Biotechnology

Strengthening the biotechnology hub: science, technology, business, excellence and future potential.

For the Academy of Sciences and Literature | Mainz, biotechnology is a practical, forward-looking field that it supports, particularly as part of its efforts to establish itself as a sustainable hub for biotechnology.

It promotes a thoughtful approach to science communication in biotechnology through the WissKomm Academy and fosters dialogue between politics, research and industry. This includes regular meetings of the State Advisory Board for Biotechnology held on its premises. The Academy also sets the tone through its awards: in 2021, the Rhineland-Palatinate State Academy Prize was awarded to Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin (BioNTech).

The biotechnology hub is characterised by a strong combination of scientific excellence and technological innovation. Technological focal points such as industrial biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals and process engineering are supported by excellently equipped laboratories as well as specialised technology and transfer centres. The close interaction between science and industry enables efficient knowledge transfer and accelerates the translation of new findings into marketable applications. In this way, a forward-looking biotechnology hub is established, where research and development are closely interlinked.

Our contribution

Strengthening science communication

Through its WissKomm Academy, the Academy supports the biotechnology sector in the field of science communication. It offers targeted skills training for researchers in the field of biotechnology and promotes a reflective approach to communication within technological innovation processes. Events focusing on trust, transparency and social responsibility underscore the vital importance of high-quality science communication.

A platform for dialogue and consultation

As a forum for exchange, the Academy brings together politics, research and industry to drive forward the further development of Rhineland-Palatinate as a biotechnology hub. On the basis of a cooperation agreement, the State Advisory Board for Biotechnology meets regularly at the Academy’s premises.

This high-calibre committee brings together representatives from politics, industry and science and advises the state government on an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral basis. The aim is to strategically develop the state’s biotechnology initiative, address regional potential across the entire state and provide expert support for the biotechnology study commissioned by the state government, including the Rhineland-Palatinate Roadmap.

Inspiration from awards

Furthermore, the Academy sets specific priorities through its award schemes. In 2021, the Rhineland-Palatinate Academy Prize for innovative and forward-looking research was awarded for the first time. The award was presented to Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin (BioNTech), whose scientific achievements set international standards. Both laureates are now full members of the Mainz Academy of Sciences and Literature.