 04 July, 2009
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Activities > European Action on Latin American Functional Foods (EULAFF)
European Action on Latin American Functional Foods (EULAFF)
EULAFF Homepage
The EULAFF project focuses on supporting the functional food sectors in Europe and Latin America. It aims at creating an agri-food chain innovation system for identification and development of novel functional foods, in order to build a sustainable bi-regional functional food sector. The specific goals of the EULAFF project will contribute to:
Establish and promote effective open collaborative networking between academic research, industrial, commercial and private investment institutions to achieve the development of a bi-regional agro-industry sector with the aim of making a sustainable use of biological diversity of Latin American agricultural crops.
Contribute to the sustainable development of marginal rural areas by strengthening formal and informal production chains dedicated to the commercialisation of often under-utilised crops with high nutritional and heath promoting potential.
Promote transfer of knowledge, innovative technologies and develop appropriate intellectual property protection to meet niche market demands in the global international trade.
For achieving these goals the project has planned a series of lectures, debates, roundtables and symposia with the participation of authoritative scientists, experts from the industry and several stakeholders from Europe and Latin America. The proposal also includes the development of a virtual community networking system and on-line information resources to support the collaborative effort and to stimulate the dissemination of information pertaining to the use of biological diversity of agricultural crops grown in Latin America with functional food potential.
Contact Info:
Coordinator of the EULAFF Project
Christian Suojanen
Secretary General of EFB
Pg. Lluís Companys, 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: + 34 93 268 87 96
Mobile: +34 617 907 347
Fax: +34 93 268 45 00
E-mail: christian@efb-central.org
Executive Director of the EULAFF Project
Dr. Javier Verástegui
Secretary General of BIOEUROLATINA
Calle de Valderribas, 81, 2do. D, 28007 Madrid, Spain
Mobile: +34 630 925 374
E-mail: javier.verastegui@bioeurolatina.com
Activities > European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES)
European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES)
EAGLES Homepage
As a major player in life sciences and holding influential positions in international deliberations, Europe has a responsibility to help the developing world deal with the risks, challenges and opportunities of these technologies, and to facilitate the safe and efficient development and use of life sciences and biotechnology in developing countries.
European Action in Global Life Sciences (EAGLES) intends to address these questions by designing and implementing projects to be carried out mostly by life scientists from developing countries that will stimulate and facilitate activities for the European life sciences to respond to the needs of developing countries.
The members of EAGLES are determined to ensure that the skills and resources of European life sciences are properly used for the benefits of mankind. The members of EAGLES believe:
- That the greatest humanitarian challenges for the life sciences lie in the problems of illness, starvation and environmental degradation which are faced by hundreds of millions of people in our world today, and will be faced by millions more in the coming decades.
- That life scientists everywhere have a responsibility to address these global challenges.
- That European life scientists could and should make a much greater contribution to meet these challenges.
- That European policies should facilitate the life sciences in meeting these challenges.
In addressing these challenges that the people of Europe and their leaders should pay careful attention to the knowledge and advice of distinguished life scientists and humanists from the developing and emerging countries.
Contact Info:
Chairman of EFB Task Group on EAGLES
Professor David McConnell
Department of Genetics
Trinity College Dublin
IRL-Dublin 2
Tel. +353 1 6081140
Fax. +353 1 6714968
David.McConnell@tcd.ie
Executive Director of EAGLES EU project
Jens Degett
Hernani 68, 6B
28020 Madrid, Spain
Tel.: +34 91 220 3157
jdegett@jubii.dk
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Events > Workshop on Downstream Processing. Mannheim - Germany
Workshop on Downstream Processing. Mannheim - Germany
Future tools in bioprocess development - μ-scale, high-speed, omics and computing
Much of today’s downstream processing is dominated by chemical and biochemical engineers employing a rudimentary ‘toolbox’ many decades old, which has since been ‘optimized’ in incremental fashion to work with various different biotech applications as and when they appear. Some would argue that this situation
is set to change.
The past few years have seen tremendous progress in fields of microfluidics, analytical tools for -omics research, high-throughput screening, mathematical modelling and bioinformatics. The new experimental techniques emerging from these endeavours afford the collection of huge amounts of analytical and process data that cannot be evaluated by traditional methods, and thus not surprisingly we are seeing parallel symbiotic growth in statistical and mathematical
techniques, and pipe dreams such as data bank driven process development in silico are slowly becoming a reality. The potential impact of these new tools on downstream processing is underlined by the FDA’s ‘Quality by Design’ initiative, which clearly identifies their roles at the very heart of modern process development. Against all of the above the purpose of this international workshop is to provide a comprehensive overview of the very latest technologies and research directions being pursued in modern bioprocess development.
For morre information visit: International Workshop on Downstream Processing Programm
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EFB Home > New price ECB-14 Exhibitors & Sponsors
New price ECB-14 Exhibitors & Sponsors
Events > 6th World Congress on Oxidation Catalysis
6th World Congress on Oxidation Catalysis
5-10 July 2009
Lille, France
The 6th World Congress on Oxidation Catalysis is intended to offer an update of recent innovation in both fundamental and applied aspects and it is focused on highlighting progress, new developments and new directions in catalytic oxidation. Importance will be given to both heterogeneous and homogeneous and bio/enzymatic catalytic oxidation and biothecnology.
An integrated approach of the aforementioned areas will be promoted by considering the level of maturity and thus of readiness for implementation in real processes. For the first time a congress in oxidation is organized in an /integrated/ way as proposed. The goal is to give the opportunity to researchers from different fields of oxidation catalysis to exchange points of view, to find convergence through their respective research domains and to take advantage of the progress, in order to create a synergy of knowledge.
Further information at www.6wcoc.org
EFB Home > BIO_Newsletter
BIO_Newsletter
Events > 2nd Chinese-European Symposium on Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine
2nd Chinese-European Symposium on Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine
17 - 20 November 2009
Barcelona, Spain
After the successful first joint symposium held in Suzhou (China) on April 2006, this 2nd meeting will be the perfect opportunity for Chinese and European researchers to gather together again. Last highlights and achievements in biomaterials and tissue engineering will be presented and future trends and challenges will be discussed. The meeting will offer the most suitable platform for networking and partnering and will for sure foster EU-China collaborations.
Abstract submission deadline is 30th April 2009.
For more info and registration, please visit the webpage: http://www.ibecbarcelona.eu/~events/biomat_eu-china/
Events > Biotechniques for Air Pollution Control
Biotechniques for Air Pollution Control
28-30 September 2009
Delft, The Netherlands
The 3rd International Symposium on Biotechniques for Air Pollution Control will represent an opportunity for discussion about various innovative research aspects of environmental chemistry, environmental engineering and bioprocess technology amongst professionals as well as young researchers and Ph.D. students.
Downoad Brochure
More information at http://www.unesco-ihe.org/Biotechniques2009
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EFB Home > Interview with Dr. Eduardo Trigo
Interview with Dr. Eduardo Trigo
Dr. Eduardo Trigo
, Director of Grupo CEO, a consulting firm specializing in agricultural organization and technology policy issues, and Scientific Adviser to the International Directorate of the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Argentine Government
“Since the introduction of the new soybean technology, Argentina has more than doubled its grain and oilseed production”
01/03/2007
Dr. Eduardo Trigo is author of the report “Ten Years of Genetically Modified Crops in Argentine Agriculture”, a study that draws attention to the effect that GM crops have had in Argentine Agriculture during the past decade and how this new technology has transformed the country’s agricultural sector and economy. The study has been financed by the Argentine Council for Information and Development of Biotechnology, a non-profit organization whose mission is to make available information on biotechnology, contributing to its understanding through education and promoting its development.
EFB: Dr. Trigo, what is the background to the report “Ten Years of Genetically Modified Crops in Argentine Agriculture” and why did you decide to carry it out? Where there specific issues you wanted to draw attention to or was this intended to highlight the overall experiences and lessons of 10 years of GM crops in Argentina?
Dr. Eduardo Trigo: “The report is intended to document the Argentinean experience with this type of technology. Back in 2002, we published a similar report looking into the initial five years since the introduction and we already found signs of a very powerful process that was starting to reshape the country’s agriculture. We thought that a decade was a long enough period to look at established trends and we also wanted to highlight what were the drivers shaping this process, particularly as a basis for domestic policy-making. The “soybean era” is gradually reaching its ceiling – land for further expansion is becoming a limiting factor, etc. – and we think that for the country to continue to benefit from the new technologies there is the need for a renewed policy effort and we also wanted to provide support for that process.”
EFB: What have been the most significant impacts in Argentine agriculture after the introduction of genetically modified crops 10 years ago?
ET: “Since the introduction of the new soybean technology, Argentina has more than doubled its grain and oilseed production and it has not only been soybeans; maize has also increased and so have other activities such as beef and dairy. In economic terms, that has amounted to about USD 20 billion in cumulative terms. That in itself is quite impressive but the indirect benefits on employment and other variables should also be taken into account.”
EFB: What has been the overall economic impact on Argentina?
ET: “A conservative estimate, included in the paper, sets global impact at around USD 40 billion and the total number of jobs created at 1 million (over the ten year period under analysis). Regarding the importance of the latter figure, one has to consider that this increase took place during a period when the Argentine labour market went through one of its worst crises, with unemployment going from one digit figures to 23% (only this past month it has gone back to one digit again).”
EFB: What lessons are there for other countries, both developed and developing?
ET: “When tackling this particular issue, one has to be careful. Although Argentina is a developing country, its agricultural sector resembles more that of the developed countries, both in product mix as well as farm structure, and this has been a critical issue in the success of this story. The country foresaw the potential of the new technologies and undertook the necessary policy measures for gaining access to them, but it is also true that the technologies were a perfect fit for the country’s agroecological conditions. Beyond that, one has to highlight a number of issues. First, that of readiness. By the time the first GM varieties became available, the regulatory system was already in place, and most importantly there existed a suitable germplasm base to which the new genes could be attached, otherwise diffusion would have been highly unlikely. This latter aspect is a key but frequently overlooked aspect in the success of biotechnological innovations. Biotechnological innovations are not a substitute for conventional breeding, on the contrary they go hand-in-hand as farmers would not buy seeds that are not well suited to their particular agro-ecological conditions and for that you need breeding programs and a seed industry that is able to deliver the innovations to the farms. Argentina had all that already in place and any other country that wants to benefit from these technologies – as well from non-GMO biotech, such as marker assisted selections, etc. – needs to have it as well.”
A second point to make is that of the existence a thorough policy oversight along the process so that commercial releases are granted only after considering their possible market implications. In hindsight this may have been less important than thought at the time, but nevertheless it was an element that certainly contributed to building confidence in the technology with the country’s stakeholders.
EFB: What can neighbouring countries learn from the Argentine example?
ET: “The lesson to be learned is: The sooner, the better. In the case of Brazil, it has become evident that due to delays in the decision-making process, farmers were not able to make use of the full potential of these technologies.”
EFB: According to the study, Argentina ranks second place, behind the US, in total planted area with GM crops. What are the main reasons of this swift growth?
ET: “Essentially, the fact that the products available during this first cycle of the technology, as I already mentioned, were a perfect fit with the profile of our agricultural sector and the other set of conditions – policies, international markets, etc. – came together and made it feasible for the country to take full advantage of this situation.”
EFB: How are farmers responding to this new technology and how is the government supporting it?
ET: “Farmers have been key players and the government provided the appropriate regulatory tools and was always supportive in terms of sending the signal that it was going do the right things in terms of assuring market access: “managing” commercial releases so as to not to put at risk access to our main export market – the EU – in the case of corn, siding with the USA in the WTO panel demand, etc.”
EFB: Can you comment on the general public perception of biotechnology in Argentina and agricultural biotechnology and GM crops specifically?
We do not have specific surveys to quote, but all available evidence suggests that for Argentine consumers this is a non-issue, and the farmers’ behaviour in terms of adoption speaks for itself.
What message would you like to leave with members of the European Federation of Biotechnology as they read the report?
ET: “That their continued support for a more proactive Europe in the development of the new technologies is the right position and it will become even more important as biotechnology moves beyond GMOs. The Argentine story is a powerful one, showing quite clearly the potential of the new technologies; not only for improving the country’s economic and social conditions, but also in terms of what they could contribute globally to produce the food the world will need in the coming years. It is also a safe technology and under the right conditions – as the ones existing in Argentina at the time, because of the interphase with no-till practices – a win-win situation in terms of its environmental and economic impacts. However, this experience is not easy to extrapolate to other conditions, because of the particular nature of Argentine agriculture and also because of
the fact that most of today’s advances are present in crops suited for temperate environments, which are the basis of international commodities trade. There is very little done for the semi-tropical / tropical and small farmers’ conditions, which accounts for the largest share of the world’s poorer farmers. This is the next frontier and it could become the most relevant source of biotech’s social and environmental benefits. But for that to occur, greater involvement of the research capacities of regions such as Europe will be needed and in this the EFB has a key role to play.”
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Plant Biotechnology
Section on Plant Biotechnology
For further information about the Section on Plant Biotechnology, please contact the Section Chairman:
Dr. Pere Puigdomenech
Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona - CSIC
c/Jordi Girona 18-26
08034 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 934006100 Ext 129
Fax: +34 932045904
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EFB Home > EAGLES address members of the European Parliament
EAGLES address members of the European Parliament
EAGLES address members of the European Parliament
European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES) is an initiative of the European Federation of Biotechnology supported by the European Commission.
Brussels, 11/10/2006 – On October 11, the European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES) organised a dinner debate in Brussels with about 40 participants from the European Parliament, the European Commission and EAGLES. The background for the meeting was the lack of clear dedication and focus in the 7th Framework Programme on the great humanitarian challenges of hunger, illness and environmental degradation which plague the developing countries.
A better dialogue is needed, and EAGLES –an initiative of the European Federation of Biotechnology supported by the European Commission- is a platform for achieving this dialogue between scientists from the developing countries and European politicians, policy makers, members of the media and other leaders of public opinion. The meeting was initiated by MEP Britta Thomsen, who also introduced the three speakers and chaired the discussion.
EAGLES Chair Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, gave an enlightening vision of the role of research in the fight against poverty, fundamentalism and isolationism, backed by a historical review of the trends in life sciences over the last 50 years. As an example on how important research and know-how can be, he mentioned India which in the early 1960s was deemed by many economists and development experts not to be able to feed its population of then less than 300 million people. Today the size of the Indian population has increased three times and India is a major food exporter in Asia. Dr. Serageldin suggested that knowledge was a key factor in development and knowledge should be considered a global public good – a human right. With knowledge, research and education we can abolish hunger and poverty related disease and Europe has an obligation to share its knowledge with the developing world.
