Germany's Biotech Big Name By Richard Gallagher and Joachim Pietzsch Where was plant biotechnology invented? Where were the walls between academia and industry, until recently as typically German as bratwurst, first torn down? Where was BioGenTec, the country's first concerted regional effort of politicians, businessmen and scientists to develop biotechnology, set up? The answer to all three questions is North Rhine-Westphalia. Despite the unm

Unchaining a champion Biotechnology in North Rhine-Westphalia already has a colorful history and a number of achievements. But the success story is only just beginning. By Joachim Pietzsch The view from BioCampus on the outskirts of Cologne, Germany. On a clear day the panorama from the BioCampus on the outskirts of Cologne, Germany, is impressive. From the conference room atop its eleven-story main building, the view stretches from the Seven

From Coal to CLIB By Joachim Pietzsch Coal mining has been the linchpin of the Ruhr economy since the mid-19th century. Coal mines, together with iron works and steel mills, was the mainstay of the reconstruction of Western Germany. In 1956, more than half a million miners dug 125 million tons of coal. After this pinnacle, however, the decline began. Cheaper imported coal and oil began to replace domestic products. Between 1957 and 1967, t

Detev Riesner From roots in academic research, Riesner has emerged as an advisor and busines angel with an enormous impact on NRW's biotech scene. By Joachim Pietzsch Conformations of viroids is the title of the poster which still decorates Detlev Riesner's office, although it dates back to 1976 when he presented it at a conference in Hamburg. "Stanley Prusiner was interested, I have a photograph," Detlev Riesner recalls. For the two young

Homeward bound Armed with vast experience, Bernward Garthoff forges bonds between science and business to boost biotech in his home state. By Joachim Pietzsch Bernard Barthoff Intrinsically Bernward Garthoff dislikes buzzwords. But he knows how useful they can be, particularly when it comes to facing the challenges of change. After all, he has a long and successful management career at Bayer, retiring from the Board of BayerCrop

Alfred Oberholz His combination of business acumen, passion for technology and management skills has paid dividends for a large company and laid the foundations for industrial biotechnology in the region. By Joachim Pietzsch "One reason why I'm thrilled by innovation is pure fear," Alfred Oberholz confesses. "The life cycles of chemical products are decreasing faster and faster. Unless we constantly refill our pipeline, big chunks of