Annual Report 2025 - Report - Page 13
Greetings From Berlin
The Power of Research
Dorothee Bär, German Federal Minister of Research,
Technology and Space
Welcomed by Jürgen Kluge, Chairman of the Foundation Board,
at the Foundation Dinner
I know that many of you, dear guests, cannot carry on with your research without any
worries. As we have just heard, some invited
guests even cancelled their trip, and I therefore hope all
the more that all those who are here, can gather new
strength, make new contacts, have inspiring conversations in the spirit of freedom and action in research, and
indeed, everywhere.
If anyone is predestined to send this message to the
world, it is you. Dear Laureates, dear Young Scientists, I
am – and I think we are all – counting on you. Where would
we be today without the work of Sir M. Stanley Whittingham, John B. Goodenough, and Akira Yoshino? Batteries
are a key technology for major sectors, and above all, for
electric vehicles. The need for research funding is correspondingly extensive, ranging from the extraction of raw
materials to scaling up to the full spectrum of application.
Which brings me back to circular value creation. Another
example is artificial intelligence, including in chemistry.
Without AI, complex protein structures would still be a
mystery. So, I am delighted that we have the winner of the
2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry here with us today, Doctor
John Jumper.
The circular economy, batteries, and AI, are just three
of many topics where we are doing everything we can
to currently provide support in Germany. In doing so we
are affording research the important position it deserves:
fundamental for innovations, fundamental for industry
and the economy, and fundamental for our quality of
lives. Our high-tech agenda will also be launched shortly
and will cover the research fields I have just mentioned,
as well as quantum technologies and fusion research. AlI
essential topics for a top technology country. We are delighted about everyone who wants to carry out research
with us and in our country, about everyone who shares
our understanding of the freedom of science. You should
also know you are always warmly welcome here in Germany. We want to offer the best conditions to all visiting
scientists, an attractive work environment, transparent
structures, and competitive career prospects. But first of
all, I wish you all a few enjoyable inspiration-packed days
here in Lindau.
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