Prof. Christine Lang Foundation Biobased Future
Modern sustainable building materials made from fungi, enzymes derived from microorganisms for use in detergents, medicines or fuels, medical products made from microbial spider silk, natural rubber for car tyres derived from plants such as dandelions, textiles with fibres made from polylactic acid – bio-based products, as well as biotechnological research and development of products and processes, offer a wide range of opportunities for a sustainable future and economic growth. In research and in some industrial sectors, they have long since become part of everyday life or are at least playing an increasingly important role.
However, we need far greater commitment to a new system grounded in natural principles and possibilities. Climate change, the biodiversity crisis and food security are global, long-term challenges. Our shared future depends on how we manage their progression and their impact on human and planetary health. These challenges therefore require active and timely responses from industry and the scientific community – with the support of policymakers.
Research and development for a bio-based economy
The Prof. Christine Lang Foundation Biobased Future aims to promote young and innovative ideas and support new ways of thinking for advanced processes and products, often drawing on insights from the fields of microbiology, genetics and biotechnology. Researchers from all disciplines – pharmacy and chemistry, the food and feed industry, mechanical engineering, medical technology and many more – are to be supported in their work: through scientific support, financial backing and professional exchange, as well as personal contacts and networks.
The focus is on interdisciplinary research and communication. Within the scope of a privately established and managed foundation, a range of funding opportunities and programmes are available. These include:
- printing and publishing subsidies
- travel stipends for research
- stipends for presenting at conferences
- support in establishing contacts with industry, research organisations orassociations
- scholarships for students (including the „Deutschland Stipendium“ (Germany Scholarship))
Other funding opportunities are available. Our aim is to support new ideas that may establish viable concepts, products and services, thereby ensuring that our society, economy and environment are fit for the future. Ways forward are to be identified that help us – preferably through new bio-based strategies – to shape our future sustainably in harmony with nature. The Foundation Biobased Future was established for this purpose. It is a facilitator and mediator between science and industry (bioeconomy) and offers funding opportunities, particularly for individual researchers and early-career scientists, to open doors for new ideas and establish contacts.