EAGLES Co-Vice Chairman Prof. Huanming Yang, Director of the Beijing Genome Institute, who contributed to the Human Genome Project and led the Chinese rice genome initiative, referred to his own early experience with European scientists in Denmark where he spent several years pursuing his PhD. He advocated for assistance to emerging and developing countries not in the form of food aid, but by supporting knowledge and technology generation. He underscored that all life sciences are related, and that life sciences are, literally speaking, vital for the future and stability of the
world. Trust built on research collaboration is the key which will also lead to mutual benefits. He advised Europe to place much more emphasis on its status as a continent of many countries in harmony, and as a society built on knowledge and partnership.
World Health representative Dr. Gojka Roglic was the last speaker. Her presentation was a follow up from the recent EAGLES Symposium in Alexandria (April 2006), on the emerging epidemics of diabetes and other chronic diseases in the developing world. Dr. Roglic demonstrated that diabetes is exploding in the developing world, and she went through the ten most common misconceptions about diabetes and its complications: Diabetes is not a disease of the wealthy - 80% is in the low or middle income countries. It mainly affects poor people. It is not a disease of the old. It affects men and women equally. It is not only a problem of choice of life style. It can be prevented, and prevention does not need to be expensive. You have to die from something, but it does not have to be premature after a slow, painful and chronic disease like diabetes.
After each presentation and during the final debate a number of prominent MEP’s and officers from the European Commission commented on the presentations and discussed the main issue: that the draft of the European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme (FP7) is not taking sufficient account of the problems of the developing world and there lacks a dedicated programme or framework for collaboration with the developing world. The final discussion had a very positive atmosphere with many interventions from parliamentarians who are playing a key role in the development of the research budget of FP7.
It was suggested by EAGLES that there should be a 5% budget target for research relevant to the developing world. MEP Theresa Riera had already suggested a target in the Parliament but did not get sufficient support.
If the Commission developed a mechanism in FP7 for measuring research and research training and collaboration with the developing world this mechanism could give an important indication on how the coming policy of “open collaboration but no dedicated budget would go”. Such an indicator could be important for the decision makers and could be used for putting more focus on the development issue.
A hearing in the Parliament or a Parliament Global Science Day, which would focus attention on the role of European science in the developing world, was suggested. Both MEP’s and members of the European Commission asked for more active debate and more lobby activities on this issue organised
by the research community.
EAGLES Co-Vice Chairman Prof. David McConnell summed up the meeting and promised to follow up on the different comments and suggestions. Britta Thomsen thanked the participants for a very fruitful debate.
For additional information about EAGLES, please contact:
Jens Degett, Executive Director of EAGLES
jdegett@jubii.dk
Hernani 68, 6B
28020 Madrid, Spain
Tel.: +34 91 220 3157
Skype Name: jensdegett
EAGLES Website: http://www.efb-central.org/eagles/
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EFB Home > Interview: Prof. Dr. Rainer Fischer
Interview: Prof. Dr. Rainer Fischer
“It would be very scary if the younger generation doesn’t pursue science careers, as that would mean that we won’t have enough educated scientists to deal with emerging scientific issues in the future”
Prof. Dr. Rainer Fischer
Department Head of the Institute for Molecular Biotechnology (RWTH Aachen, Germany)
Senior Executive Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology
01/10/2006
In 1986, Dr. Rainer Fischer succeeded in making genetically modified tobacco plants that were capable of producing antibodies to protect themselves against viruses. Today, he uses transgenic plants to produce recombinant proteins, which have the potential to provide efficient pharmaceutical products at more affordable costs. Prof. Fischer serves as reviewer for multiple national and international grant agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the European Commission.
EFB: What is needed in Europe to speed up further development of transgenic technologies?
Prof. Dr. Rainer Fischer: “The entire educational programme should be changed in order to get people more interested and aware of what is needed for future market and product development. It should start in elementary school all the way through high school and the university. Students should be taught the benefits of being in this field and the potential of transgenic technologies to make them want to take challenges for making positive contributions to society and the environment. There’s a tendency to shift to medical professions, law or business oriented jobs because of a perception that the salaries may be potentially higher and the working hours may be better. Science can be a frustrating job because 95% of all the science you do is not successful. Overcoming this frustration barrier and teaching people to cope with that and still being positive and really making an impact on society takes a lot of energy, money, and motivation; and that is something very difficult to change. In order to have a friendlier environment to encourage people to move in this field, institutions like the European Commission and the National Governments should take a more active role by implementing novel educational programs directed to students, professors and researchers at the universities as well as to other scientific organisations and start-up biotech companies.”
EFB: Is the younger generation of Europeans losing their interest to pursue science careers?
R.F.: “I’m afraid so, and that is very scary when you think about the present and the future needs of our society. New issues and challenges will emerge in ten to twenty years that we cannot even imagine. It would be very scary if the younger generation doesn’t pursue science careers, as that would mean that we won’t have enough educated scientists to deal with emerging issues in the future. I hope that the interest in the Life Sciences increases among young students and that they look more to these as a positive asset and a future growth potential to their careers. Governments can implement educational programmes and increase the funding, but it’s not just up to politicians to motivate the younger generation. Scientists also need to assume their part of responsibility. A major interaction between scientists, the public, and the politicians is truly needed, and it should not stop in meetings and discussions. The ideas need to be implemented, and I think that’s the biggest problem we have in Europe: too much talking, not enough action.”
EFB: What is your personal advice on the draft of the future 7th Research Framework Programme of the European Commission?
R.F.: “It has a few weaknesses. The first one is that the timeline has been delayed. The second one, that the budget for the Life Sciences seems to be comparable to the previous Framework Programme but, if you look closely, it has been reduced because this time the total amount is for seven years instead of five. In terms of topics, it is not clear yet what direction is going to be taken, but large integrated projects will play an important role again, and I personally think this is only beneficial in selected cases. I’m coordinating one of the large integrated projects, the Pharma-Planta Project for manufacturing of biopharmaceutical HIV antibodies in transgenic tobacco and corn, and the truth is that it is pretty frustrating.”
EFB: Why?
R.F.: “We have 39 partners. Chasing everybody to be on time with the report or contribution is very difficult from a management point of view. Another aspect to be considered is that the funding score for large projects is very low nowadays. Very often you have to invest several months to write a full proposal and many organizations cannot afford it anymore. Increasing the number of medium size projects would be a good idea, as they are much more efficient in terms of management and implementation. Regarding the autonomy of managing the funds, there were a lot of promises been made for the 6th Framework Programme but now, with the external auditing, extra burden has been added to managing the projects. I’m a scientist, I take on my management responsibilities, but if the management takes over the science then something is wrong. Scientists should have a higher degree of freedom implementing their programmes and the amount of administrative issues should be reduced to a minimum. There should be advisory panels or committees to supervise the progress of the project, but there should be ways to reduce the paperwork so that scientists have more time to do the research, implementing it or even moving it into the commercialization status. I think we are wasting too much time on paperwork, which sometimes has proven to kill projects.”
EFB: The Eurobarometer survey for 2005 showed an increased support of Europeans for health biotechnology, but a decline in the overall levels of support based on the usefulness of technologies.
R.F.: “We can clearly support the comment that everything health related is of much greater potential acceptance in the community because it has a direct benefit to the consumer as opposed to other products such as herbicide resistant plants, where the direct benefit goes to the companies and to the farmers. In Europe and North America we are pretty much spoiled and sometimes we forget to look beyond our borders, but people in Third World countries that die of hunger need these products. Transgenic plants are not the only solution, but it is definitely an important one for overcoming issues including the provision of health benefits with improved nutritional quality for food, as well as, of course, the health benefits by manufacturing biopharmaceuticals.”
EFB: The Eurobarometer also showed that the majority of Europeans are opposed to GM food and disagree that these new technologies should be encouraged because they are still perceived as risky.
R.F.: “It is right and perfectly fine from my point of view to look for potential full protection and cover all safety aspects for the consumer and the environment, but the truth is that there’s no technology in no matter what field -chemical industry, automotive industry…- that is a 100% safe. Think about how many people get killed in car accidents per year. I think everybody would agree with me on a European and global scale that driving a car is pretty dangerous. But it’s not only about GM food; the opposition is often also strong about health biotechnology. If there are now one or two cases of people showing side effects during the treatment of a biopharmaceutical, no matter which production system used, everybody is making major outcry, but in the end people shouldn’t forget the story of penicillin.”
You’ve been co-founder of 5 start-up biotech companies. What’s your advice for start-ups?
R.F.: “If there’s something that looks commercially attractive that fits into developing potential markets and the needs of the society, I would highly encourage to start a company, but unfortunately most people from universities and even research organisations don’t have the tool sets and management skills to run one. In this case, I would recommend teaming up with more experienced people from industry, if possible with scientists from established companies that want to take on a new challenge, to have them as a strong support to start the company from the management and organisational point of view. The most frustrating aspect from experience is finding the financial support to start a company. Ideas are not the problem, but their implementation requires money and all the programs I’m aware of either with venture capitalists, private investment or local support from government plans are extremely complicated. You have to spend not only months, sometimes years, to get the money to implement what could be an excellent idea. And often in the end it cannot be implemented because of the difficulty of finding an investor that supports your business idea and make it come true.”
EFB: What regions worldwide would you recommend for biotech start-ups?
R.F.: “Each continent and country has its internal issues and challenges and you cannot generalize, but I’ve seen other places on the globe where the tax situation, the benefits, and the start–up investment are easier to obtain than in Europe. For instance, in Asia right now there are a few countries with excellent start-up support. There is also a positive environment for start-ups in the US, where I successfully started a research facility in Delaware. Things move much quicker there and depending on the State you move to, you can get very strong local political support from the senators and the governors. The counties that have a heavy impact and focus on the Life Sciences have always provided the right support in due time”.
EFB: You hold more than 20 patent applications and seven granted patents. What has been your personal experience dealing with patent processes?
R.F.: “To be honest, I have a very ambivalent opinion about patents. It’s a very tedious process to get a patent awarded, not only writing it, but also defending it. It can take up to ten years, the process is very expensive, and the effort is not always worth it in terms of return of investment. Most companies use patents as a solution to protect all markets, which is right, but sometimes patents become more of a defence strategy than a proactive one to basically not allow the competition entering the market. It is clear than in certain cases patent protection is the best solution, but there are other ways of protection such as trademarks and trade secrets that should also be considered. In university-based settings, patents can be a killer because of the financial effort. Even though patents are one of our major growth strategies in one of our institutes at Fraunhofer –which is living very well on royalties- this is one extremely positive case out of the 59 institutes we have. It’s like the needle in the haystack. Sometimes you might be lucky and you should pursue it for that reason, but the question is always the return for investment and how much should you really put into in terms of time, effort, and money.”
EFB: What actions should be taken to have a faster and more efficient drug approval process?
R.F.: “That’s a very difficult question to answer. One of the solutions could be harmonization at a European and US level. Educational programs could provide a better knowledge about drug development and drug approval. Once that tool set is available, a better understanding of the thinking process should be used to initiate communications with regulatory bodies such as EMEA [European Medicines Evaluation Agency] with the purpose of looking for some solutions to have a reduction of time in the drug approval process. A harmonization of protocols and regulatory approval between the EMEA and the FDA in the US, which right now follow two different regulatory approval paths, could also be of tremendous help. With a combination of educational programs, harmonisation of regulatory approvals and industry support it should be feasible to have some shortcuts in the future on the drug approval process. But this is very challenging…”
EFB: What sectors of biotechnology need further development in Europe?
R.F.: “I think the big problem we have in Europe, and also in the US in the end, is that nobody is really taking an integrative approach at the interface of different sciences to provide the customer and the patients the appropriate solutions. Europe should put more emphasis in trying to get scientists from different disciplines together and working in a more team and goal oriented approach from bench to the clinic. Fraunhofer is one of the organizations that is putting a lot of emphasis on innovation combined with internal, national and international networking on five major topics: logistics, transportation, energy, water and health. We have already half a dozen research organizations that have come together in Europe and the US and a few other organisations in South Africa, India, Malaysia and Australia. I think that’s one way it could be taken in the future. When you get them together the flow of new ideas is very rich, but it’s really challenging to find financial support to implement the programs. I’ve talked to some of the directors of the European Commission already on this idea and they are very interested and open to help.”
EFB: What is your current research at the Fraunhofer Institute?
R.F.: “We are currently carrying out several activities on applied research. We offer integrated solutions from biomarker identification and validation with modern platform technologies like genomics, proteomics, moving towards systems biology to understand the disease causes in a holistic fashion. The next level is then to develop either vaccines or diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies against these biomarkers that we have identified. Our 3rd area in the development chain is the biomanufacturing of the vaccines and the biopharmaceuticals in different production systems such as microbial, CHO or plant based systems.”
EFB: Any new areas of biotech research you are currently pursuing?
R.F.: “We’re now moving into going at the interface between molecular biotechnology, biomedical research and engineering sciences. I see a lot of future applications at these interfaces to build new businesses and new research programmes. Nanobiotechnology is a perfect example of this, for instance, the combination of nanomaterials with biological substances like peptides or antibodies for targeted delivery or early stage molecular diagnostics. Another area we are currently very heavily focusing and that will expand in the future is the field of life cell imaging in the context of systems biology-based approaches. Since a year and a half now, we have strongly focused on industrial biotechnology and we have already developed some interesting technologies. We have two major big proposals together with six to eight different institutes. We intend to become a total solution provider to offer innovative solution approaches or platforms along every step of the value chain.”
EFB: Why did you get into science? Why biotech?
R.F.: “By accident (he laughs). I originally wanted to be in sports, but I had a major skiing accident and I had to look for a second career. At an early stage, my interest in biology led me to take an educational programme for two years as a laboratory technician, and from there I just couldn’t stop. I got interested in microbiology, and later I went into exploring virology, immunology, plant biotechnology, production and purification of recombinant proteins… I got really hooked. The most rewarding aspect of my profession is the hope and the motivation of one day finding a cure for certain diseases or at least to contribute to the provision of intelligent solutions or medications. Also, the opportunity to contribute to the education of future scientists and giving them the right tools in terms of thinking how to approach and implement science and how to succeed after graduating.”
