The Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) organized the International Forum "Bioeconomy - a multidimensional concept in a world of change" on August 22, 2022 at the Bonner Universitätsforum on the occasion of the 80th birthday of Dr. Dr. h.c. Christian Patermann, the "father" of the bioeconomy. With the support of other organizers, including the Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy (MWIKE) of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the event provided a diverse program of high-level greetings, a keynote lecture on "Ethics of Transformation" by the philosopher Prof. Dr. Markus Gabriel, and presentations of international expert. Video messages, panel discussions and music complemented the program. More than 100 participants from business, politics, science and ministries experienced an enriching day with Christian Patermann, which revealed new scientific contexts, multidisciplinary concepts and networking opportunities for a sustainable bioeconomy.
The 80th birthday of the pioneer of the knowledge-based bio-economy (KBBE) in Europe, Dr. Dr. h.c. Christian Patermann, provided an opportunity to look back on the development of the bioeconomy in Europe, in NRW and globally, to consider the current situation and, above all, to look ahead. Not only the outstanding engagement of Christian Patermann and the results achieved, but also necessary tasks and potentials for the future were discussed from different perspectives.
First, necessary ethical frameworks for a successful implementation of the bioeconomy were set. Among others, philosopher Prof. Markus Gabriel of THE NEW INSTITUTE in Hamburg gave some thought-provoking impulse, revealing: "Achieving a successful transformation is not that easy."
International speakers from France, Denmark and Austria shared their opinion that the transfer of innovations into the market requires special attention. Representatives of the European Commission and the International Advisory Council Global Bioeconomy highlighted the relevant role of clusters and strategies for the development of the bioeconomy in Europe and globally. Speakers from the Aachen, Cologne, Jülich region and NRW as a whole concretized this perspective for regional approaches in NRW, for example, for structural change in the Rhenish lignite mining region.
Further personal assessments were shared in the panel discussion by the winner of the Christian Patermann Award 2022, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Sandra Venghaus (RWTH Aachen University, DE), as well as Dr. Andreas N. Kleinschmit von Lengefeld (Homo Silvestris Europae, FR), Dr. Dr. h.c. Christian Patermann (European Commission, ret., DE) and Michael Nettersheim, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund, DE).
In addition to the scientific discussions on the lectures, networking among the more than 100 national and international experts and stakeholders from the various fields was the main focus of the one-day event. During the breaks and at the networking dinner, a lively exchange of ideas and appreciation of the jubilarian Dr. Dr. h.c. Christian Patermann and his services to the bioeconomy took place in a relaxed atmosphere with musical accompaniment.
Photos: Forschungszentrum Jülich