Experimental release of GMP and GM microorganisms

The responsibilities of the institute SB include risk assessment and monitoring of GMO as well as topics of coexistence of farming systems with and without GMP. As a competent adviser to the Federal Government SB needs to be up to the international state of the art regarding the assessment of GMO, to recognise the research trends of the green gene technology, and especially to identify safety aspects and the demand for risk specific research. The research within SB intends to keep knowledge and expertise ready for giving advice to the BMELV. The risk specific research includes investigations in the laboratory, in the greenhouse, and also in the field (release experiments). Generally, such experimental releases serve to investigate the safety aspects of GMP, and all of them are financed through public means. These experiments are limited and kept to the bare essentials.