Karl Lauterbach takes over the management of the research committee in the Bundestag!

Karl Lauterbach takes over the management of the research committee in the Bundestag!

Berlin, Deutschland - On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Karl Lauterbach was elected as the new chairman of the Committee on Research, Technology, Space and Technology Assessment in the German Bundestag. This was announced in an official confirmation by the Bundestag. Lauterbach, who was Federal Minister of Health from 2021 to the beginning of May 2025, received 22 out of 30 votes, while there were six votes in favor and two abstentions. After leaving the ministerial office, he announced that he will devote himself to new topics, but not in the health committee.

In a contribution on the platform X Lauterbach, Lauterbach intended to concentrate on topics such as artificial intelligence, quantum computers, biotechnology, medical research and energy supply. He is the only former Minister of the SPD, to whom a committee chair in the new Bundestag was broadcast. This shows the importance of its expertise for the upcoming challenges in research and technology.

diversity of topics of the committee

The Committee on Research, Technology, Space and Technology Estimation has a total of 30 members and plays a crucial role in promoting Germany research location. Central topics include artificial intelligence, quantum technology and supercomputing. An outstanding peculiarity of the committee work is the office for technology consequences (Tab), which is operated by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The TAB advises the Bundestag on research and technology policy issues and delivers important analyzes and expert opinions.

The role of research as an engine for innovations in business and society is increasingly recognized. The committee will also deal with the creation of framework conditions and the provision of funds for science and research. This is of fundamental importance to strengthen Germany's innovative strength and to secure competitiveness in the long term.

important initiatives for promoting innovation

A recently published impulse paper from the Stifterverband underlines the need for a closer interlinking of science, business and politics. In order to multiply and reduce the value of research and transfer barriers, central measures are required by the future federal government. This includes the intelligent cut of departments, regional innovation promotion and support of critical key technologies. While Germany wants to take up international developments, targeted funding from Deep-Tech start-ups and higher investments in artificial intelligence (AI) are also required.

The specific suggestions include the establishment of a Ministry of Research, Innovation and Technology as well as the creation of regional hubs for innovations. Further recommendations concern the promotion of entrepreneurial universities and the improvement of the risk capital conditions for start-ups. A dynamic and technology -open innovation policy is necessary to achieve a leading role in the global innovation competition.

Overall, the choice of Karl Lauterbach as committee chairman shows the endeavor to promote innovative approaches in research and technology and to promote the exchange between the various actors from science, business and society. This is considered essential to master the challenges of the future and to ensure Germany's innovative strength sustainably. Further details about the work of the committee can be found on the official pages of the Bundesagen and Stifter association