topic Research

Biological Safety Research

Genetically modified maize is not only cultivated and monitored under laboratory conditions. It must also be studied how genetically modified plants behave under outdoor conditions. Increasing our knowledge of the behaviour of genetically modified plants and monitoring the impact of their applications are a must for the responsible utilization of the new technology.

Developments in biological and genetic engineering, in particular the new applications in agriculture and the food industry, have for many years been discussed controversially by the general public. Again and again, questions are being raised concerning the impact on both humans and the environment. These questions must be clarified. The Federal Government has therefore supported the development of genetic engineering since the late 1980s with special programmes, under which research projects on questions of biological safety are being funded.

Increasing our knowledge of the behaviour of genetically modified plants under outdoor conditions and monitoring the impact of their applications are essential requirements for responsible, forward-looking utilization of the new technology based on the precautionary principle. This requires careful, frequently also interdisciplinary scientific research.

Many illuminating findings are meanwhile available. Current developments in the field of green genetic engineering - also at the legal level -, however, underline the necessity of carrying out supporting biological safety research.
Against this background, the BMBF launched another call for proposals in the field of biological safety research in December 2003, entitled Biological Safety of Genetically Modified Plants.

This call addresses in particular topics where there continues to be a major need for research. Such research must take into consideration the objections and fears which are voiced in the public debate about green genetic engineering and underpinned with scientific arguments. The professional framework created under this funding priority for communicating research projects and research results is being continued. As a result the new knowledge gained is being made available to the interested public and cooperation between users and authorities is being improved.

The BMBF is thus continuing its long-standing support for research activities in this field. In 1987, the BMBF published the first concept on biological safety research, thereby initiating projects on safety assessment with regard to genetically modified organisms. More than 70 projects on the assessment of the safety of genetically modified plants and nodule bacteria were funded up to 2001.

In spring 2001, further projects were included in the funding and combined in the form of 7 collaborative projects and 2 contracts. The impact of the release of genetically modified plants in Germany are being studied within the framework of the ongoing projects. The research includes crops such as rape-seed, potatoes, maize and selected woody plants. The purpose of the project is to study hypotheses on the connections between genetic modification and environmental impact. Support is furthermore being provided for the development of methods for monitoring accompanying cultivation and for communication management in biological safety research.