Nano2Life – a European Network of Excellence – is meeting in Saarland

Saarbruecken, Germany, Mar 19th, 2007. Today Dr. Hanspeter Georgi, Secretary of State for Economics and Employment, welcomed 170 renowned researchers from the field of nanobiotechnology at the castle of Saarbruecken. Nano2Life , the first European Network of Excellence and simultaneously the largest network of nanobiotechnologists celebrates its 3rd anniversary. Nano2Life’s goals are to merge expert knowledge in this groundbreaking technology and to position the European industry as a strong global player, particularly when facing the competition from the US and Asia. The organiser of this international event is NanoBioNet, network for the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate region.

This is the first time that so many scientists in nanotechnology are in the Saarland. "It is of immense significance for our network that Saarbruecken was selected as a location for this event,” commented Martin Monzel, managing director of NanoBioNet. "The presence of 170 renowned scientists clearly demonstrates the importance of our region being the prime location of research institutes with international reputation and of pioneers in industry. This fact is highly appreciated throughout Europe." So far this new technology has already created about 1000 jobs in Saarland.

During the next three days the researchers will work in teams to develop strategies and find innovative solutions for contemporary problems for example in the battle against diseases. The treatment of cancer could utilise nano particles as a carrier to transport medications directly to the diseased cells, thus not affecting the healthy tissue. Another focus will be on environmental issues which covers the control of infectious substances and pollutants in water, soil, atmosphere, or food.

Nano2Life unites more than 200 active researchers from 12 European countries and 23 institutions. The 6th European Framework Programme is funding the project with a total of 8.8 million Euros for a period of four years. The project focuses on reducing the fragmentation in European nanobiotechnology. By interfacing the world of life science and nanotechnology, Nano2Life seeks to translate nanobiotech into economic benefit. Innovative projects for job training and continuing education are also in the centre of attention of the network. All of this is accomplished in close collaboration with industrial partners, i.e. Quiagen and Biomérieux to name just two of them.