Jahresbericht 2007/2008

Dear colleagues and friends of the Institute of Environmental Research,

My co-workers and I would like to invite you to share some of our scientific
highlights of the last two years. These cover the results of our ongoing DFG
research group “Veterinary Medicines in Soils: Basic Research for Risk
Analysis” subproject: “Fate, metabolism and plant uptake of selected
veterinary medicines in the rhizosphere”, as well as the isolation of new
endophytic fungi producing bioactive compounds such as camptothecin or
deoxypodophyllotoxin which are potential prodrugs, the detection of
mycotoxins in cereals by a new analytical multi-method, biochemical studies
on the occurrence of endogenously produced morphine in mammals, the
synthesis of new materials with non linear optical properties, new
applications in the field of imprinted polymers and a network for second-hand
furniture. As you can see from these activities, the institute has taken
measures to strengthen its profile within its priority area ”chemical biology
and biotechnology” using the latest physical chemical methods.

Most of our projects follow an interdisciplinary approach with partners not
only from the EU area but also from outside. These projects have attracted
many scientists from all over the world to join us as short-term and long-term
fellows. At the end of the year 2008 the institute with six other groups out
of the 38 applicants entering the competition “Ernährung.NRW” was
awarded the task of performing a comprehensive survey study on the
reduction of mycotoxins in cereals and fodder. We were also been engaged
in teaching graduate students from two faculties in modern analytical
methods and have continued with our international summer schools in Novi
Sad, Skopje and Sofia.

Let me express my sincere thanks to all our partners and funding
organizations specifically the German Research Foundation (DFG), The
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Federal Ministry of
Education and Research (BMBF-DLR), the Federal Environmental Agency
(UBA), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), the Fund of the
Chemical Industry, the Technische Universität Dortmund, the Ministry for
Environmental, Nature Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
(MUNLV) and the Ministry for Innovation, Science, Research and Technology
(MIWFT). Last, but not least, I would also like to thank all the members of
the institute for their strong efforts and enthusiasm.

I look forward to your response and remain
with best wishes for your good health

Michael Spiteller