Welcoming Address

            The European Student Conference at the Charité represents a thirst for knowledge and an open-minded approach to the world. I am delighted to see that, despite your demanding, intensive and time-consuming studies you still find time to commit yourselves to research and science. This commitment is what will constitute the foundation of tomorrow's successful health care system.

            The Charité is a university clinic steeped in tradition and the workshop of many a renowned physician. Following in the footsteps of this tradition, you are currently discussing the latest findings of medical research – this year's theme being 'the head'. To a considerable extent, we owe the many advances in this area to new findings in biomedicine. This dynamic field of knowledge is a reflection of the growing international networking that is taking place in medicine. This applies to basic research, clinical research and increasingly, also, to the licensing of medicinal products. To give one example, the marketing authorisation procedure for innovative medicinal products is regulated by a single European directive.

            All in all, the topic you have chosen for this year's conference requires both a sensitive and responsible as well as an open-minded approach towards new developments in medicine. However, more than anything else, what is needed is vibrant international exchange among all parties involved. Berlin, as a city of science provides an excellent venue for this purpose.

            As the patron of this event, I wish you a very exciting and insightful time here in Berlin.

Ulla Schmidt