Science and research as drivers of structural change: Federal Minister for Research visits the BTU

Together with Minister-President Dr Dietmar Woidke and Minister for Science Dr Manja Schüle, Bär visited the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) to learn about several research projects and the newly emerging Lausitz Science Park (LSP).

Woidke gave Bär a warm welcome and emphasised: “With around six billion euros, we are investing a good half of the structural support funds for the Brandenburg Lusatia region in science and research. With this focus, we are driving innovation and employment. A great deal has already been set in motion in the Lusatia region in recent years. Everywhere, the transformation into a region with future-proof jobs is becoming a reality. With the Lausitz Science Park currently under development, we aim to build international appeal and facilitate knowledge transfer to the region. The newly founded Medical University of Lausitz – Carl Thiem, with its Digital Flagship Hospital, stands for forward-looking healthcare provision in rural areas.”

Bär said: "Lusatia has supplied energy to Germany for generations. Now the next chapter is being opened here. An increasingly strong research, technology and industrial region is emerging, where climate-neutral energy, modern infrastructure and scientific excellence come together. Our aim is clear: what is researched here should also be applied, tested and translated into new value creation here. This is how structural change becomes a reality – with good prospects for young people, strong companies and a region that plays a central role in Germany’s technological future. This also contributes to the German government’s High-Tech Agenda: together, we want to make our country a leading technology nation.”

Schüle added: “Lusatia is a booming region: we’ve known that for a long time – now we have it in black and white in the latest regional ranking by the German Economic Institute. Cottbus ranks at the top of the most progressive regions nationwide; here, you can watch the future take shape: students at the BTU are tinkering with new technologies, researchers at the MUL are developing modern medical solutions, and scientists from Fraunhofer, Leibniz and Helmholtz are working on answers to the problems of tomorrow. This shows that the decision to make science and research the cornerstones of structural change in Lusatia was the right one. At a time when many are talking about crisis, Lusatia is proving that a new beginning is possible. You just have to want it – and invest wisely."

Prof. Dr Gesine Grande, President of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, said: “At BTU, we combine internationally recognised cutting-edge research with the ambition to actively shape structural change in Lusatia. Building on strong basic research, we work with our partners to develop solutions for the major challenges of the future – from climate-neutral energy and sustainable industry to health and digitalisation. The fact that Federal Research Minister Bär is here in Cottbus to learn about our projects and the Lausitz Science Park sends an important signal about the scientific strength of the Lausitz region. With an eye on Germany’s High-Tech Agenda, we see great potential to further expand our expertise and bring together innovation, technology transfer and international talent in the Lausitz.”

Bär, Woidke and Schüle visited the BTU to learn about the research projects iCampµs, HERES, SpreeTec neXt and EIZ, which focus on climate-neutral industry, energy systems and digital infrastructure, among other things, as well as the MUL – CT. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space is funding a total of 21 structural strengthening projects in the Lusatia region of Brandenburg, with a total funding volume of more than €1.8 billion. The MUL – CT, with a funding volume of €1.2 billion up to 2038, is the flagship project. All other initiatives funded by the BMFTR will be integrated into the Lausitz Science Park. 

The Chairman of the Board of MUL – CT, Prof. Dr. mult. Eckhard Nagel, said: “One of the key partners in the realisation of the Medical University of Lusatia – Carl Thiem is the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. We are very grateful to our colleagues at the Federal Ministry for their targeted support in establishing a university that is unique in Germany in this way. We are all the more honoured and delighted by the visit of Federal Minister Doro Bär, who, with her high level of expertise and great political commitment, works to promote innovation and the transfer of science into society. The close cooperation, particularly with institutions such as the University of Bayreuth and Würzburg University Hospital, is set to play an important role at a future joint meeting.”   

Another topic of discussion between Bär, Woidke and Schüle was how Brandenburg can benefit from and contribute to the implementation of the High-Tech Agenda for Germany, which the Federal Government adopted last year. The High-Tech Agenda, for which the Federal Ministry of Research is the lead department within the Federal Government, defines six priority key technologies. Brandenburg has proposed projects for this.