Interview with Dr. Monika Lessl

At Bayer, we work with many different partners around the world in the areas of healthcare and nutrition — from universities and research institutions to start-ups and other companies. But none of this can be done in isolation from society — the risk is a loss of trust in science and research.

Monika, how important is cooperation with external partners to Bayer? 

Global challenges — such as climate change and COVID-19 — can be overcome only if all societal stakeholders work together. That’s why research collaborations between universities and companies are so important. It is only through cooperation that basic research findings can be translated into real-life innovations that benefit society. At Bayer, we work with many different partners around the world in the areas of healthcare and nutrition — from universities and research institutions to start-ups and other companies. These collaborations range from small bilateral projects to large-scale strategic partnerships and consortiums. But none of this can be done in isolation from society — the risk is a loss of trust in science and research.

How would you describe the level of public trust in public private collaborations?  

People are becoming increasingly suspicious of collaborations between companies and universities. Basically, they are concerned that research might be bought. For us as a science company, the integrity and credibility of research and development are essential — that’s the bottom line. In science, the facts decide — not whoever finances the studies.

How can a company like Bayer help improve trust in these types of scientific collaborations?

We can offer transparency and dialogue. At Bayer, we know that transparency is an important step toward long-term trust. We have implemented twelve transparency commitments promoting transparency beyond regulatory requirements and encouraging an open dialogue about our work. We make information about a wide range of topics available to the public — from clinical and safety studies to our crop protection products as well as our lobbying expenditures. The Bayer Science Collaboration Explorer, which we initially launched in Germany last year, is part of our twelve transparency commitments. 

What information does the Explorer include? 

Since September 2021, the database has listed Bayer’s new, contract-based science collaborations with universities, public research institutions, and individuals in Germany. Now, we are expanding the Explorer to the United States, also sharing information about our science collaborations between Bayer US entities and global partners. For the respective contracts, we publish core details on the collaboration: Name and country of the institution/person, collaboration type (e.g., research contract), subject of collaboration (e.g., oncology, digital farming), funding committed, effective date, participating Bayer division.

After your experiences in Germany, why is the U.S. launch of the Explorer another milestone in Bayer’s journey towards more transparency? 

After the initial pilot in Germany, we received very positive feedback from various stakeholders, which confirmed our approach of both dialogue and transparency. We want to be perceived as an open and collaborative research company. It is therefore only logical to roll out the Explorer in the U.S. where we have numerous collaborations with external partners.

In addition to transparency, you mentioned the word "dialogue." Can you elaborate on that? 

Of course. We consider this register not only as a database, but also as an invitation to engage in a critical, constructive dialogue. In the interest of acceptance, all parties must talk and engage with one another, and find common solutions. Therefore, on December 6, 2022, Matthias Berninger, Global Head of Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability, will officially introduce the Bayer Science Collaboration Explorer during a Washington Post Live Event on trust in science. 

What’s next?

We are fully committed to expanding our efforts to promote transparency and dialogue. After this year’s launch in the United States, the transparency register will gradually be introduced in other countries as well. We see this register as work in progress which will need constant refinement based on external feedback and are looking forward to hearing what people think. To complement this initiative, we will also be providing other opportunities for dialogue.

You can read the press release of the U.S. launch of the Bayer Science Collaboration Explorer here.