06.03.2026 CZS Network Scientific advisory board meets to discuss the key topic of life science technologie

External scientific expertise plays a central role in the Carl Zeiss Foundation's funding strategy. This week, leading experts in the field of life science technologies came together at the Foundation to discuss current developments and challenges in the field of research.

The talks focused on three topics: Firstly, the focus was on surfaces in the life sciences and the question of what particular challenges arise when technologies come into contact with living systems. In addition, the participants discussed current trends in life science technologies and which new developments could be particularly relevant for the foundation's future funding work. Another focus was on the transfer of knowledge - in other words, how research findings can be translated into practical applications as effectively as possible in order to achieve sustainable social benefits.

"As a foundation, it is extremely important to obtain specialist expertise from outside. This is the only way we can adapt our funding to the rapidly evolving research landscape," explain Program Managers Dr. Phil-Alan Gärtig and Lukas Findeisen. "We value the commitment of our advisory board, the in-depth perspectives and the lively debate, which play a key role in shaping our initiatives."

The Carl Zeiss Foundation is currently funding more than 50 research projects at the interface of engineering and life sciences in the Life Science Technologies focus area.