EFB Home > Interview: Dr. B S Bajaj
Interview: Dr. B S Bajaj
“I believe that India will emerge as the largest supplier of vaccines and some other biotech products all over the world in the years to come”
Dr. B S Bajaj, Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) and Chairman of All India Biotech Association (AIBA) - Southern Chapter
31/07/2006
India has the potential to emerge as a significant force in biotechnology worldwide. It is a fact that the Indian biotech sector is growing at a very fast rate and the consumption of biotech products is expected to quadruple in the next decade. “India will certainly become one of the major world leaders in areas such as biopharmaceuticals, particularly vaccines, enzymes, bioinformatics and agribiotech products”, Dr. B S Bajaj predicts, Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) and Chairman of All India Biotech Association (AIBA) - Southern Chapter.
With over 50 years of experience in the field of biotechnology, Dr. Bajaj is convinced that the city of Hyderabad is emerging as the new biotech cluster in India. He points to a lack of a positive approach by venture capitalists and the current licensing and regulatory procedures as some of the key problems facing biotechnology in India today. Dr. Bajaj is also a member of the Biotech Advisory Committee of the Indian government of Andhra Pradesh, the third largest State in India.
EFB: The Indian biotechnology industry is growing at a rate of 38 percent annually, with an estimated increase in revenue of 5 billion dollars in 2010. What are the main reasons of the high growth rate in the sector?
Dr. B S Bajaj: “The Biotechnology sector has in recent years witnessed an accelerated growth with approximately 280 industries established in India. The human capital of India is perceived to be the key driver for global competitiveness and the present rate of growth. Pharma companies such as Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Ranbaxy, Dabur, Astrazenica, Torrent, Sun-Pharma, Wauckhardt and several others are diversifying themselves into modern Biotechnology.
The Indian pharma industry for bulk drugs and formulation production, in addition to the well-established base for R&D in this field, has shown an average annual growth rate of approximately 20%, which is insufficient for large scale expansion programs, and as compared to a 39% annual growth rate in the field of biotechnology. For future growth, the Indian pharma industry is looking towards biotechnology, particularly in biopharmaceuticals, since the end users and the marketing channels are more or less similar. Encouraged by the tremendous turn around achieved by pharma companies in India during the last two decades, most of the companies are following the same pattern in achieving high rates of growth in related biotechnology segments, particularly those drugs which are no longer on patent. Furthermore, India has achieved a remarkable growth and status in the field of IT industry, which is also an inducement for pharma companies who enter into biotechnology, particularly bioinformatics and drug discovery through molecular modeling. Achieving a target of USD 5 billion towards 2010 is quite realistic and feasible. Maybe even before 2010.”
EFB: What have been the most significant achievements of biotechnology in India in the last decade?
B S B: “Some pharma companies have diversified into biotechnology and some start-up companies engaged exclusively in biotech have achieved a significant level of success, particularly in vaccines, enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, GN-CSF (Filgrastin), Erythropoietin, Streptokinasae, Taxol derivatives, anti-ulcer drugs and bioinformatics. For instance, I would like to mention vaccine products such as tetanus, rabies, oral polio vaccine, measles, hepatitis B, DPT, BCG, diphtheria toxoid, interferon, and so on produced in India in this period. In addition, animal vaccines are also being produced in large quantity. It is a fact that India is uniquely positioned in the global vaccine market, being the world’s largest producer and accounting for approximately one third of the global sales. It is believed that India will emerge as the largest supplier of vaccines and some other biotech products all over the world in the years to come.”
EFB: How has research in plant biotechnology adapted to the conventional advances of the Green Revolution in India?
B S B: “India has the second largest population in the world and it continues to grow fast. Naturally the requirements for food are also increasing, and land and water resources are limited. The Green revolution of the sixties brought big relief to India in achieving self-sufficiency in food grains. However, there are now indications that we are again reaching a situation of food shortages. After a long period of two decades of self sufficiency in wheat production, the Indian government is again looking to the import of wheat to avoid a serious situation of food shortages in the country. Thought of a second green revolution has already started in our country. Considering the constraint imposed by limited land and water resources, the situation can be overcome only by increasing the agricultural output by way of introducing the crop varieties for higher yield, better nutrition and better keeping qualities. Apart from various other efforts, including improved agricultural practices, use of better fertilisers and the control of pests and diseases, genetically modified crops are the solution.”
EFB: India is expected to register pest-resistant Bt eggplant this year, which would be the first biotech food crop approved in India. What is the growth potential for biotech crops?
B S B: “Agricultural research is being directed towards transgenic crops like Rice, Brassica, Mungbeans, Pigeonpea, Cotton, Tomato, Potato and Lysine-rich wheat in various agricultural universities and other institutions. Both the nutriceutical market and the seed market are also growing fast in India, and will attract industry related to agriculture. Research is also being carried out on Plant Tissue culture and Micro propagation in several companies such as ITC, Hindustan lever, Godrej and many small scale companies on spices, ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, etc. The great potential of biotech crops is needed now in India. Also recently (in March 2006) the All India Biotech Association, Southern Chapter (AIBA-SC) held an international conference on “Biotechnology for sustainable Agricultural and Agro Industries”, jointly with Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation, the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations and the Agricultural University at Hyderabad. The three day conference, which received financial support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, attracted 800 delegates from India and abroad. Lots of emphasis was placed on the use of bio-fertiliser and bio-pesticides and development of pest and disease resistant varieties of various food crops, vegetables and fruits. The following recommendations emerged from this conference, for consideration of the State and Central governments in India: 1) The set up of an Institute of Agribiotechnology and an Animal Biotechnology Research Institute at Hyderabad, 2) the establishment of an agribiotech venture capital, 3) and the creation of an Agribiotech and Agro-Industries cluster for Research, Education and industrial production in Andhra Pradesh. In fact, the recommendation of establishing an Animal Biotechnology Research Institute has already been approved by the Indian government.”
EFB: Bangalore is currently housing almost half of the total biotech firms in India. Is this southern city the biotech cluster of India?
B S B: “Bangalore has emerged as the largest hub of IT industry. It was initially expected that biotech industries would also grow in the same manner clustered in and around Bangalore, but the recent trends are somewhat different. Hyderabad is now emerging as the largest biotech hub in India. A large number of individual scientists, companies and institutions from the US and Europe are looking towards Hyderabad for setting up facilities, either wholly owned or joint ventures with Indian partners. The first Biotech Park in India was set up at Hyderabad and its first and second phases are already fully occupied. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has earmarked more than 400 acres of land to start the third phase of the Biotech Park. Hyderabad also has world-class R&D centres in biotechnology such as the Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics (CDFD), the University of Hyderabad, the Institute of Life Sciences, and excellent R&D facilities set up by some of the industries like Dr. Reddy’s, Shanta Biotechnics, Bharat Biotech International and several others.
Among other initiatives, the Indian government has recently decided to set up an Animal Biotechnology Research Institute at Hyderabad, next to the Biotech Park in Genome Valley, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). The government of Andhra Pradesh is also in the process of setting up a Marine Biotech Park at Visakapatnam, which will cover an area of 200 acres of land in association with Andhra University. The state government has furthermore established a joint Agri-biotech Park, in collaboration with the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). 
In addition, the government, through public and private collaboration, has incorporated a company by name APIDC-Venture Capital Limited, being the first Biotech focussed venture capital fund at Hyderabad.
With the aims of developing a centre of excellence in the area of Clinical research, the government of Andhra Pradesh is also planning to start a Training Institute for Clinical Trials, an initiative supported by leading industry players and corporate Hospitals at Hyderabad. Further testimony to the rapid progress of Hyberadad as a leading Indian biotech centre is the fact that Andhra Pradesh was awarded the prestigious “Biostate of the year 2003” by Biospectrum.”
EFB: What other Indian regions are emerging as good investment opportunities for the biotechnology sector?
B S B: “Other than Bangalore (Karnataka) and Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), some of the centres in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttara Pradesh and Punjab are emerging as centres for industry in the field of biotechnology.”
EFB: What are the current main fields of research in Indian biotechnology?
B S B: “Genomics, proteomics, biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, bioinformatics, agricultural biotechnology and molecular modelling for drug discovery are among the current main fields of research in Indian biotechnology. There are though a few fields in which Indian R&D should focus further: Areas such as anticancer drugs, HIV vaccines (since India is having sizable population suffering from AIDS), molecular modeling and drug discovery, malaria vaccines, tropical diseases, stem cell research and applications (particularly for diabetics, cardiovascular diseases, ophthalmology, and neurobiology). There’s also a need to focus more in agribiotechnology, particularly in transgenic crops in food grains, vegetables and fruits. For developing varieties for disease resistance to pests, with and high yields and post harvest resistance to spoilage and drought.”
EFB: Is biotechnology less developed in the northern part of India?
B S B: “To some extent, yes. Biotechnology has developed in a much further way in the southern and western parts of India than in the northern part of the country. The reason is the presence of IT industry, linkage with pharma industry, world-class research institutions and universities, relatively more affordable cost of living and availability of skilled and highly educated manpower at a lower cost than in the northern part of this country.”
EFB: What are the problems facing biotechnology in India?
B S B: “The problems being faced by biotech industry in India could be summarized in three global areas: the licensing and regulatory clearances, the recent start up of R&D in biotechnology for basic research resulting into lack of original molecules for commercial production, and the lack of a positive approach of venture capitalists. The state and central governments of India have been very keen in trying to correct these three constraints in recent years.”
EFB: What actions are being taken by the Indian government to promote biotechnology?
B S B: “The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), set up in 1986 by the Indian government, has become very active in recent years in promoting biotechnology. The government of India has also earmarked funds for biotechnology ventures including supporting the biotech industry with soft loans by the Technology Development Board (TDB). Each state government -particularly Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka- has earmarked funds for development of biotechnology, both for R&D and commercial ventures.
Recent trends are to establish Academia and Industry collaborations particularly by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, CCMB, Hyderabad, CDFD, NII Delhi, CDRI, Lucknow, and IMTECH, Chandigarh. These trends have resulted in setting up and augmenting Biotech facilities in India such as, among several others, Shantha Biotechnics, Bharat Biotech International, Biological-E, Dabur and Pemacea. The Department of Biotechnology of the Indian government has also announced its support to set up 10 Biotech Parks in India, five of which are already in the process of being established.”
EFB: Why should European biotech businesses choose India as a destination for collaborations?
B S B: “Actually, there are many reasons. Indian pharma industries had a value of USD 3 Billion in 1997, which has since grown to USD 25 Billion in 2005. This shows the strength and initiative of the Indian business community. The trend of bio generics will enable Europe and USA to produce known drugs more cheaply in India through well-established companies who can meet European and US GMPs standards. The Bioinformatics field is driven primarily by advances in information technology in India. Molecular modelling, structure related to function, genome sequences and drug discovery are some of the recent trends of Research in Biotechnology. The IT strength of India will be a great asset. BioAsia, an international conference, has been conducted at Hyderabad as an annual event for the last 3 years by the government of Andhra Pradesh jointly with All India Biotech Association Southern Chapter and the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations. BioAsia 2006 attracted delegates from 34 countries, featuring primarily Bio business partnering. In addition, the following factors should attract European Biotech companies to choose India as a good destination for investments and collaborations: a) Setting up USFDA approval office in India; b) Huge market due to world second largest population; c) India’s pool of highly skilled technical resources; d) Large English speaking population; e) Low cost structures and enabling policy environment; f) Government incentives in providing infrastructural facilities.”
EFB: How can All India Biotech Association (AIBA) help promote biotechnology in India?
B S B: “All India Biotech Association has the main objective of promoting biotechnology in India, by way of networking with various state governments to provide infrastructure facilities and remove various hurdles. AIBA also provides a platform for bio-partnering with companies and institutions in developed countries and those in India and fostering technology transfers, joint ventures, outsourcing of products, etc. In the past few years AIBA has been involved deeply in organising the annual event BioAsia 2004, 2005 and 2006, where a large number of B2B meetings were arranged between companies from the US, Europe and India. This has resulted in significant development of biotechnology, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. These activities are being continued with greater emphasis on bio-partnering.”
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> Interview: David McConnell, Co-Vice Chairman of EAGLES
Interview: David McConnell, Co-Vice Chairman of EAGLES
David McConnell
, Co-Vice Chairman of European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES)
“We believe that European Life Sciences can do much more to help solve the very big problems of the developing world, especially illness, hunger and environmental degradation”
19/06/2006
ANNA ALSINA
Illness, hunger, food security, water quality and environmental degradation are some of the major problems facing the developing world that could benefit very much from the use of life sciences. Addressing Europe’s responsibilities towards the developing world is the main goal of European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES). In the first place it is a communications programme to enhance the collaboration between European scientists and researchers in the developing world to fight hunger and disease by increasing the use of the life sciences.
EAGLES, launched by Dr Diderichsen, former President of the European Federation of Biotechnology, is currently being supported by the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission. Members of the EAGLES Steering Committees include prominent scientists from China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Syria and Thailand.
EFB: Why such an initiative on European Life Sciences?
David McConnell: “We believe that European Life Sciences can do much more to help solve the very big problems of the developing world, especially illness, hunger and environmental degradation. We do not think Europe is doing enough at the moment and what is being done is actually not very effective. Millions of people continue dying in the developing countries of horrible diseases, which are rare in Europe, such as AIDS, TB and Malaria. Over 40,000 people die every day from starvation and between 20 and 30 million people die every year of infectious diseases. We can do much more in Europe to find scientific solutions which may help solve these problems.”
EFB: How can EAGLES help?
DM: “EAGLES is primarily a communications programme to explain to the people in Europe the scale of the major problems in the developing countries and the fact that European Life Sciences could do much more to help solving them. We believe that the members of EAGLES from the developing countries have a vast knowledge of the major problems in their countries. I’m thinking of very fine scientists such as Dr. Ismail Serageldin (Chairman of EAGLES), Dr. Florence Wambugu, Prof. Huanming Yang (Co-Vice-Chairman of EAGLES) and Prof. Luis Herrera-Estrella. That’s why we want them to be listened to in Europe and find opportunities for them to speak, so that Europeans can hear first hand from outstanding scientists in the developing countries what actions are needed. These people can be very persuasive. Europe needs to listen to them.”
EFB: EAGLES has received funding from the European Commission for two projects targeting Health and Food in developing countries. What are the aims of both initiatives?
DM: “Both are communications programmes. The idea is to try to stimulate an interaction between outstanding scientists from the developing countries and European decision makers. We will be organizing various workshops in South Africa, the Philippines and China on different aspects of modern food production and also various symposia on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis in West Africa, Thailand and China. We will try to bring together experts from less wealthy countries and officials and leaders of public opinion in Europe, so that they can learn from the people in the developing countries how important biotechnology is for them. We will also be producing a series of reports, at different stages, about the major problems in the area of food production and health in the developing world.”
