Biotechnica has passed the test. In its 24th year the life science trade fair returns to a yearly cycle. Deutsche Messe, one of the world’s ten largest trade fair organisations, successfully managed what the many polirical efforts did not achieve: bringing together under one umbrella a host of competing German sector organisations ... at least for four days.

While citizens want to take a more pro-active role in managing their health and demand to know their own genetic profile,  doctors are reluctant  to support this movement.  In Europe, medical associations have begun to pressure legislators to deny access to over-the-counter genetic tests. British  researcher  Stuart Hogarth has looked into issues of  consumer genetics, qualty of medical service, and regulatory discussions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Interview by Wolf G Kroner