From contrast to convergence - biological principles shape the technologies of tomorrow -- Biological transformation - a research agenda of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft- Bionics research for medical technology -- Innovative food products -- Technical habitats for human cells -- Phenotyping and genotyping of plants -- Cells as sensors -- Biopolymers - versatile function carriers in interdisciplinary materials research -- Biogenic plastic additives -- Organisms as producers -- Biologized robotics and biomechatronics -- Future AM -- Insect biotechnology -- The resource principle -- Cognitive biological sensors -- Prevention of biofouling -- Urban agriculture -- Digital villages -- Alternatives to growth.

The global population is expected to rise to 9.8 billion by the year 2050 - with everyone ultimately striving for prosperity. New methods must therefore be found to achieve more efficient production. Research to date shows that the biological inventory that has evolved: its products, processes, principles and tools, can spur modern technology. The development of technological innovations based on biological concepts, with the goal of particularly innovative and sustainable value creation, today is collectively known as "biological transformation". It results in highly functional products with striking properties that can be both manufactured and utilized in a resource-saving way. In terms of taking responsibility of the good of all people, biological transformation is therefore a path that applied research will have to take. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has recognized the developmental technology potential of biological transformation and sees it as its task not only to drive the relevant research forward, but also to promote public awareness of the topic. The Editor Prof. Reimund Neugebauer is the 10th president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. He took office on October 1, 2012 and is responsible for the executive board division “Corporate policy and research”.