“Keeping Europe Up to Date – a Fit-for-Purpose Regulatory Environment for New Genomic Techniques (2023)”, Gemeinsame Stellungnahme der Nationalen Akademie der Wissenschaften Leopoldina und der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (2023)
The German Research Foundation (DFG, German Research Foundation) and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina welcome the proposal of the European Commission for a regulation on plants obtained with new genomic techniques (NGT), published on 5 July 2023. The proposed regulation will facilitate innovative plant research and help to realize the great potential these new breeding techniques offer for a more sustainable and more productive agriculture in Europe. Direkt zum PDF

“Towards a scientifically justified, differentiated regulation of genome edited plants in the EU”, Joint Statement by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and the Humanities German Research Foundation (2019)
In July 2018, the European Court of Justice ruled that the legal regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) apply to all organisms which have been altered using genome editing methods such as CRISPR-Cas. This makes it difficult to study, develop and cultivate improved crops which are urgently needed for productive, climate-adapted and more sustainable agriculture. The National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, and the German Research Foundation (DFG) released a public statement on how European genetic engineering legislation can be amended as a short-term solution and completely renewed in the long term. Directly to the PDF

“Opportunities for future research and innovation on food and nutrition security and agriculture - The InterAcademy Partnership’s global perspective”, IAP-Report (2018)
All countries face the problem of combatting malnutrition in its various forms: undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies as well as overweight and obesity. The scale and nature of these problems of course differ across countries and their populations. Latest data from the United Nations indicate worrying trends in global food and nutrition security that must be tackled. Science has the potential to find sustainable solutions for national and global food systems relating to the complex interplay of issues spanning health, nutrition, agriculture, climate change, ecology and human behaviour. With this report, global academies of sciences are expressing their concern about adverse tendencies in food, nutrition and agriculture, and identify science-based initiatives that could contribute to solutions. Directly to the PDF

“Genome editing: scientific opportunities, public interests and policy options in the European Union”, Stellungnahme des European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC) (2017)
Genome editing refers to the intentional modification of a targeted DNA sequence in a cell which, by greatly improving our understanding of biological functions, is beginning to revolutionise research. This powerful new tool has significant potential for application in a wide range of sectors in pursuit of various societal priorities in human and animal health, food and agriculture, the modification of populations in the wild (in particular insect disease vectors) and microbial biotechnology and the bioeconomy. However, alongside the prospective benefits of the technology, safety, ethical and other issues have been raised that need to be explored, and regulatory questions posed that need to be addressed. Directly to the PDF

“The opportunities and limits of genome editing”, Joint Statement by the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, acatech – the National Academy of Science and Engineering, the Union of German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, and the German Research Foundation (2015)
Modern molecular techniques often referred to as “genome editing” or “genome surgery” are currently revolutionising molecular biology research. Technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 allow for surprisingly simple, controlled gene modifications that are more efficient than the previously available methods. This opens up new scope for molecular biological basic research, particularly into organisms that were not previously accessible for molecular genetic purposes, and for elucidating poorly understood gene functions. The statement stresses the great scientific potential of genome editing and its limits. Directly to the PDF

Statement on Molecular Breeding (2015)
Academies issue statement on progress in molecular breeding and on the possible national ban on cultivation of genetically modified plants.
Directly to the PDF

“Life sciences in transition”, Challenges of omics technologies for Germany’s infrastructures in research and teaching (2015)
Report on Tomorrow's Science: Challenges of omics technologies for Germany’s infrastructures in research and teaching. Directly to the PDF

Statement “Synthetic Biology” (2009)
On the bases of the disciplines biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biotechnology, information technology and the engineering sciences presently emerges a new field of research known as synthetic biology. It has recently become a focus of attention, nationally as well as internationally. Directly to the PDF (in German)