From Basic Science to Global Markets

The Glycan Forum Berlin was created initially as an annual meeting in 2003 to promote communication and cooperation between scientists from renowned research institutions in the field of Glyco-Science. The field has seen tremendous progress in basic research and its applications over the years, mainly in the area of health.  Due to increased interest and funding worldwide we are now seeing more sophisticated methods, tools and interdisciplinary collabortaion at work.

What began as a support program for highly specialized research teams has now achieved global recognition. Our focus has grown from basic research to include related scientific disciplines, like Material Science, Bioinformatics and, ultimately all other life sciences.

These exciting developments promted us to include additional stakeholders from industry, regulatory authorities, entrepreneurs, media and politics. All aspects of the innovation process will be addressed.

The core message of the Glycan Forum Berlin „From Basic Science to Global Markets“ describes only part of a very long journey that began in scientific laboratories. Tackling emerging economic opportunities is only one small step of many towards a healthier planet.

The Glycan Forum Berlin is the preeminent European event for the presentation of Glycomics-associated breakthroughs and innovations in the fields of Health, Environment, Agriculture and Smart Materials. Creating an inspiring meeting place is our contribution to achieve collaboration for further progress. Applying our combined expertise has the potential to improve living conditions of people all over the world.

This community building effort ultimately aimed at creating a glycan based economy is shepherded by the team at the Max-Planck-Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany.