Bayer calls for greater appreciation of innovation

LEVERKUSEN, Germany – The "Science for a Better Life" symposium organized by Bayer AG saw 380 scientists from 14 countries come together at the Bayer Kasino in Leverkusen in November. Participants included biologists, chemists, agricultural scientists, medical experts and physicists from some 60 universities and research institutes and 15 Bayer research sites.

The goal of the symposium was to encourage interdisciplinary exchanges. Renowned scientists gave presentations on research trends in medical fields such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer treatments, in agricultural science fields such as breeding methods, and in material science fields such as lightweight construction and light guidance.
In his opening address, Dr Marijn Dekkers, the chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer AG, referred to the research tradition, which dates back 150 years, and noted that Bayer today is a world-class innovation company. He laid down a challenge for all the scientists: "We need to make the importance of innovations and scientific advances clear. People all over the world can benefit from the results of our research. And this should bring us not just acceptance, but also appreciation." 
"Nonetheless there is still a high demand for research in all areas where Bayer is active. Despite medical advances, there are still no adequate forms of treatment for more than half of all known diseases," said Dr Dekkers.

New treatment methods
Advances in cancer therapy are expected in the next few years, thanks in particular to treatment using antibody-drug conjugates and multi-kinase inhibitors. This is the finding from a TNS Emnid survey of medical experts at the "Science for a Better Life" symposium organized by Bayer.

TNS EMNID asked those scientists present with a health care background which cardiovascular diseases they feel are in particular need of new treatment options. Around half of the scientists mentioned improving the treatment of renal insufficiency as a primary goal. Therapy options for lung diseases with secondary high lung pressure and resistant arterial hypertension also need to be expanded, according to 43% of respondents.
The scientists were also questioned about cancer research. In particular, 51% see the greatest opportunities for new treatment methods in antibody drug conjugates, and 49% for multi-kinase inhibitors. Other methods also seem promising to the experts, such as antibodies (46%), active immune therapy (41%) and drugs to tackle cancer stem cells (37%).

Science and food security
A further social challenge is feeding the growing world population. To meet this, 57% of agricultural experts surveyed emphasized the development of new plant traits such as stress tolerance using biotechnological methods, while just under half attached particularly high importance to more effective crop protection agents. Three-quarters of participants surveyed agree that only an intelligent combination of all available methods – including new cultivation methods – can safeguard future food supplies.
The scientists active in the agricultural sector were also asked which plant varieties should be developed so that they adapt more easily to changing climate conditions or can grow in areas that are not suitable for farming today. Close to 70% of responses highlighted wheat. Just under half of participants viewedNew Balance