The DGBM is an interdisciplinary society that brings together materials scientists, engineers, physicists, biologists, chemists, physicians and veterinarians It provides a forum for these scientists to engage in a lively exchange of ideas and joint projects In addition to an exciting exchange of experience and information between users and basic researchers, the annual meetings also provide an opportunity to learn about the current state of research and the latest developments in the field of biomaterials.

In terms of content, our society spans the spectrum from the production, processing and surface modification of biomaterials, through cell biological studies and animal experiments, to clinical applications. Activities focus on the development and improvement of implants that are in contact with bone, cartilage, soft tissue and blood. The aim is for biomaterials to actively emit signals to their biological environment in order to support or mimic processes taking place in the body.

The significant increase in knowledge in the fields of molecular biology and genetics as well as the interface between material and biosystem has considerably expanded the field of activity of our society in the 20 years of its existence, so that today the focus is equally on the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The logo of the society (designed and donated by Viola Lehr, Mainz) represents both the interfacial interactions between biomaterials and biosystems and the close cooperation between the different disciplines, which is essential to achieve the goals in biomaterials research. We therefore continue to recruit active members from universities, colleges, non-university institutes and societies, clinics and companies working in the above fields.

A special concern of ours is the active participation of young scientists, whom we would like to support and motivate by awarding sponsorship prizes and travel grants and to whom we offer a forum at our annual meetings. We would like to invite all interested young scientists to actively participate in the Young Scientists Forum of the DGBM.

As a partner of the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB), international cooperation is also important to us. Following a good tradition, the organisers of the annual meeting therefore invite members of neighbouring sister organisations to participate. Exciting developments both in materials science, such as nanostructured and bioactively functionalized matrices, and in the life sciences, such as mediator and stem cell research, present special interdisciplinary challenges and broad fields of activity that ultimately serve to improve the quality of life of people with diseases.

We would be pleased to welcome you as an active member of the DGBM. Prof. Dr. Anke Bernstein

Topromote biomaterial science in the broadest sense in an effort to serve the research, development, testing, application, and follow-up of biomaterials in the prevention and treatment of disease or illness, and to advance biomaterials in their central importance to all of medicine, veterinary medicine, and biology. To this end serve:

• the holding of conferences
• the publication of the papers and lectures given at such meetings in a suitable organ
• the exchange of ideas and experiences between biomaterial scientists
• the establishment and deepening of relations with the disciplines of medicine, engineering and natural sciences associated with biomaterials science, as well as with domestic and foreign specialists.
• natural sciences as well as to national and international societies, in particular the European Society for Biomaterials
• the promotion of teaching and of young scientists
• representing biomaterials science and advising the public, public-law institutions and the authorities, standards bodies and research funding institutions
• the awarding of scientific work in the field of biomaterials science
• the award of persons who have rendered outstanding services to the development of biomaterials science