DFG releases statement on perspectives of genome research
The presidency of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has now passed a statement Perspectives of Genome Research, thus taking the initiative in favour of a united effort of science and state in the interest of genome research in Germany. The publication demonstrates the inherent scientific and economical potential of genome research. It also points out how this has created a broad basis for promoting and utilising gene technologies in other countries and the sort of measures that must be taken in Germany to stand ground against international competition.
Genome research is synonymous with efforts to decipher information about genetic traits of all living organisms, which are stored in their genomes, and to understand how this information controls life processes. Genome technology does not only provide a novel basis for biology but also will create novel technologies which will revolutionise entire sectors of the economy. These will include lines of business such as drug and food industry but also environmental technology. Medicine in particular is thought to profit from these advances; it will be possible to clarify and diagnose molecular causes of diseases much faster and to develop novel target-oriented therapeutical concepts, drugs, and vaccines.
These developments will introduce a shift in the competitiveness of companies and industrial nations with profits being made by means of novel products only in those countries that will be able to master these technologies and to provide a home for appropriate companies. The innovative potential of genetic engineering will also create a novel category of work environment.
The US have realised the potentials and, through public and private funding, are investing currently approximately 1 billion dollars in genome research . Even at this stage novel drugs and goods developed and produced in the US with a market value of 2 billion German marks are being imported into Germany. By having embarked on genome research quite early the UK and France have been able to secure a good starting position for themselves; the French government plans to invest an additional amount of 330 million dollars in genome research within the next three years. Following an initial period of scepticism about genetic engineering the promising perspectives and great potential has been recognised now in Germany and positive responses are experienced in the country in view of the clearly recognisable benefits with respect to diagnosis and therapy. The Bio-Regio initiative promoting the founding of new enterprises has provided an initial impetus and has led to the establishment of new companies, especially of small and middle-sized enterprises, in the core of biotechnology. According to the DFG statement Germany needs a national genome initiative in order to take advantage of the upswing that has now begun and to hold against international competition.
Within the framework of an initiative to promote genome research that is supported by the public at large the DFG recommends that current project-oriented funds be supplemented by an additional amount of one billion German marks within the next five. Apart from the DFG and the BMBF other research institutions are also being asked to set priorities for genome research within the framework of their funds. In order to permit interdisciplinary co-operation it will be necessary to create infrastructures conducive of clearing hurdles of individual special fields, to integrate university and extramural research and to create bridges to industry. In addition a national committee should be responsible for co-ordinating genome projects. It is suggested that genome projects be accompanied by interdisciplinary research focusing on ethical, legal, and social questions allowing society to weigh up risks and potentials. The DFG desires an intensive dialogue about aims and potentials of this research discipline.
The statement Perspectives of Genome Research (12 pages) can be obtained by the Press office of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Kennedyallee 40, 53175 Bonn, Tel.: 49-228-885-2110, Fax: 49-228-885-2180.