Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Demuth
Chairman of the Board
Vice-CEO/CSO Probiodrug AG

Dear Colleagues and Fellow Researchers in the Life Science,

welcome to our community - Cluster Life Sciences Central Germany! On behalf of the Cluster Advisory Board, I would like to cordially invite you to discover one of the most dynamic and innovative regions in the Life Science industry in Europe.

After more than 20 years of continuing investment in high-technology and the scientific infrastructure, our region today comprises more than 200 dedicated biotech companies and more than 100 service providers in Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

Today, Central Germany is on of the most diverse locations for R&D in the Life Sciences with more than 50 scientific institutions. This comprises 4 transfer-oriented Fraunhofer institutes, 9 renowned Max-Planck facilities for basic research as well as 5 universities with more than 110,000 students. Plus, we are located in Germany's heartland and provide a superior quality of life with an unique cultural diversity.

Despite the current macroeconomic issues, we notice many positive developments in and around our companies and research facilities: the number of drug candidates is growing new diagnostic tools are under way , and more employees find a job in the Life Science industry. To support this growth, the infrastructure for research and development is extended continuously, e.g. the Weinberg Campus extension in Halle or the third expansion of renowned BIO CITY at Leipzig.

Today, we are confidently compete with established Life Sciences locations throughout the world and reach out to emerging locations such as India. But nonetheless I also see challenges regarding the further development of the region on the horizon. One mayor concern is the adequate supply of Venture Capital for young and fast-growing companies. Besides, regional networks and cluster initiatives need to better connect key players in Big Pharma and Life Sciences to accomplish swift technology transfers „from bench to business“ more professionally.

These issues are tackled with this new initiative: we actively support supraregional technologiy transfer with professional cluster structures, we work on market-orientated ideas jointly and stringently . To implement this strategy, we need your support! We invite you to form the future of Life Sciences. Get inspired by the range of information provided on this website and feel free to share thoughts and ideas.

Sincerely,
Hans-Ulrich Demuth