Eleven Centres Of Excellence Starting Their Final Funding Phase
The ability to select specific molecules or even selectively to recognise specific regions of a biologically active compound such as a protein is prerequisite for highly sensitive modern biochemical analysis. The centre of excellence dealing with "Biomolecular recognition systems for biochemical analysis" which was established at Potsdam University in 1995 studies how molecules "recognise" each other and how they interact; the results will serve as a basis for the development of biosensors and molecular storage systems or switches. To optimise molecular recognition scientists use coupled enzymatic systems and antibodies or build up layers of synthetic polymers and natural biopolymers. Such novel biomolecular recognition systems play a role not only in environmental analysis and the food sciences, but also in biomedicine. Biochemical analysis is of great economic relevance, and this is why scientists from small and medium-sized enterprises temporarily co-operate in individual projects with a view to evolving and implementing results in their companies. The centre of excellence thus contributes specifically to the technology transfer from university to regional companies.
This is one of eleven centres of excellence which were set up in 1995; the
Grants Committee of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has now decided to
extend their term by another two years. The funds granted to all centres during
the extension period will total more than DM 30 million. In 1994, the Centres of
Excellence programme was developed specifically for the new federal states; it
is financed with special funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Education,
Science, Research and Technology. The underlying idea is to support groups of
scientists who have developed innovative research ideas, and thus improve the
structures and performance of higher education institutions in the new states.
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Contact: Dr. Pia Teufel
teufel@pr.dfg.d400.de
49-228-885-2376
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
9-Nov-1998