Research

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  topic Ministry

  Creativity and Innovation - European Year 2009

  Creativity and innovation are important factors when drawing on the opportunities presented by globalization. Both are closely linked. After all, a society's innovative ability depends entirely on the creativity of its people. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/13289.php)
   
  
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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)
   

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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Bernstein Newsletter

  How do we make decisions? What happens in the brain when we weigh different options? How are decisions influenced by our social environment? These are some of the questions that are addressed by Jan Gläscher, winner of this year's Bernstein Award. He is portrayed in the Bernstein Newsletter. The Newsletter also reports about current research on how the brain learns and stores events, how it recognizes images and how far-reaching neuronal connections influence brain development. In addition, graduate programs and a driver assistance system are presented. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/7594.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  National Network Computational Neuroscience

  How does the brain work? This question still constitutes a major scientific challenge. A better understanding of the brain will allow major innovations for medicine, education and new technologies. The 'National Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience' aims at exploiting this potential. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/3063.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 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

  The BMBF is providing funding for applied research in the engineering, natural and economic sciences at universities of applied sciences under its "Research at Universities of Applied Sciences" programme. Since the beginning of 2009, the pilot call entitled "Social Innovation for Quality of Life in Old Age (SILQUA-FH)" has also been providing funding for research projects at universities of applied sciences which offer study programmes in Social Work and the Care and Health Sciences aimed at improving the quality of life and protecting the independence and dignity of elderly people, particularly people suffering from old age ailments. more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/864.php)