EFB: The first major EAGLES meeting was held in Egypt as part of BioVision Alexandria 2006. What were the outcomes of that encounter?
DM: “BioVision Alexandria is a very significant biennial symposium which focuses on the role of biotechnology in the developing countries. As part of that, EAGLES organised two symposiums, one on drought tolerant agriculture, organized by the President of the European Federation of Biotechnology Prof. Marc Van Montagu, and a second one on diabetes, in association with the World Diabetes Foundation. Both were really successful. For example we had several talks on the identification of single genes that confer drought tolerance on plants, some discovered by Prof. Jennifer Thomson in South Africa, some discovered by Prof. Luis Herrera-Estrella in Mexico, and some by Professor Shinozaki in Japan. This is, from my point of view, really extraordinary work and it could be quite significant in extending the range of some of the major crops into drier areas. The second symposium, focusing on diabetes in developing countries, also gathered scientists from different parts of the world such as China , India and Egypt to describe the impact of diabetes on their countries. Several hundred people attended the symposium over three days to hear about how devastating a disease like diabetes can be in the developing countries. I believe that more people die every year of diabetes that die of HIV-AIDS, and people don’t seem to realize. That’s an example of EAGLES bringing attention to something that is extremely serious but it’s not widely acknowledged.”
EFB: The Commissioner for Research, Mr. J. Potocnik, has recognized the work of EAGLES.
DM: “It was very pleasing for us to hear the Commissioner for Research, Mr. J. Potocnik, giving a splendid video address to the conference on the opening day of BioVision Alexandria 2006. He referred to the work of EAGLES as a major part of his talk, as an example of how Europe was working to do more to bring the European Life Sciences to the developing countries.”
EFB: How can biotechnology help improve the daily life of farmers in Third World countries?
DM: “There are some very simple ways and some more complicated ones. Dr. Florence Wambugu, member of the EAGLES Food Steering Committee from Kenya, points out the importance of finding ways of distributing information to the farmers, even in the most remote villages, about the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and warning them of major climatic problems, invasions of locusts and so on. Another idea from Dr. Wambugu is the need for high quality seed production for local crops, as there are too few seed production companies in Africa producing high quality seeds at the moment. And then of course, there’s also the whole question of using old fashioned but highly effective plant breeding technology to produce more effective varieties of plants for Africa. Most of the work of the Green Revolution was done on rice and wheat, but these are not major crops in Africa. There should be major programs on the most important African crops, which then could extend of course to GM technology.”
EFB: Is EAGLES targeting specific Third World countries?
DM: “EAGLES is focusing on those countries which have the largest problems and I think most people are aware that Africa presents the biggest challenges. But also the arid regions of the world deserve special attention. EAGLES will also begin focusing soon on the former states of the Soviet Union, regions which are currently still facing very big problems concerning food production and health. Life expectancy and birth rates have actually fallen since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the incidence of HIV is very high in parts of these countries. When you think of countries such as India and China, the problem there is not about food production, which has been increasing very significantly, but about distribution. There’s no doubt these countries have great scientific capacity and it’s growing strongly, but that doesn’t mean Europe should not be helpful. We have to listen to the Chinese and Indian scientists and find out what their needs are to start working together. Why should we think we know better than the Indian scientists about GM plants in India?”
EFB: In your opinion, is Europe giving enough voice to scientists from developing countries?
DM: “The problem in Europe is that the Life Sciences have gained a bad reputation through such things as the foot and mouth disease epidemic, salmonella, listeriosis and the triple vaccine MMR. People should never oppose GM crops without first listening to the plant scientists from developing countries who know best how valuable for them these technologies are. We should be using European expertise to help the people in the developing countries breed new strains of cassava and so on. Instead, we have the extraordinary negative reaction to GM crops in Europe, which not only face a lot of opposition but also very strict regulations, often irrational and very damaging.”
EFB: Who’s at fault for these misconceptions?
DM: “I blame two groups of people fundamentally. The politicians, who have shown very poor judgement and poor leadership, and the media, including some of the otherwise responsible media, who have misled the public very seriously on many of these issues and have done very great damage to GM and vaccine technologies. They have shown very poor judgement informing the public about the real issues which face us in science worldwide. The reality is that the 90% of the research in the world is of interest to only 10% of the people. There are very few scientists in the developing world and only a tiny amount of money is being spent on the problems which are specific to those countries. We need to get a better balance.”
EFB: How?
DM: “We should be spending a much higher proportion of the research budgets on the problems of the Global South. We need to encourage the European Commission and European governments, in general, to pay more attention to the problems of the developing countries. Otherwise, Europe (and indeed other OECD regions) won’t meet the UN Millennium Development Goals set for 2015, when we are supposed to have made a very big impact on poverty, hunger, diseases, environmental sustainability, literacy and so on. We have hardly made any impact on most of these problems yet, which means that we in the North should be ashamed if we don’t accomplish what we said we should and could do by 2015.”
EFB: EAGLES has submitted a critique to the draft Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Why?
DM: “The main conclusion that we have is that it’s extremely important that FP7 is organized so that European scientists can work very closely with developing country researchers on problems of the Third World. The proportion of FP7 budget spent on the developing country problems should be more significant. The percentage should be trying to be at least 5% instead of 3%, and hopefully even more. Scientists from the Global South need to have rather efficient ways of dealing with the European Commission and special mechanisms need to be put in place to smooth the interaction between the developing countries and Europe. We also feel that the draft FP7 did not do justice to the principles that the Commission has already adopted. The EC believes that we should do a lot to help the developing countries and to apply our science to solve their major problems, and that’s laudable. The draft has some initial excellent ideas, even though if you dissect the programme there’s hardly any mention of the Millennium Development Goals. The presentation is poor and it needs to be refined. The relationship and the focus on the developing countries need to be much sharper.”
EFB: How is the legislation on biotechnology in developing countries compared to Europe?
DM: “The problem I think is that the European legislation is very heavy handed. It’s excessive, counterproductive. It’s inhibiting the application of biotechnology in Europe; especially I would say in agriculture. Unfortunately, that’s not probably so important in Europe at the moment because there’s plenty of food, but it has the effect of leading developing countries to believe that there’s something dangerous about certain kinds of biotechnology and that’s wrong. Biotechnology is not an especially dangerous technology. There’s no evidence, for instance, to think that GM food is more risky than non-GM food. There’s scientific illiteracy in Europe and that’s extremely serious because it misleads the leaders of developing countries and it suggests that there should be very complicated regulations when, in fact, these regulations are not necessary for the most part. I’m not saying there should be no regulations, but they should be much more modest and more sensible, like the type of regulations that exist in the United States, more proportionate to the risks.”
EFB Home > Education and Training in Biotechnology: A Concerted Approach
Education and Training in Biotechnology: A Concerted Approach
The first Mediterranean Congress on Biotechnology for biotechnologists working on the periphery of the Mediterranean Sea was held in Yasmine Hammamet from 25th – 29th March 2006 and comprised a series of Plenary Lectures, Symposium Lectures, Oral Communications and Posters.
Professor Charlie Bryce, EFB Vice President was invited by the Organisers to present the opening Plenary Lecture entitled “Education and Training in Biotechnology: A Concerted Approach”.
From the range and excellent quality of the presentations and from the high and active participation rate, Professor Bryce was in no doubt that this represented a very worthwhile event and wishes the Organisers every success in future events.
In addition, it is hoped that this will represent the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the European Federation of Biotechnology and AT Biotech for the future.
For further information, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Charlie F. A. Bryce, Chairman of the Task Group on Education and Mobility
Napier University
School of Life Sciences
10 Colinton Road
UK-Edinburgh EH10 5DT
Tel: +44 - 131 45 52 525
Fax: +44 - 131 44 76 875
E-mail: c.bryce@napier.ac.uk
> Interview: Patrick Boisseau, Coordinator of Nano2Life
Interview: Patrick Boisseau, Coordinator of Nano2Life
Patrick Boisseau
, Coordinator of Nano2Life, the first European Network of Excellence in Nanobiotechnology
“Nano2Life offers European scientists from different disciplines the opportunity to create synergies and learn how to work together to implement new joint projects and activities”
Interview with Patrick Boisseau - 02/05/2006 (PDF document)
ANNA ALSINA - Barcelona
Nano2Life, the first European Network of Excellence in Nanobiotechnology, was founded with a clear goal: to create synergies between scientists from different disciplines to help develop nanobiotechnology in Europe. The Network is being supported by the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission and has successfully initiated 15 projects in the past two years. Among its activities, Nano2Life organises two large meetings a year, which gather all the participants of the network to discuss future initiatives. The most recent one was held in Sitges (Barcelona), from the 27th to the 29th of March.
EFB: What is the major challenge for Nano2Life?
Patrick Boisseau: “Nanobiotech is a real interdisciplinary area, a cross work of biochemistry, physics, health sciences, informatics and so on. There’s no physical place in the world, even in the US or Japan, no centre large enough to cover all these disciplines in the same place. Almost no organisation can develop fully integrated nano-devices for medical applications by itself. It means that people are forced by nature to work together because nanobiotechnology is a very recent field of research. The major challenge for Nano2Life to help develop nanobiotech in Europe is to make these people get used to working together and understand each other. For example: What are the common points between a clinician, a chemist or an engineer? Barely any, except for their years together in secondary school. Nano2Life offers European scientists from different disciplines the opportunity to create synergies and learn how to work together, not only to get better and faster results but also to implement new joint projects and activities that incorporate all phases of the development of nanobiotechnology.”
EFB: What is the first step to open a dialogue between scientists from different disciplines?
PB: “You have to go back to basics in the basic disciplines such as chemistry and biochemistry so that people have the common background. It could be, for instance, that the last time an engineer heard about molecular genomics was at school, or that a scientist chose to be an engineer because he hated bioengineering. In any case, training people into a new complementary field is the first step of the process. The afternoon prior to the bi-annual meetings of the network Nano2Life offers tutorials on very basic areas such as Biochemistry for Dummies. The sessions are a real success. We’ve already organised more than 10 different tutorials on this and we will continue.”
EFB: Nano2Life’s team has been working for more than 2 years now. How has the network evolved?
PB: “In the beginning nobody knew anybody, the people were very shy and cautious; they wouldn’t present the hot topics at the bi-annual meetings. Two years later, after many meetings with all the participants of the network, people are already connected to each other. I hope in two years time the networking activities will have increased even more. Nano2Life is lucky to be one of the few successful Networks of Excellence, and I think one of the main success factors is that the scientists have a clear commitment to participate in the meetings and in joint projects. After two years of operations, Nano2Life has been quite successful: more than 15 projects have been successfully initiated covering a wide range of topics, from medical applications to environmental monitoring and in vitro diagnostics.”
EFB: The future sounds promising…
PB: “Definitely. If you look at the long-term future, the potential for nanobiotech is so huge that it’s just a question of time and investment in resources. Sometimes you hear people saying it is the Third revolution and in a way, it’s true. Nanobiotechnology could bring totally new concepts that would change significantly the future. To be honest, I don’t know what the future of Nano2Life will be. This project will officially stop the first of February 2008, but we are already working on different follow-ups depending on the different activities we will want to support. This is a long term investment in networking which is really needed in Europe, and not only for academic research but for industry competitiveness.”
EFB: Is Europe offering enough funding to help develop Nanobiotechnology?
PB: “Nano2Life is receiving strong support from the European Commission. It’s true that the Network would do better with more financial resources, but money is not the only success factor. People shouldn’t work together only for economic reasons because when the funding stops everything would collapse. I’m optimistic about the future of Nano2Life, but it needs to be a permanent investment. We are trying to make some kind of follow up for Nano2Life to make it more sustainable, mainly because this area is too young and there’s not enough industry at the moment. To become more sustainable our main asset is the commitment of the people and the organisations to Nano2Life. If Europe would invest two or three times more than now, that wouldn’t mean we would go two or three times further. Money is not the limitation, but the gap between disciplines and organisations. The only way to reach that gap is time, and you cannot reduce time. Let me give you an example. In my organisation in France we started setting up a laboratory run by biologists. It started with three biologists and it went up very quickly to twenty people. As an experiment, we decided to move the biologists to the department of engineering, where they would be surrounded by people with no knowledge about basic cell and molecular biology.”
EFB: What happened?
PB: “This experiment has been done several times in different places. The results are clear. It takes a long time to get some exchanges and cooperation between biologists and engineers. Three to five years is the average time, and even if you invest a lot of money you will not be able to shorten that amount of time. It’s the time needed to learn the basics in other disciplines and interconnect them together. And then again, even if you had doubled the number of scientists you wouldn’t have gone faster.”
EFB: Nano2Life is not focusing on science alone. It has also set up an Ethics Board composed of experts from various fields. What are the main tasks of the Board?
PB: “The Ethics Board is composed of a dozen European experts from many different fields, some of them unusual fields for me such as Humanities, Anthropology, Sociology, Law and Theology. Among the several tasks of the board, one is to inform the scientists what the possible ethical implications of their work are. Many scientists believe there are no ethical issues in their work, and in a way that can be true if they are only looking at their experiment by itself. But they need to understand that when a device is designed for a specific application to be used in a specific environment, some ethical issues may be raised. The Ethics Board also gives advice to scientists regarding any potential ethical issues the projects could raise in the future. Converging technologies for neuroscience applications, for instance, is one of the obvious areas where ethics should be brought in from the beginning because it means addressing brains. In vitro diagnostics implies less ethical issues than in vivo diagnostics, but it could still raise potential ethical problems. Imagine that you were able to diagnose a lot of diseases at the same time. Could we produce in vitro diagnostic devices to be used by the patient at home to detect diseases? What would happen if the disease couldn’t be cured? Can we sell devices that detect cancer at a very early stage? Could you imagine you as a patient being able to make a test at home and discover by yourself that you’re sensitive to a specific kind of cancer? Ethical issues are not focused just on in vivo applications but on many others.
The main task of Nano2Life is to initiate a dialog between the ethicists and the scientific project leaders because they are coming from very different worlds. Scientists that have a limited knowledge about ethics try to do their best to explain to ethicists what they are doing. So far no major ethical issues have been raised by these dialogues, but now that we are addressing some projects in converging technologies I think we will have a deeper discussion. Nano2Life is the only network with this kind of Ethics Board, which has been recognised by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, a high level group of ethics acting as an advisory board for the European Commission.”
