language has a very distinct temporal structure, which is scrutinized in detail by our hearing system. In order to improve automatic speech recognition systems and inner-ear implants scientists at the BCCN investigate how the ear translates sound waves into neuronal signals. Further topics in the current BCCN Newsletter: The role of single neurons in perception, walking robots going mountaineering, the fundamental components of memory, how a sense of orientation emerges and more. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/7594.php)
   
  
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  topic Ministry

  Bernstein Centers for Computational Neuroscience

  The human brain is one of the most complex results of biological evolution. Investigating the function of the human brain is a huge scientific challenge: How does the brain work? Which scientific insights can be used for information technology or cognitive science? Innovations that result from a deeper understanding of the brain in terms of its structure and neuronal dynamics make every effort worthwhile: prostheses reacting on nerve impulses and sensorial stimuli, a treatment for Alzheimer's or some form of artificial intelligence might become reality.  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/3063.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Nanomaterials – small dimensions, huge effects

  Research in the area of nanotechnology deals with the smallest particles which make up all materials. A precise knowledge of their structure provides the possibility to tailor-make products to precisely match the requirements of their use: They protect cars from scratching, sanitary facilities from dirt and people from UV radiation. Furthermore, nanotechnology enables us to launch innovations in many other areas. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/3790.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Nanotechnology – A Future Technology with Visions

  Nanotechnology is increasingly considered to be the future technology. Instead of "ever higher, ever wider" its motto is "ever smaller, ever faster". Nanotechnology provides access to the world of the smallest things. One nanometre is a millionth part of a millimetre. The diameter of a human hair is fifty thousand times bigger. The possible applications of this technology are immense. Future progress in nanotechnology will also determine the further development of future-oriented branches. The Federal Ministry of Research has presented a new overall strategy for this area. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/nanotechnologie.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Production Research: Solutions Made in Germany for Production and Close-to-production Services

  Not to go forward is to go backward, in particular in the area of production. The processing industry as the mainstay of German industry must therefore constantly meet new challenges in order to maintain Germany's top position on the world market. Research on new production technologies and systems creates the conditions for the future of production in Germany and the technical edge in terms of greater individuality of customer service, the conservation of resources and reliability. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/686.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Microsystems Technology

  Microsystems technology plays an increasingly important role for growth and employment in Germany. 680,000 jobs are directly linked to microsystems technology – with an upwards trend. Developments in microsystems technology must be rapidly translated into products and marketed so that German industry can maintain and enhance its leading position in international competition. The BMBF provides at total of about €260 million under its Microsystems framework programme from 2004 to 2009. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/5701.php)
   
  
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  topic Research

  EU Research Framework Programme

  The EU Research Framework Programme (RFP) is the largest funding programme for research projects in the world. The BMBF supports national efforts to ensure excellent research at European level. Various advisory services are offered to German applicants, eg by the Federal Government's National Contact Points for the Research Framework Programme (NCPs).  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/rp7-auftakt.php)
   
  
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  topic Science

  Research at Universities of Applied Sciences

  Together the BMBF supports within the framework of the FH3 programme, application-oriented research of universities of applied sciences in collaboration with industry. A new round of funding has started. Applications can be made until the end of January 2006. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/864.php)