The Grand Challenges range from climate change to ageing societyto efficient use of energy resources – issues of great complexity which require the full commitment of research and innovation across Europe. North Rhine-Westphalia is investing considerable effort, aimed in particular at strengthening international links and utilising the instruments provided by the European Research and Innovation Area.Grand Challenges: Answers from North Rhine-WestphaliaWithin this conference series, which is directed at European decisionmakers, North Rhine-Westphalia presents its proposals for addressing these key issues. There is an excellent opportunity for dialogue amongst Europe’s political leaders, innovative entrepreneurs and researchers.Bioeconomy uses biotechnology as a versatile tool to develop new procedures and products. Thus improving industrial sustainability, optimizing agricultural practices and supporting a new generation of medical treatment. New material cycles, rethinking industrial processes, cascades and coupled utilization create a growing bio-based economy.The Programme:Rainer SteffensDirector of the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the European UnionSvenja SchulzeMinister for Innovation, Science and Research of the State of North Rhine-WestphaliaEuropean Bioeconomy: Challenges, Innovations and StrategiesDr Rudolf W. Strohmeier, Deputy Director-General ResearchProgrammes, European Commission, DG Research and InnovationPioneering the „Integrated Bioeconomy“: The BioSC ParadigmProf Dr Ulrich Schwaneberg, RWTH Aachen University, Head of theInstitute of Biotechnology, Member of the Board of Scientific Directors at the DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsImplementing Bioeconomy for Future Sustainable IndustriesDr Manfred Kircher, Chairman of the advisory board CLIB2021(Cluster Industrial Biotechnology), DüsseldorfThe Diabetes Epidemic: Impact of Health Innovations for Patients and SocietiesProf Dr Freimut Schliess, Director Science & Innovation, Profil Institute for Metabolic Research, NeussModeration:Dr Bernward Garthoff, Representative for Biotechnology of theState of North Rhine-Westphalia (BIO.NRW)We will welcome you at 11:45 am. The programme will start at 12:00 pm. After the programme, the will be a get-together and a buffet at 1:15 pm.Please send us your registration via mail or e-mail until 1st April 2016.