Leading genome researchers and distinguished international guests came together recently in Heidelberg for the 5th annual meeting of the Program of Medical Genome Research. During the three-day meeting they presented their latest research results and discussed the future of genome research in Germany. Also present was Dr Hubert Müller from Ascenion, who is Head of the Competence Center Technology Transfer (KTT) that provides the Program with support and advice regarding technology transfer.
Prior to the meeting, the KTT thoroughly checked all 183 abstracts for possible patent-relevant content and adapted some to ensure that any subsequent patent application would not be compromised. ‘Overall, several patents and licenses have emerged from the Program,’ said Dr Müller. ‘However it would be wrong to take this as a measure of the practical significance of these research results.
It became clear at the meeting that genome research and the translation of results into clinical applications have benefitted enormously from the Program. Results from NGFN-funded research are already having an effect in medicine and have become part of everyday clinical practice in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of a number of illnesses.’ One example is the routine detection of genomic and genetic fingerprints in cardiology that enables targeted treatment of various indications.
In parallel sessions participants could discuss their latest results and possibilities for continuing their research cooperations, for example as part of the BMBF’s new funding concept ‘e:Med’ which, following the termination of NGFN funding mid-2013, aims to promote a systems-oriented approach to research.
You can find further information here:
<link http: www.ngfn-meeting.de external-link-new-window>The 5th NGFN Meeting
<link http: www.bmbf.de pub foerderkonzept_emed.pdf external-link-new-window>The funding concept e:Med (available only in German)