EFB: Has Nano2Life recently launched any targeted initiatives for Cancer?
PB: “The American National Cancer Institute (NCI) launched more than a year ago the Nano for Cancer Initiative. They analyzed what advantages nanotechnologies could bring to each of the stages of cancer from predisposition, screening, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment to recovery and so on. Many projects have been funded from this initiative. Our goal is to implement exactly the same initiative in Europe. Within Nano2Life we already have a group dealing with Nano and Cancer, which among other activities, is organising the Cancer Nanotech Conference [Paris, 16-19 May 2006] with the support of the French National Cancer Institute. Stating that Nano would cure cancer by 2015 would be a lie, but it is a fact that nanobiotechnology has the potential to deliver innovative tools that can transform promising molecular discoveries into benefits for cancer patients.”
EFB: Is Nano2Life taking action to increase the presence of women in Science?
PB: “The well-known figures about the gap between men and women in science mention a ‘leaky pipeline’. The PhD labour is, in all disciplines, 50% men and 50% women. It is at increasingly senior positions such as the professorship level, that the labour statistics by gender change to 15% women and 85% men. Nano2Life is taking action to tackle this question, but this initiative doesn’t come from our network alone. All EC funded projects should propose how to raise the participation of women in science and in management. We have organised several activities such as courses to improve leadership and suggesting actions to promote gender equality on Human Resources management. Among other initiatives, last September we launched a mentoring program to help young women scientists promote their careers by offering them advice, and we are now working on promoting research topics and joint projects addressing women specific diseases such as breast cancer.”
EFB: What is the level of involvement of companies in Nano2Life?
PB: “Prior to the application for our project to the European Commission more than two years ago, we invited twelve companies to our meetings so that they could contribute to the definition of the project. We asked them what they needed, what their wishes were and what commitment they were able to make. They told us very clearly that they didn’t want to be involved in management, but they wanted to have access to information and be involved in the research projects from the early stages. They participate in the meetings and provide information bringing a lot of input in terms of expressing the market needs. As you know, academic partners are often not sufficiently aware of what the market needs are. That’s why companies also play a very important role in improving and implementing our program of activities.”
EFB: In your opinion, which European countries are providing the most support for Nanobiotechnology?
PB: “For historical reasons, Germany would rank first. The German government is ahead thanks to the launch, a few years ago, of a national program to support nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology. The second country in terms of investments and available expertise I would say is France. The United Kingdom is a particular case because it is really good in nanoscience, the most fundamental research and the underlying basis of the development of nanobiotechnology, but for some reason they do not participate significantly in most of the projects. We are in the process of trying to commit them much more in FP7 because the UK has really good scientists and companies, and Europe would definitely benefit from their participation in the future. Spain, although it has had a late emergence, is now running very fast. I’m very impressed by the way the Spanish organisations are able to quickly and efficiently work together with public and private partners. Let me illustrate this with an example. When the European Commission initiated less than a year ago the European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine, the Spanish people were able to organise the Spanish National Technology Platform on Nanomedicine within only 4 to 5 months. No other country has been able to do the same.”
EFB: What’s your vision for Nanobiotechnology?
PB: “The key question for me is what will be the industry leading nanobiotechnology. So far we have biotech and pharmaceutical companies, equipment suppliers, drug carriers and other companies interested one way or another in nanobiotechnology, but none of the industrial sectors is yet leading the field. It means that sooner or later, a specific industry will end up leading the sector, and the direction for future research will depend on who is leading the market at the time.”
Contact Info:
Anna Alsina
Communications Coordinator
EFB Central Office
Pg. Lluis Companys 23
Barcelona, 08010, Spain
Tel: +34 93 268 77 03
Fax: +34 93 268 45 00
E-mail: anna@efb-central.org
News > News about the EFB
News about the EFB
News and announcements about the European Federation of Biotechnology
- Education and Training in Biotechnology: A Concerted Approach
Yasmine Hammamet, 29/03/2006 - Professor Charlie Bryce, EFB Vice President, was invited to the First Mediterranean Congress on Biotechnology to present the opening Plenary Lecture entitled “Education and Training in Biotechnology: A Concerted Approach”.
- Marc Van Montagu elected EFB President
Barcelona, 23/01/2006 - Professor Marc Van Montagu, who has received numerous awards for his pioneering scientific work, has been elected new president of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB). He officially took office at the last Executive Board meeting of the Federation in Barcelona on January 14.
- EFB holds its 2005 General Assembly in Copenhagen
Denmark, 22/08/2005 - The General Assembly, the first since the recent granting of legal status to the EFB, took place alongside the 12th European Congress on Biotechnology, also held at the Technical University of Denmark campus from the 21st to the 24th of August.
- EFB relocates to Barcelona and obtains legal status
Barcelona, 31/05/2005 - The European Federation of Biotechnology was established as a legal entity under Belgian law in May 2005. This is the fulfilment of a process initiated in Madrid in 2001 to undertake the first major reorganisation of EFB since its foundation in 1978.
News > Interviews
Interviews
Latest interviews about biotechnology and the European Federation of Biotechnology
> Interview With Dr. Yongzhang Luo
Interview With Dr. Yongzhang Luo
Dr. Yongzhang Luo, President and Chief Scientist of Medgenn and Head of Laboratory of Protein Chemistry at Tsinghua University
“The clinical trials showed that Endostar has promising therapeutic effects on non-small cell lung cancer”
March 2006 - The State Food and Drug Administration of China has recently approved a new type of anti-cancer drug named Endostar, which restrains tumors by cutting nutrition supply to them. Developed by Dr. Luo Yongzhang, President and Chief Scientist of the bio-pharmaceutical company Medgenn, the new drug has won a patent in China and applied for two more patents in the United States. Although Endostar has only been tested in China, Dr. Luo plans to seek US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
-Endostar has been specifically developed to combat non-small cell lung cancer. How would you describe the significance of this new drug?
“The target of Endostar is on endothelial cells, which are genetically stable. Endostar could inhibit tumour growth without inducing drug resistance. Unlike chemotherapy drugs, Endostar has virtually low toxicity, because it acts only on the endothelial cells of neoblood vessels, without harming other cells. According to the previous reports and our own discoveries, Endostar has very broad anti-cancer spectrum, and can be combined therapeutically with most of chemotherapy drugs.”
-Endostar is intended to be an improved version of Endostatin. What does this new anti-cancer drug offer that Endostatin did not?
“Endostatin was first reported as an endogenous tumor inhibitor by Dr. Judah Folkman in 1997. Endostar is a modified version of human Endostatin, and bears 9 extra amino acid at its N-terminal. Endostar was engineered to contain one more zinc binding site to make it more stable. The clinical trials showed that Endostar has promising therapeutic effects on non-small cell lung cancer.
Compared with Endostatin, Endostar has the following merits: higher expression level in E.coli expression system, more stable, more potent, conformationly homogeneous, more soluble.”
-Endostar has already been approved by Chinese authorities after the drug showed promising results in human clinical trials between 2001 and 2004 on Chinese patients with cell lung cancer. What did the results show?
“Since I am not a medical doctor, I can only quote part of the clinical trial summary from the medical doctors who performed the human clinical trials: “Trials between 2001 and 2004 on 493 Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer – the most common kind – revealed that 35.4% of patients who received Endostar along with chemotherapy showed substantial tumor shrinkage, compared with 19.5% for those who received just chemotherapy…”.
The median time for tumour progression (mTTP) for patients on Endostar along with chemotherapy and for those who got chemotherapy alone are also being monitored, and the exact data is not available to me at the present.”
-One of your goals is to bring this new drug to patients in the US. What are the chances of gaining the Food & Drug Administration’s approval?
“The Drug Manufacturing Certificate has just been issued by the State Food and Drug Administration of China (SFDA), so Endostar is going to be on the Chinese market anytime from now on. But our goal is to bring Endostar to the cancer patients in the world. Although the clinical trials follow the WHO standard, it has only been tested in China, and it’s not clear whether these trials have met the U.S. and European standards. Currently we are in talks with potential partners to work together to conduct additional clinical trails if required to seek US FDA approval.”
More articles about Endostar:
Dr. Yongzhang Luo (China, 1962) obtained his Ph.D. degree from the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California at Berkeley in 1993. Dr. Luo was appointed as a professor at the Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at Tsinghua University in 2000. He is currently head of the Laboratory of Protein Chemistry at Tsinghua University.
Medgenn Co. Ltd., located in Yantai city, Shandong Province, China, was established in June 1999. Medgenn is a bio-pharmaceutical company focusing on the research and development as well as commercialization of therapeutic drugs such as novel anti-cancer drugs. Inspired by bringing longer, happier, and healthier life to people, Medgenn is dedicated to the development of novel therapeutic drugs.
> 11th European Congress on Biotechnology
11th European Congress on Biotechnology
24 -29 August 2003
Basel, Switzerland
The 11th European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB11) was organised by the Swiss Coordination Committee for Biotechnology of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences in collaboration with the Convention Center Basel, on behalf of the Swiss member societies of the European Federation of Biotechnology.
The Congress offered Symposia dedicated to the most recent developments and achievements in modern Biotechnology and aimed at bridging the gaps and promoting the open dialogue between Molecular and Engineering Biosciences, Academia and Industry, Bioscience and Society.
Selected topics for the Congress:
- Biotechnology for Animal and Human Health
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Microbial Biotechnology
- Functional Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics
- Array technologies
- Computational Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering Sciences
- Nanobiotechnology
- Protein Engineering
- Biocatalysis
- Biosafety
- Biotechnology and Society
- Economic Aspects of Biotechnology (Start-ups, Spin-offs)
- Education in Biotchnology
A parallel International Biotechnology Exhibition (industry, biotechnology organizations, technology transfer) took place.
The Congress has been organised by the Swiss Coordination Comittee for Biotechnology of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences in collaboration with the Convention Centre Basel on behalf of the Swiss Societies belonging to the European Federation of Biotechnology.
> 12th European Congress on Biotechnology
12th European Congress on Biotechnology
21 - 24 August 2005
Copenhagen, Denmark
The European Federation of Biotechnology is the driving force behind the 12th European Congress on Biotechnology, an important forum for international biotechnology research and development. The Congress, which typically attracts more than a thousand people, took place in August 21-24, 2005 at the Technical University of Denmark.
The ECB12 was organised by Danish Biotechnology Forum, Danish Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Medicon Valley Academy, on behalf of the European Federation of Biotechnology.
Main Scientific Topics
- Systems Biology (trinomics, metabolic engineering, nutragenomics, bioinformatics)
- Functional and Comparative Genomics (gene annotation, genetics, pharmacogenomics)
- Cellular Signaling (receptors, molecular interactions, signaling networks, pharmaceuticals)
- Stem cells and cloning (cell differentiation, reproductive cloning, transplantation, therapy)
Biotechnology Areas
- Industrial Biotechnology (white)
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (red)
- Food and Feed Biotechnology (green)
- Environmental biotechnology (blue)
Biotechnology and Society
- Biotechnology education
- Biotechnology and ethics
- Women in biotechnology
- Global life sciences
Keynote Speakers (invited)
- Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, Zebra fish genetics and embryology (Max-Planck Institute, Tübingen, Germany)
- Eric Lander, comparative genomics (Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, USA)
- Leroy Hood, Systems Biology (University of Washington, Seattle, USA)
- Matthias Uhlen, Enzyme Engineering (KTH, Stockholm, Sweden)
- Paul Nurse, Yeast cell cycle (Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, UK)
- Sidney Brenner, C. Elegans development (The Molecular Sciences Inst., Berkeley, CA, USA)
Contact:
Lars Haastrup Pedersen
Department of Life Sciences
Aalborg University
Sohngaardsholmsvej 49
DK-9000 Aalborg
Tel.: +45-96 35 84 97
Fax: +45-98 14 18 08
> 10th European Congress on Biotechnology
10th European Congress on Biotechnology
8 - 11 July 2001
Madrid, Spain
On July 08, the 10th European Congress on Biotechnology, held at the Congress Center “Palacio de Congresos” in Madrid, Spain, and organized by the Spanish Society of Biotechnology (SEBIOT) under the chairmanship of Prof. Rafael Mellado, opened its doors to more than 1200 participants from all over the world. In a series of plenary lectures, keynote speeches, scientific talks and poster discussions, important issues of biotechnology ranging from biochemical engineering to cloning, from biocatalysis to genome research and from microorganims to mammals were covered. When the congress closed on July 11, every participant could take home a load of new information and many new contacts.
At the beginning of the meeting, Prof. Pierre Crooy, President of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB), informed about a number of important changes within the EFB. At the General Assembly, held in the morning of July 08, new statutes were unanimously approved. This was a cheerful ending to two years of hard work by the Executive Board of the EFB, who had taken on the responsibility to work out and submit the new statutes. From now on, membership is no longer restricted to Learned Societies, but is also open to Universities, Institutes, Companies, NBAs and also Individuals. The Working Parties, for a long time the workhorses of the EFB, have changed into Sections, Task Groups or Working Groups. New Sections and Task Groups have already been formed or are under formation.
Contact:
ECB10 - SEBIOT (Spanish Society for Biotechnology)
Vitruvio 8, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Tel: +34 91 5613464
Fax: +34 91 5613464
E-mail: SEBIOT@orgc.csic.es
> Interview with Dr. Ismail Serageldin
Interview with Dr. Ismail Serageldin
“BioVision will present a unique opportunity for the international community to exchange ideas and develop a common vision for a better future of the sick and the poor”
Dr. Ismael Serageldin, Director Library of Alexandria and Chairman BioVisionAlexandria
28/02/2006
-For the benefit of our members, can you tell us what BioVision Alexandria is, and why it is not just another biotechnology event?
“BioVisionAlexandria is an unprecedented event enabling constructive dialogue to take place amongst all stakeholders contributing to the understanding, acceptance and development of Life Sciences. Individual experts from all over the globe, who not only represent virtually all aspects of biotechnology, its applications, and its regulation, but also the many nations of the world as well, will gather to discuss the different topics of BioVisionAlexandria 2006.
The three pillars of Science, Industry and Civil Society and their representatives will meet during the plenary and parallel sessions of BioVisionAlexandria 2006 to voice their social, ethical and economic concerns of the New Life Sciences, and underline the need for alliances, such as the European Action in Global Life Sciences, commonly known as the EFB Task Group on EAGLES, and others.
This venue will commence with a “Nobel Day”, as so successfully done both in BioVisionAlexandria and in BioVision in Lyon in previous years. The Nobel Day will be dedicated to Nobel laureates and will honor the scientists whose vision and perseverance in the quest for scientific innovation changed lives and transformed our world.”
