Welcome to the initiative "BIOTechnikum. Investigate life – design the future"

Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister of Education and Research

It is hard to imagine our everyday lives without biotechnology – whether it is used in new medical treatment and diagnostic procedures or in everyday products such as toothpaste, shampoo, or washing powder. Biotechnology enables technological progress, a higher quality of life and sustainable production methods. The bio-based economy is therefore also a central element of the future.

Biotechnology is present in both the laboratories of the scientists who develop new techniques and the companies that are already transforming these ideas into tangible products and services. Industry in particular is promoting sustainable methods in order to use biological resources and manufacture industrial products in an environmentally friendly manner. In recent years, Germany has established a leading position in bio-based economics, which we want to further expand in the future. The Federal Government is supporting this goal with its “Health Research” framework programme and the implementation of the national research strategy “BioEconomy 2030”.

The initiative “BIOTechnikum. Investigate life – design the future” of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research presents a clear view of the current status of biotechnology. The exhibition vehicle, which has been on the road around Germany since 2008, provides insights and enables an exchange with experts. Visitors to the BIOTechnikum can experience biotechnology hands-on; schoolchildren can become researchers for a couple of hours. What is more, they are able to gain an overview of the manifold career and training opportunities in biotechnology.

I would like to cordially invite you to take a tour of the BIOTechnikum mobile experience world. Discover the diversity of a fascinating field of research, talk to the experts and get an idea of the world of biotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka
Federal Minister of Education and Research