Science-based knowledge is increasingly important to answer the big questions of our times. Scientists provide evidence bases for developing sustainable, effective, and efficient solutions. Researchers become policy advisors and suddenly find themselves in a world of expert committees, conflicts of interest, and political strategies. At the University of Bonn, there are a number of prominent scientists - such as Prof. Hendrik Streeck - who are active as policy advisors. But how exactly does the transfer of knowledge between science and politics work? What opportunities and risks does this cooperation entail? At this year's Postdoc Day 2023, policy advice was the key topic and has been discussed from different perspectives. Now, various events will follow to support young as well as established scientists in sharing their knowledge with policymakers.

Black holes still pose many questions and inspire creativity in science, philosophy and literature. But interest is not only great among experts: More than 100 audience members came to the public discussion "Dialogue on Deck: Black Holes and the Limits of Space and Time," where experts from various disciplines explored the nature of space and time and the limits of our knowledge. The event took place on the exhibition ship MS Wissenschaft as part of the Science Year 2023 "Our Universe" and was organized by a transdisciplinary team from the University of Bonn.

Scientifically sound knowledge is of increasing importance in answering the big questions of our time. But how does the transfer of knowledge between science and politics work? At the Postdoc Day of the University of Bonn with the title "Creating Impact! Contributions, Challenges and Limits of Science in Policy Advice" central questions around the interaction of science and policy were discussed, for which there are many prominent examples at the University of Bonn. It took place on June 21 at the Universitätsclub Bonn.

Is there a healthy alternative to sugar? How can I measure changes to my mental acuity? And how can cancer prevention be made more reliable? These questions are at the heart of three innovative validation projects— “Sweeternative,” “Trackognize,” and “HPV & Cervix all-in-one Test”— that are receiving funding from the prototyping grant’s application round #2 of the Transfer Center enaCom. The teams from the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) are each receiving a prototyping grant to develop their innovative research findings to market readiness. Calls for the grants with up to 50,000 euros in funding are regularly posted by the Transfer Center.

3D printing of blood vessels, fine diagnostic procedures for asthma, improved measurement of blood flow or the digital future of sports medicine - the Transfer Center enaCom is funding these innovative validation projects with prototyping grants this year. The four teams of scientists from the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn are using the grants to develop and validate their innovative research results for planned commercialization. The grants, which were awarded for the first time this year, will again be announced by the Transfer Center for 2023. Applications for funding of up to €50,000 can be submitted until October 15, 2022.

Code Intelligence, which grew out of a startup at the University of Bonn, is receiving $12 million in funding led by Tola Capital. Code Intelligence helps developers by providing a platform to find and fix security vulnerabilities before the product is finished. 

Up to € 50,000 funds are available for young scientists at the University of Bonn for product validations from their research. For the first time the Transfer Center enaCom is offering prototyping grants which support innovative research results to be further developed for commercialisation. Application deadline is May 19, 2022 for the current year. Applications for 2023 can be submitted starting August 15, 2022 until October 15, 2022.

Our University is buzzing with ideas. Let’s demonstrate, how our knowledge contributes to change within the region and across the globe. Do you have a big or small idea within you? Do you want to find solutions to relevant problems? Now is the time to "do" and take part in the Ideas Competition organized by the Transfer Center enaCom at the University of Bonn. Because we not only give you applause and individual advice for your idea, but also up to 1,000 euros.