-BioVision Alexandria 2004 focused on Ethics, Patents & the Poor. What is the main focus and goal of BioVision Alexandria 2006?
“Following the World Forum in February 2001, it was decided to widen the participation from developing countries. The Alexandria Conference, then called the Egyptian Biotechnology Conference, was subsequently developed in 2002, focusing on Life Sciences and Sustainable Development, giving priority to concrete actions between the North and South. As a consequence of the Alexandria Conference in 2002, it has been decided to alternate the two conferences, the World Life Sciences Forum BioVision taking place in Lyon every odd year, while the Alexandria Conference would take place in even years and is officially called the BioVisionAlexandria Conference.
BioVisionAlexadria 2006 will be dedicated to the role of the New Life Sciences in Changing Lives. The goal of the conference will be to promote the active exchange of biotechnological information, innovation, and new ideas and to encourage constructive dialogue between key players in the development of Life in order to better meet the challenges facing the 21st century with regard to Life Sciences, a vital step towards development and prosperity and changing people’s lives for the better. It will present a unique opportunity for the international community to exchange ideas and develop a common vision for a better future for the sick and the poor.”
-How can BiovisionAlexandria help the developing world?
“As a forum we bring together scientists from the north and the south; the exchange that happens can bring in new scientific knowledge to the south. Coordination and cooperation within the scientific community is essential for rapid, efficient progress and development. It is through the exchange of ideas, discoveries and policies that effective progress can be achieved. For progress, real progress, is when the deprived, the weak and the marginalized become the producers of their own bounty and welfare, and not just the recipients of charity or the beneficiaries of aid.”
-Why are Life Sciences important for the developing world?
“In a world undergoing profound transformations, globalization, the needs of the poor, the new rules governing international trade, all call into question the directions we must pursue to assure the universal ideals of sharing and benefiting from the enormous advantages offered by the New Life Science revolution since no area in science is moving faster nor will have a greater impact on people’s lives.
The development of BioSciences may have a dramatic impact, and may constitute a unique opportunity for developing countries to move forward. The appropriate use of these technologies, within strict ethical framework, should, at a relatively low cost, transform the living conditions of large populations.
The message launched from our previous conference in 2004 in health care was a cry for Africa and more specifically sub-Saharan Africa that is dying, plagued by many fatal diseases as HIV that affects more than 28 million person, Malaria affecting 270 million person, TB attacking 1.9 million person in addition to Cancer and various parasites. In Africa 90% of HIV positive patients have no access to health care and standard treatments. AIDs accounts for almost 10 million deaths per year the vast majority would be expected to be in Africa, which hosts the largest number of cases. This requires more research efforts towards developing vaccines and cures.”
-What are the greatest challenges facing the 21st century with regard to Life Sciences?
“The wealth of new medical knowledge resulting from discoveries in basic science and the advancement of science in the health and medicine arena, the effective translation of this knowledge into new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, local health needs, biotechnology for affordable medicines, infectious diseases, aging and the quality of life, affordable treatments for HIV/AIDS in developing countries are all key challenges for the research community.
In addition, issues facing global agriculture: how advances in agriculture have made it possible to grow more and safer food while protecting biodiversity and the environment, and why, despite good global agricultural performance, considerable regional differences still exist, the challenge of producing sufficient food to feed the continuously growing populations, environmental conservation, improving nutrition through biotechnology, genomics and bioinformatics in agribiotechnology and creating novel products from plants.
The role of translational research and the application of basic scientific discoveries into clinically germane findings is as important as scientific research. The challenges of moving from knowledge to health are enormous so are the complex steps separating the basic research done in a laboratory from a new drug or medical technology increase. Contemporary research fields do not necessarily match the needs of developing countries and the market lacks the incentive to spread best practice once a technology has been developed. All these issues present obstacles on the pathway from discovery to delivery. That in addition to trade-related issues, clinical trials and regulation, emerging health biotech industries in the developing world and the delivery of new agricultural products.”
-Why should European biotechnologists attend the event?
“Because of the unique structure of Biovision Alexandria 2006 speakers opportunities for partnership can arise specially north - south partnership as well as public - private partnership.”
-How can Europe benefit from BioVision Alexandria 2006? And from engagement with the developing world?
“Facilitating the development of Life Sciences through re-establishing the necessary dialogue between the North and South will lead to the emergence of concrete actions in the Healthcare and Ag/Food sector that could transform the daily life of millions and I strongly believe that collaboration will contribute to the achievement of shared goals.”
-Along with this important event, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is organizing BioFair.
“As an integral part of this conference, a special exhibition: BioFair@ BioVisionAlexandria 2006 will be featured, for publishers, organizations and industrial companies involved in the field of life sciences and related topics. An extensive range of exhibition and sponsorship options are available. These options range from providing student support or advertising in the Abstract Book to exhibiting products or sponsoring a conference event.
The Sponsorship Program provides an innovative way for corporations to make an impact at the BioVisionAlexandria 2006. Our sponsor benefits maximize corporate visibility and provide unsurpassed exposure to the biotechnology community in addition to establishing new contacts, meeting with strategic partners, researchers and financiers.
We know that all of the above will ensure that exhibitors can fully maximize the opportunity to interact with delegates. We are focused on ensuring our exhibitors and sponsors feel part of, and are fully involved in, the conference.”
-BioVision Alexandria has been held in Alexandria since 2002. Why Egypt?
“Egypt, the centre of the Arab world, along with South Africa are the two pivot countries in Africa which have the research infrastructure and the research competences, in addition to the special venue of the conference at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a vast cultural complex on the shore of the Mediterranean, almost exactly where the old Library of Alexandria once stood. The BA aspires to be a leader in the sustainable development of the region; a promoter of science and technology; a catalyst of reform in the region; an apex for networks and partnerships; and a meeting point for dialogue and understanding between people.”
-Is there a specific message you would like to convey to EFB members?
“The EFB aims to promote international and interdisciplinary cooperation throughout Europe and beyond. BioVisionAlexandria 2006 presents a unique opportunity for EFB members to foster such collaborations. The BioVisionAlexandria 2006 offers a 50% reduction in the registration fees for EFB members to attend the conference to encourage maximum participation from the European biotech community.”
To register, click here: BioVisionAlexandria 2006
Born in Guiza (Egypt) in 1944, Dr. Ismail Serageldin is Director of the Library of Alexandria and chairs the Boards of Directors for each of the BA’s affiliated research institutes and museums. He is Distinguished Professor at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and serves as Chair and Member of a number of advisory committees for academic, research, scientific and international institutions such as the Egyptian Academy of Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the Indian National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Dr. Serageldin has also served in a number of capacities at the World Bank, including as Vice President for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (1992-1998), and for Special Programs (1998-2000). He has received 18 honorary doctorates, and published over 50 books and monographs, and over 200 papers on a variety of topics including biotechnology, rural development, sustainability, and the value of science to society.
> Interview with Prof. Marc Van Montagu
Interview with Prof. Marc Van Montagu
“Europe has to be competitive in both fundamental science and applied science to become top on innovation”
Prof. Marc Van Montagu, President of the European Federation of Biotechnology
22/01/2006
Professor Marc Van Montagu has been elected president of the European Federation of Biotechnology. He officially took office at the last Executive Board meeting of the Federation in Barcelona on January 14. Born in Gent (Belgium) in 1933, Marc Van Montagu discovered, along with his colleague Prof. Jeff Schell, the gene transfer mechanism between Agrobacterium and plants, which resulted in the development of methods to alter Agrobacterium into an efficient delivery system for gene engineering in plants.
He has received numerous outstanding awards for his pioneering work, including the prestigious “Japan Prize”. He holds 6 Doctor Honoris Causa Degrees and has published more than 700 publications in international and national journals and books.
-Why did you accept the presidency of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB)?
“I felt accepting the presidency of EFB could be a unique opportunity to explain to our European societies the importance of transgenic plants and the economic and environmental potentials of biotechnology in general. I was instrumental in getting plant biotechnology off the ground by working out a basic method for gene engineering in plants and by constructing the first transgenic crops but I was quite astonished by its non-acceptance with society. I also see my involvement in the Federation as a good opportunity to improve communications with all the colleagues in biotech so that this science can be broadly applied.”
-What are your short & long term goals for the EFB?
“We could help stimulate capacity building in Europe to diminish the emotional and irrational attitude against transgenic plants, and therefore sometimes against biotechnology and science in general. Society should understand that our knowledge-based economy depends on R&D in the Life Sciences. New, less polluting production capacities, and novel consumption products are needed. Renewable energy sources are urgently sought. For this we need a strong scientific research. But we should be able to explain to society the importance of the contributions of innovations in the Life Sciences. Another goal is a better interaction between fundamental researchers in the public sector and scientists who want to contribute to product development and industrial research. Sometimes young scientists focus on fundamental findings and see as the ultimate achievement having their research results published in top journals. Being attracted to new findings in fundamental science is extremely important, but it is also essential to be aware of the applications. For instance, many agricultural faculties are not much interested in molecular plant breeding, although that is extremely important for the future. If breeders were in better contact with fundamental scientists it could be very stimulating because they would have spectacular and immediate results. In the same way we need better interactions between medical researchers and clinicians, between microbial molecular biologists and food chemists. Europe has to be competitive in both fundamental science and applied science to become top on innovation.”
-You’ve been honoured for your scientific achievements on genetic modification. What led you to focus on this type of science?
“That was serendipity. We worked on how a class of bacteria was forcing plant tissue to make compounds that were beneficial for the bacteria, and by doing so we found that this bacteria was doing genetic engineering. It became clear that we should use that system to do gene engineering in plants. Unravelling how these bacteria proceeded yielded the basic methodology for genetic modification in plants. At that moment, plant science was not really a molecular science, and it was an opportunity to open a whole sector of organisms of the highest importance for our economy and the environment.”
-Why is it now an important time for plant biotechnology?
“Medical molecular biology has always worked out fantastic new tools to study the very complex network of interactions in a cell. It is clear that by applying these tools to plant research we will be able to learn how to construct novel crops which will be the source for the commercialisation of a long list of compounds and new materials. I am convinced we will be able to modify softwood into hardwood and we will be able to construct faster growing trees. We need economically acceptable reforestation to stop the destruction of the remaining tropical forest. In poor areas we need fast growing shrubs and trees for firewood. It’s a question of surviving. It will be a fantastic achievement when we discover how to grow completely new trees. Plant biotechnology will also be able to stimulate the economy in developing countries where food production is a problem. Biotechnology has the potential to make, working along with developing countries, valuable products. The whole world equilibrium will be in danger if we don’t create value in these developing countries. That’s why I’m more than optimistic, enthusiastic, that it will happen.”
-There are people who think that the work in your field will revolutionise agriculture in the Third World eradicating the poverty, malnutrition and hunger. How can plant biotechnology help developing countries?
“Any technology can help if people can be confident that what they grow can be sold. In the first place, high quality seeds will guarantee having a good harvest not destroyed by pests. Better fertilizers in irrigation will guarantee better plant growth. But for sustainable agriculture we need plants that need less water and have a better uptake of nutrients so that less fertilisers are needed. That is were biotechnology will come in. Biotech has the potential to reduce the amount of work needed on the field. We have to understand how our economy is running in the world. Europe also came from labour agriculture less than 100 years ago. At that moment our countryside was like the countryside of most of developing countries. If you bring science and technology to Third World countries, organisations such as the EFB and organisations in developing countries will have to work together to produce better seeds to develop products, and to increase their income and production.”
-In a recent newsletter from a Swiss NGO, it was asserted that genetically engineered plants have but one purpose in developing countries, which is to secure the profits of big companies…
“That’s classically absurd propaganda by people with a hidden political agenda. They have no valid arguments against transgenic plants and they need to find something to motivate people. Now they blame the multinationals, but they themselves are the ones who blocked the development of small and medium enterprises in Europe with over-regulations that result in extremely high costs. At the moment, commercializing a new transgenic plant costs over 100 million dollars. Multinationals are the only ones that can afford to bring the new product to the market.”
-As useful as green biotech is it still meets with a lot of resistance from politicians and more specifically religion. What would you tell people who say that you shouldn’t alter Mother Nature?
“Believing that Nature is good is an emotional point of view that has always been around. But the truth is that Nature is very cruel. Since humans domesticated plants and animals, 10.000 years ago, they have been so unwise to let their population increase from 50 Mi to 6.6 Bi. To survive they have continuously altered their crops. They “engineered” new crops (eg. wheat) with the then available skills. Today none of the plants we use for food could survive in nature. Farm animals could not survive either. If you let them loose, the chances of surviving outside of a protected environment would be minimal.”
-What’s your opinion on the debate on the safety or non-safety of genetically modified foods?
“You can prove that genetically modified foods are safe only by correlating them to foods that have been obtained by “classical” methods. There has never been any accident caused by genetically modified food. These plants have been growing for 10 years, and billions of people have eaten them. There’s no danger for health of human and animals, and there’s no danger scenario for the environment. There were people who claimed non-safety in newspapers, but later on it was proven to be false.”
-What are the environmental benefits of using genetically modified crops?
“Gradually, we will be able to work towards organic agriculture. We will use transgenic plants that will need less fertiliser and that will be able to use less toxic chemicals that are degraded within weeks by the soil micro organisms. This results already now in a no tillage agriculture bringing a better conservation of top soil. We will construct plants that can detoxify polluted soils. Doubling yield per acreage might diminish the economic pressure to cultivate the last wild nature remaining.”
-Is the public concern about GMOs higher in Europe than in the US?
“Certainly, but why shouldn’t people be concerned when they read in the newspapers that GMOs could be dangerous? It is difficult to have one’s own opinion. The way of doing politics in Europe is very different than in the United States. The groups against GMOs are not so powerful there. There is a high confidence in the National Control Agencies in the US. All the organisations involved in regulatory affairs take science based decisions.”
-What is needed to reduce the public concern about GMOs in Europe?
“The commercialisation of GM-plant products that bring price benefits to the consumers.
The public sector needs to realise they have to speak out. If people are unaware of the advantages of using GMOs the chances of having people willing to take a risk and invest in new products will be reduced. Scientists cannot blame European citizens for being against genetically modified organisms. They should blame themselves for not being organised and for not interacting enough with the public. We will only have a mature planet if we have a world population that knows about science and that can differentiate between a false argument from a real one.”
-What is the incentive for governments to invest more money on renewable energy sources such as biofuel?
