If you want to wish someone all the very best, what do you wish them on occasions such as birthdays or New Year? “ – And above all, health!” Health is the greatest asset for each individual and for society. This is true in all countries and cultures. We cannot do too much for our health.
Many people feel that our society needs a thorough regeneration. However, a purely economic view of reform, without convincing content or defined structures for the future, cannot be sustained. There is a general consensus that in all areas, our future will be increasingly, ever faster, determined by science. This evolution into a new society of science has to be humane and positively experienced by individuals.
Like no other area, the scientific field of health can be a positive influence in this societal evolution and give it new orientations. Few areas of research are so comprehensive and up-to-date, and are experienced personally in a meaningful way by every individual. Life sciences comprise of the entire complex of research into health and human illness in a natural scientific, psychosomatic and holistic way. In an exemplary fashion, life sciences are interdisciplinary, spread across institutions and concern each individual personally as questions of health and illness are existential by nature. Everyone can personally experience what scientific progress means for his/her quality of life and for society’s efficiency. Our image of human beings will be substantially influenced by this research. More so than any other area of research, this makes life sciences a key theme for a humane scientific society.
A multitude of scientific disciplines ranging from clinical medicine and fundamental research, physiology, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, medical technology in addition to physics, nanotechnology, microsystem technology, information technology and including preventative medicine, health care research and economy, as well as bioethics, philosophy and theology are either partially or wholly active in this field of research. The applications of research results for people from the GP’s surgery to their economic use are an integral component. The health economy provides more jobs than the automobile construction, engineering or construction industries, and it is more secure in times of crisis.
Berlin science wants to play a significant part in this evolution. Berlin has a great tradition in the field of medicine and its Charite clinic is among the most famous. The Berlin state parliament has rightly decided in favour of Berlin’s evolution into a city of health. This means that the health sector has a high priority in Senate decisions. A representative of the Senate coordinates the regional, national and international activities of the “Health Capital”. The city concentrates on promising priorities for the future such as prevention, the support of new research areas, regenerative medicine and clinical system biology as well as the creation of new jobs by establishing biotechnology firms. This is how health will become a defining aspect of Berlin’s guiding principles.
Prof. Dr. Detlev Ganten
