For the first time an emerging scientific field is going to present itself to the participants of an international congress in Hannover from 7 to 9 November, 2008: the Bone Tissue Engineering. The regeneration of natural bone tissue poses a big challenge to the scientific community. A further development in this field opens new areas of medical care raising hopes for patients.

As patron of the International Bone-Tissue-Engineering Congress 2008 I am particularly glad that this event is going to take place in Niedersachsen. Niedersachsen is one of the European centres for research and development. Especially the Region of Hannover, in collaboration with Braunschweig, one of the research-intensive regions of Europe, has emerged as a nucleus for research and development in the field of life sciences.

In close collaboration of colleges and universities, non-university research institutions and private institutes as well, a broad expertise in numerous aspects of life science research exists. Cooperation beyond institutional borders is the basis for a successful interdisciplinary and efficient collaboration.

Niedersachsen supports the close, discipline comprehensive networking across its entire range. Tissue Engineering research is already done and advanced at various places. Therefore the congress topic perfectly fits into the various research community of Niedersachsen.

I wish all participants interesting meetings and effective discussions and a successful course of the International Bone Tissue Engineering Congress 2008.

Hannover , June 2008

Christian Wulff
Prime Minister of Niedersachsen