“All progress in economy comes from innovation, and innovation based on knowledge is always better. Governments have to support all knowledge around life sciences because it will be the basis of a future industry. A country that is not innovative and constantly renewing will never progress, and the truth is that Europe is still a little bit slow when compared to other countries such as China. There is still an enormous reserve of gas, but we need to explore all the alternatives. The technology is completely new and all the knowledge is still very recent. Nobody has been able to work on how to improve photosynthesis or how to solve our Co2 problem yet. We can see the genes involved, but we still don’t really know them. Fundamental research has to be accelerated and governments need to invest more in all aspects of Biotechnology, and in priority in agricultural biotechnology. In the 6th Framework programme there was almost no support for plant science with the excuse that society was against it. It was very dramatic for Europe. There should be special efforts done to demonstrate that life sciences are beneficial for society and have an application in Industry and production.”
> Marc Van Montagu elected EFB President
Marc Van Montagu elected EFB President
Barcelona, 23/01/2006 - Professor Marc Van Montagu, who has received numerous awards for his pioneering scientific work, has been elected new president of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB). He officially took office at the last Executive Board meeting of the Federation in Barcelona on January 14.
According to Prof. Van Montagu, one of his immediate goals for the EFB will be to “help stimulate capacity building in Europe to diminish the political attitude against transgenic plants, and therefore sometimes against biotechnology and science in general”. It is necessary that scientists “communicate with society to clarify how important transgenic plants and biotechnology in general are for Europe”, said Montagu.
Born in Gent (Belgium) in 1933, Marc Van Montagu discovered, along with his colleague Prof. Jeff Schell, the gene transfer mechanism between Agrobacterium and plants, which resulted in the development of methods to alter Agrobacterium into an efficient delivery system for gene engineering in plants. He developed molecular mechanisms for cell proliferation and differentiation and response to abiotic stresses (high light, ozone, cold, salt and drought) and constructed transgenic crops (tobacco, rape seed, corn) resistant to insect pest and tolerant to novel herbicides. His work with poplar trees resulted in engineering of trees with improved pulping qualities.
Professor Van Montagu has received numerous outstanding awards for his pioneering work, including the prestigious “Japan Prize”. He holds 6 Doctor Honoris Causa Degrees and he has published more than 700 publications in international and national journals and books. He is foreign associate of the National Academy of Science (USA) since 1986 and the Agricultural Academy of Russia and France. In 1990 he was granted the title of “Baron” by Baudouin I, King of the Belgians.
The European Federation of Biotechnology is the non-profit association of national and cross-national learned societies, universities, institutes, companies and individuals interested in the promotion of Biotechnology throughout Europe and beyond. The EFB, established by European scientists in 1978, has 15 regional branch offices in Europe, and the Central Office is in Barcelona.
Contact Info:
EFB Central Office
Anna Alsina
Communications Coordinator
Pg. Lluis Companys 23
Barcelona, 08010, Spain
Tel: +34 93 268 77 03
Fax: +34 93 268 45 00
E-mail: anna@efb-central.org
> End of the Year Message
End of the Year Message
The end of the year is a traditional time to take stock of what has happened during the last 12 months, and to reflect on what we might do better in 2006. It is also a time when many of us, including our staff in the EFB Central Office in Barcelona - Alexandra, Anna and Christian – enjoy a break with family and friends. They and the EFB Executive Board all wish you good health, happiness and success in the New Year. Above all, we are most appreciative of your continued support for EFB activities, and thank you for it.
This has been an eventful year for the EFB. A new Central Office with secure funding has been established in Barcelona, and we can at last provide our members with the service that your loyalty and support deserves. Our three staff there enjoy excellent rapport with our colleagues in Brussels, in the Barcelona Bioregion Offices, and our partners at DECHEMA in Frankfurt. The new Executive Board elected by our Institutional Members in Copenhagen last August will take office in January. Many of you will already have benefited from the links between EFB and other biotechnology organisations: we encourage you to join those Institutional Members who have recovered their EFB membership fees through reductions in registration fees for major biotechnology events. Many more benefits of EFB membership are currently being organised. The number of high quality EFB-sponsored events will also increase steadily throughout 2006 and 2007, and our members will again enjoy reductions in the cost of participating in them. Our staff in Barcelona are there to help you: please help them achieve this by updating your personal information on our new database and website. The website also list a series of exciting meetings to be held in the next 6 months, and details of yet more will appear in the next six weeks.
In wishing you, your colleagues, and your friends in the EFB a successful 2006, please may I also invite you to consider playing an even more active role in EFB activities? Many of our Section Boards and Task Groups would welcome new, active members. This requires only a small time commitment, but it provides an opportunity not only for you to develop new collaborations and friendships, but also to bring to fruition personal ambitions to make an impact on the European stage. If you are interested in becoming active, please do not hesitate to contact my colleagues in Barcelona, or E-mail me directly.
We all wish you a peaceful and contented end to 2005, and a successful new year.
Jeff Cole
President ad interim
> Interview With Prof. Charlie Bryce, Vice President of EFB
Interview With Prof. Charlie Bryce, Vice President of EFB
“One of the key benefits of EFB membership is the networking effectiveness”
20/11/2005
Professor Bryce (Lennoxtown, 1947) is Vice President of the European Federation of Biotechnology, Chairman of the EFB Task Group on Education & Mobility, Secretary General of the European Association for Higher Education in Biotechnology and Head of School of Life Sciences at Napier University.
For the last ten years he has worked extensively with a number of colleagues in Europe, India, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Turkey and USA on a variety of issues relating to environmental pollution, curriculum development, teaching innovations and manpower and training strategies in biotechnology.
-What is the EFB and what is its mission?
-“EFB is exactly what it says it is - it is a federation or union of European biotechnologists united to provide added value to their own work and area of expertise. This is achieved just as much through interactions with other members in the same or allied disciplines as with members from disparate areas within biotechnology. The infrastructure based on subject specific disciplines (Sections and Associate Sections) and more broad-ranging activities (Task Groups) lends itself well to encouraging these valuable interactions. Not only is there a matrix type structure in terms of topics but also in terms of membership which covers individuals, large and small industrial companies, university departments and professional bodies. The mission of the European Federation of Biotechnology must be to strengthen and enhance these interactions with a focus not only on central Europe but more globally through formal collaborative ventures, courses, conferences, reports and publications.”
-What are the reasons that led you to undertake the position as Vice President of the EFB in 2004?
-“My first formal association with EFB was in 1989 when I joined the then Working Party on Education (later to be renamed the Task Group on Education & Mobility). The following year I was elected as Chairman of the Group and held this role for three years, following which I remained as a member. I joined the Task Group on Public Perception of Biotechnology in 1991 and have been a member to this date. In 1998 I was elected to a second term as Chairman of the Task Group on Education & Mobility, a role which I maintain to the present day. The latter role resulted in my serving on the Executive Committee and as a result I became more involved in the wider and more strategic issues concerning the Federation. In 2002 I was invited to act as Chairman and help to launch a new Task Group on Innovation until such times as a permanent Chairman was appointed. This took place with the appointment of Bo Heiden in 2004.
More recently I was actively involved with others in reviewing the financial status of the Federation, reviewing the Statutes, the election of the Secretary General, and the selection of the European Central Office. Thus, it was a combination of a long association with the Federation, an increasing involvement in a range of EFB related activities that caused me to be proposed and elected as a Vice President in 2004.”
-Besides your role as Vice President, you are also Chairman of the EFB Task Group on Education & Mobility since 1998. What are the main goals of the Task Group and what activities or initiatives are planned?
-“The EFB Task Group on Education and Mobility is composed of a network of scientists committed to higher education from a whole range of biotechnology-related scientific and technological disciplines and representing all EU member states. Its main aim is to promote higher level education and training in biotechnology through various internal and external networking activities. The Task Group has arranged various courses and workshops and also played a key role in developing a variety of European biotechnology education initiatives. This has included the Code of Conduct for Biotechnologists, the European Doctorate in Biotechnology and Professional accreditation for biotechnologists.
Like all other EFB Task Groups the activities undertaken span the different Sections and Task Groups. Thus we operate as a network of individuals with specific and active interest in a diverse range of topics in the area of education and training, manpower needs, curriculum content and mobility of staff and students. The work is undertaken principally through the execution of external funded projects. Collaborative interactions take place with internal networks such as YEBN, EFBIC, the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology and the Task Group on Innovation, and with external networks such as EMBO, EuroBio and BioVision.”
-How can EFB members become involved?
-“Existing EFB members and any new members wishing to join EFB should log onto the EFB web site and navigate to the relevant section relating to the Task Group. This will provide them with contact details and a list of current activities and potential new initiatives. The life blood of the Federation is its members and we, like each of the Sections and Task Groups, welcome new members with new and exciting ideas and lots of energy and drive.”
-The most recent workshop organised by the Task Group took place in Denmark during the 12th European Congress on Biotechnology and was focused on Biotechnology Workforce Development. What is being done at the educational level?
-“Many educational establishments have systems in place to gauge the needs of industry. What has become apparent for biotechnology, particularly for those who move into SMEs, is a need for more broad issues to be incorporated into the curriculum… what have been called parascientific subjects. These include topics like bioethics, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, public perception of biotechnology, and social and moral issues relating to the science. Clearly, the art is getting the balance just right in order that the “hard science” is not too diluted out by the inclusion of these broadening topics. A key feature for us as lecturers is to encourage students to learn how to learn rather than try to assimilate a collection of facts. This is important as a basis for life long learning since the concept of a job for life is no longer one that exists in modern life. A quote I often give to new young lecturers is “the art of a good teacher is to uncover parts of the curriculum rather than try to cover all parts of it.
I do also currently hold the position of Secretary General of the European Association for Higher Education in Biotechnology (HEduBT). This is the body which oversees the operation of the Eurodoctorate in Biotechnology scheme. To be awarded the Eurodoctorate the candidate must, in addition to all the requirements for the PhD at his/her own university, have successfully attended a number of credit bearing courses in the broad areas discussed above (bioethics, entrepreneurship etc.), worked for a short period in a laboratory in a European country other than their own, presented the abstract of their thesis in a second European language and have published a part of their doctoral studies in a refereed journal. The scheme is proving popular and the plans are to promote this more widely. It has been agreed that the Association will be a formal part of the Task Group on Education & Mobility and so its promotion within the Federation is a focus for the near future.”
-What kind of networking activities are you planning in the near future?
-“One of the key benefits of EFB membership is the networking effectiveness. For example, in organising a meeting this can lead to a range of new networks which in turn often lead to new collaborative ventures in the future. Thus, arising out of the recent ECB12 meeting in Copenhagen we have established a contact with the Russian Association of Biotechnologists. They are keen to map their activities onto the EFB infrastructure of Sections and Task Groups and are particularly keen to establish a European Focus on Biotechnology with Russia (EFBwRUS) Project. To this end I was invited to act as Co-Convener of their 3rd International Conference to be held in Moscow (25th-27th October 2005) and to present two papers, one on education and one on international collaborative ventures. I am certain, even at this early stage, that this association will flourish in the near future.”
-What is the purpose of EFBwIN (European Focus on Biotechnology with India)?
-“This has been modelled on the very successful EFBIC Project (European Focus on Biotechnology in China) and the interest expressed by the European Commission in collaboration with India, with the aim of establishing collaborative joint ventures with European and Indian partners on a range of specific topics. The project has clear objectives in relation to research, training and innovation.”
-What is your role in this project?
-“The initial work to develop the project started formally with a visit to Delhi by myself and Boerge Diderichsen, the then EFB President, during which a number of meetings with key personnel were arranged. Shortly after our return we met with EC Commissioners to discuss the matter further and to investigate possible funding sources. At this stage I will be acting as the EFB Coordinator for the Project along with my Indian counterpart, Dr B.M. Gandhi (Adviser) of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. It has been agreed that a Secretariat would be hosted by the Department of Biotechnology at the Ministry of Science & Technology (DBT) in Delhi and that this proposed arrangement could be signalled formally in the EC grant application.”
-A specific number of priority areas were identified early in the project to address biotechnological issues.
-“It was agreed that the EFBwIN project should be both pan-European and pan-Indian and that a small number of priority topics be identified early in the project planning such that each of these would address an important biotechnological issue and, in addition, have an excellent chance of success in the form of high profile deliverables/outcomes. Two topics areas that were identified as possible priority areas were informatics and bioremediation.”
-How can the EFB help to improve the collaborative work between India and Europe?
-“In designing the Project the matrix structure of EFB was seen as central to the successful prosecution of the venture. Let’s take as an example one of the priority research areas identified by the Indian Government namely, transgenic crops with pest and disease resistance and enhanced nutritional quality. Clearly, this would greatly benefit from collective consideration from members of the following groupings within EFB, the Section on Agri-Biotechnology, the Section on Applied Functional Genomics, the Section on Microbial Physiology, the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology, the Task Group on Safety in Biotechnology and the Task Group on Innovation.”
-How can EFB members, in Europe and/or in India, become actively involved in or support EFBwIN?
-“It was agreed that the complete list of all personnel who had already indicated an interest in being actively involved (plus those whom will be added subsequently on the recommendation of Dr Gandhi and Professor Bryce) would form the EFBwIN Forum. Members who are interested in becoming involved should contact me by e-mail to receive a template of information that is required at this stage.
We also agreed that the body overseeing and directing the strategic direction of the project and its deliverables would be a smaller grouping known as the EFBwIN Council consisting of high level biotechnologists covering the major scientific disciplines/sectors, Government and EC representatives, industrialists and possibly NRI representatives. A number of individuals have been considered, including members drawn from the Standing Advisory Committee-Overseas, but this will be further developed through considered future dialogue between EFB and the Department of Biotechnology at the Ministry of Science & Technology (DBT) in Delhi.”
-In what areas can European biotechnology benefit from scientific or technological inputs from Indian scientists?
-“In a recent interview for an article entitled India Wants to be Your Biotech Source, I was quoted as saying that India has “made remarkable progress in a very short time” and that this is “testimony to the confidence that investors have in the knowledge and skill base that has rapidly developed”. I went on to state: “It is more likely that India will represent a powerful and significant player in global biotechnology in its own right, and in this way, not by outsourcing, it can represent a very real threat to other national players”. Thus, in my view, the EFBwIN Project recognises the potential of both the European and Indian partners and is truly a win-win situation!”
-What message would you like to communicate to all EFB members?
-“We have seen a great deal of change within EFB in the last year: a new European Central Office, new office staff and a new Secretary General, a new Acting President with a new President taking up office in January 2006, new Statutes and a new legal status. What we now need to do collectively is to make these changes work and work well for the Federation. We have many exciting new initiatives that can only flourish if we all work well together - the future is bright!!”
Contact Info:
Anna Alsina
Communications Coordinator
European Federation of Biotechnology
Tel: +34 93 268 7703
Fax: +34 93 268 4500
E-mail: anna@efb-central.org
Members Directory > Private Companies
Private Companies
Members Directory > Learned Societies
Learned Societies
Members Directory > Universities
Universities
EFB Home > newsletter
newsletter
EFB Home > Members offer for Healthcare and Drug Discovery Reports
Members offer for Healthcare and Drug Discovery Reports
Reuters Business Insights, one of the worlds’ leading information providers, is offering EFB members a substantial discount and unlimited access for a single user for a 6 month period for its entire Healthcare and Drug Discovery portfolio (over 110 reports) .
These reports are based on a robust, consistent methodology, combining key data and objective, novel analytical frameworks to help you plan strategically. The scope of the report coverage is determined by a rigorous assessment of RBI’s audiences’ requirements and their authors’ industry knowledge. Reuters Business Insights has unrivalled access to an extensive global pool of production resources to commission the most relevant author for the issue studied. Such flexibility allows rapid response to market movements and key issues and their patented interactive format reports include both qualitative and quantitative analyses and are case study-driven, allowing users to benefit from actual examples of best, and worst, practice when formulating strategy.
The offer includes:
- Unlimited access for the entire Healthcare and Drug Discovery portfolio for a 6 month period
- Both PDF and interactive version included
- Future Global Business Insights titles released in this time period at no extra cost
- Access to authors and analysts to discuss further the trends and data used in reports
- Personal account manager to liaise with end point users to highlight areas of interest and ensure smooth running of account
Total cost: 6 month license - £4,000 sterling (the normal subscription is £12,000)
(Members will be able to renew a subscription after the first 6 months at the same rate of £4,000 providing they are still a member of the EFB)
Access to these reports allows the user to:
- Pinpoint topical issues and key drivers in each market
- Analyse established and emerging markets
- Explore major issues, threats and opportunities
- Identify issues of greatest strategic importance
- Gain competitive advantages
- Make informed and timely business decisions
- Gain an insight into industry peers’ opinion
To access the report titles please browse:
Contact Info:
If you are interested in this service please contact Pete Ratcliffe to set up a personal demonstration directly on 44 207 6757154
Pete Ratcliffe
Global Business Development Manager Healthcare
Global Business Insights
Charles House
108-110 Finchley Road,
London NW3 5JJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7675 7154
Fax: +44 20 7675 7170
E-mail: pratcliffe@globalbusinessinsights.com
Website
Activities > European Focus on Biotechnology in China (EFBIC)
European Focus on Biotechnology in China (EFBIC)
The European Focus on Biotechnology in China (EFBIC) is a collaborative project between the China National Centre for Biotechnology Development and the European Federation of Biotechnology. EFBIC is funded by the European Commission, and supported by the Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology through CNCBD.
The Mission
EFBIC aims to establish strategic relations between high-level decision makers in Europe and China in the field of biotechnology and biological science. With government, science, industry and public interest organisations, EFBIC works to encourage, develop and facilitate collaborations in research, training and innovation between European and Chinese scientists.
Activities
The European Focus on Biotechnology in China is one of the activities of the Task Group on International Relations. The main activities of EFBIC are to:
- Organise China-EU Workshops on key topics of mutual scientific and commercial interests
- Arrange and fund exchanges, visits and fellowships for European and Chinese officials, decision makers, regulators, industrialists and scientists
- Produce briefings on opportunities for joint scientific and commercial development
Contact Info:
EFBIC Contact Forum
All Chinese and European scientists, officials, and industrialists interested in joining EFBIC workshops, participating in other EFBIC activities, or contributing to the expansion of the Sino-European network in biotechnology are welcome to register as members of EFBIC Contact Forum with:
Prof. Brian Clark
Chairman of the EFB Task Group on International Relations
Tel: +45 8942 5055
Fax: +45 8619 1959
E-mail: bfcc@mb.au.dk
Publications > Biotechnology Timeline
Biotechnology Timeline
The website is hosted at the InfomationsSekretariat Biotechnologie, at DECHEMA e.V.
Publications > Fact Sheets
Fact Sheets
EFB Fact sheets aim to clarify recurring issues that are often invoked inaccurately in the biotechnology debate.
About the EFB > The Executive Board
The Executive Board
The Executive Board consists of all Chairmen of the different EFB Sections and Task Groups, the EFB Secretary General, and the Treasurer.
Three representatives of EFB-Academia (Learned Societies, universities, institutes or other science based public institutions), three representatives
of EFB-Industry (companies and National Bioindustry Associations) and three members from the Regional Branch Office managers are elected by the General Assembly and belong to the ExBo. Up to two co-opted ExBo members may be proposed by the President.
The Executive Board has the authority to decide on all activities and operations of EFB except those that explicitly require approval by the General Council. The ExBo elects the EFB President and two to four Vice-Presidents.
ExBo - Members
Prof. Marc van Montagu
EFB President |
Prof. Bernard Rentier
Vice President |
Prof. Brian Clark
Vice President, Chairman Task Group on Education & Mobility |
Prof. Charlie F. A. Bryce
Vice President, Chairman Task Group on International Relations & Phyto-Pharmacy Section |
Prof. Jeff Cole
Vice President, Chairman
Section on Microbial Physiology |
Jens Sundbye
Treasurer |
Dr. Roland Wohlgemuth
Chairman,
Section on Applied Biocatalysis |
Prof. Klaus Ammann
Chairman,
Section on Biodiversity |
|
Dr. Piet Lens
Chairman,
Section on Environmental Biotechnology |
Dr. Andreani Odysseos
Chairman,
Section on Medicines Development |
Dr. Arantxa Sanz
Chairman, Section on NanoBiotechnology |
Prof. Dr. Alois Jungbauer
Chairman,
Section on Biochemical Engineering Science |
Dr. Mike Taussig
Chairman,
Section on Applied Functional Genomics |
Dr. Wieland Wolf
Chairman,
Associated Section on Pharma Medical Biotechnology (EAPB) |
Francesco Lescai
Chairman,
Associated Section on Young European Biotech Network (YEBN) |
Prof. David McConnell
Chairman,
Task Group on European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES) |
Dr. Bo Heiden
Chairman,
Task Group on Innovation
(TG INN) |
Prof. Julian Kinderlerer
Chairman,
Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology |
Dr. Patrick Rudelsheim
Chairman,
Task Group on Safety in Biotechnology |
Dr. Diethard Mattanovich
Elected Member,
Academia |
Prof. Mathias Uhlen
Elected Member,
Academia
|
Prof. Joost Teixeira de Mattos
Elected Member,
Academia |
Dr. Carmen Vela
Elected Member,
Industry |
Dr. Valerie Frankard
Elected Member,
Industry |
Dr. Werner Wolf
Elected Member,
Industry |
Dr. Willi Meier
Elected Representative,
RBO |
Prof. Francesc Gòdia
Elected Representative,
RBO |
Prof. Peter Silley
Elected Representative,
RBO |
Christian Suojanen
Officer for Government & Industrial Relations |
Prof. Wilf Mitchell
Co-opted,
Academia |
|
|
> EFB holds its 2005 General Assembly in Copenhagen
EFB holds its 2005 General Assembly in Copenhagen
Denmark, August 22, 2005 - The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) held its 2005 General Assembly on Sunday 21st August, at the Technical University of Denmark, in Lyngby. The General Assembly, the first since the recent granting of legal status to the EFB, took place alongside the 12th European Congress on Biotechnology, also held at the Technical University of Denmark campus from the 21st to the 24th of August.
In addition to the normal business of the General Assembly such as reports from the EFB Sections and Task Groups, from the President ad interim, Treasurer and General Secretary, reports were heard on the establishment of the new EFB Central Office in Barcelona, current membership status and general challenges and progress to date.
One of the main goals during the General Assembly was to elect new representatives to the Executive Board, including 3 representatives each from Academia, Industry and EFB Regional Branch Offices. The new members of the Executive Board were elected from a pool of candidates nominated to the Central Office by Institutional Members of the EFB:
Newly elected members of the Executive Board from Academia
- Danilo Porro, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy (re-elected)
- Mathias Uhlen, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Science, Sweden
- Tomasz Twardowski, Technical University of Lodz, Poland
Newly elected members of the Executive Board from Industry
- Werner Wolf, Techno Venture Management GmbH, Germany
- Peter Silley, Society for Applied Microbiology, United Kingdom
- Carmen Vela, INGENASA, Spain
Newly elected members of the Executive Board from RBOs
- Francesc Gòdia, SEBIOT, Spain
- Willi Meier, Dechema, Germany
- Kornel Kovacs, University of Szeged, Hungary
Contact Info:
EFB Central Office
Anna Alsina
Communications Coordinator
Pg. Lluis Companys 23
Barcelona, 08010, Spain
Tel: +34 93 268 77 03
Fax: +34 93 268 45 00
E-mail: anna@efb-central.org
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Biochemical Engineering Science (ESBES)
Section on Biochemical Engineering Science (ESBES)
Biochemical Engineering Science is an applied science discipline comprising elements from the BioSciences as well as from the defining disciplines of Engineering Science, namely Physics and Mathematics, used to create models for Biological Systems in both small and large scale and to solve these models numerically in order to guide both experimental work and design of processes. Special topics of Biochemical Engineering Science include Analysis of Bioreactors and of Downstream Process equipment in order to optimize the yield of the desired products and of the productivity of the system. Thus, Biochemical Engineering Science can also lead to better control systems through an understanding of the systems dynamics, and through incorporation of molecular tools on a quantitative basis it may lead to the discovery and design of completely new processes or products for the Bio Industry.
The European Federation of Biotechnology established its first Section, the Section on Biochemical Engineering Science (ESBES), in August 1995 by interlinking the Working Parties on Bioreactor Performance, Downstream Processing, and Measurement and Control of the European Federation of Biotechnology. ESBES organises activities that encourage integration and interaction such as:
Bi-annual congresses on Biochemical Engineering
Courses
Exchanges of PhDs, Post-doctoral fellows and lecturers between European laboratories
Workshops on new developments
Presently the Section on Biochemical Engineering Science is an active association of 4 Working Groups:
- Working Group on Downstream Processing
- Working Group on Modelling, Monitoring, Measurement & Control (M3C)
- Working Group on Bioreactor Performance
- Working Group on Biotransformations
All European biotechnologists with interest in Biochemical Engineering are invited to become members of ESBES and take part in the activities of the Working Groups.
If you have further questions regarding the work of the Section on Biochemical Engineering Science, please visit the ESBES website or contact:
Prof. Dr. Alois Jungbauer (Chairman)
University of Natural Reources and Applied Life Sciences
Institute of Applied Microbiology
Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Phone: + 43 1 36006 6226
Fax:+ 43 1 36006 1249
E-mail: alois.jungbauer@boku.ac.at
Regional Branch Offices > EFB Central Office (ECO)
EFB Central Office (ECO)
The EFB Central Office is located in Barcelona, where the major administrative work within EFB is being taken care of. Membership administration, organisation of Executive Board meetings and General Assemblies, website management and organisation of the European Congresses on Biotechnology (from 2005 onwards) are some of the main responsibilities of ECO.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in case of general questions regarding EFB:
EFB Central Office (ECO)
Karsten Zimny, ECO Manager & EAGLES Executive Assistant
Marise Barrera, Executive Assistant
Olga Rocha, Projects Coordinator
Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona - Spain
Tel +34 93 268 77 03
Fax +34 93 268 45 00
E-mail: efb@efb-central.org, register@efb-central.org
Membership > Join Us
Join Us
Apply for Institutional and/or Personal membership:
Membership Categories & Fees:
| Company |
|
1 - 20 employees |
€250 |
|
21 - 100 employees |
€1250 |
|
101 - 1000 employees |
€2500 |
|
1001 - 5000 employees |
€3750 |
|
> 5000 employees |
€5000 |
| University |
|
1 - 100 biotechnologists |
€250 |
|
101 - 1000 biotechnologists |
€625 |
|
1001 - 10000 biotechnologists |
€1250 |
| Institute |
|
1 - 100 biotechnologists |
€250 |
|
101 - 1000 biotechnologists |
€625 |
|
> 1000 biotechnologists |
€1250 |
| Learned Society |
|
1 - 100 biotechnologists |
€250 |
|
101 - 1000 biotechnologists |
€625 |
|
> 1000 biotechnologists |
€1250 |
| National Biotechnology Association (NBA) |
|
- |
€1250 |
| Personal |
|
- |
Free of charge |
6th Framework Programme > FP6 - an opportunity for SMEs
FP6 - an opportunity for SMEs
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in European competitiveness and job creation that is considered highly important by the European Commission.
Therefore, the 6th Framework Programme for Research attaches great importance to the participation of SMEs.
15% of the budget is to be dedicated to SMEs
At least 15% of the budget of the seven Priority Thematic Areas (approximately EUR 1,700 million) is to be dedicated to SMEs. A further EUR 430 million will be allocated to Horizontal Research Activities involving SMEs. This means a total of almost EUR 2,200 million over the next four years, representing the largest financial instrument supporting research and innovation for SMEs in the world.
FP6 Budget allocated for SMEs
1690 mio Euro (7 Priority Thematic Areas via
Integrated Projects, Networks of Excellence, Stairway of Excellence)
295 mio Euro (Co-operative Research - CRAFT)
100 mio Euro (Collective Research)
40 mio Euro (Economic & Technological Intelligence)
Mobility Grants
Total: over 2.1 billion Euro
SME Definition
According to the definition of the EC an SME is an enterprise which:
- has fewer than 250 employees
- has either, an annual turnover nor exeeding 40 Mio Euro or an balance-sheet total not exeeding 27 Mio Euro
- is not owned for 25% or more of the capital or voting rights by one or more enterprises falling outside the SME definition (exeptions possible in 2 specific cases, see SME working document linked below)
Intellectual Property Rights
FP6 provides more flexibility and safety regarding IPR.
- The basic principle is that intellectual property must belong to the partner who generated the knowledge.
- Rules are identical for all participants.
- Rules concentrate on the principles and provisions necesssary for efficient co-operation and the appropriate use and dissemination of the results
- Participants may define among themselves the arrangements that best suit them within the framework provided in the model contract.
Intellectual Property Rights Helpdesk
This website provides basic principles, model contracts etc.
http://www.ipr-helpdesk.org
Project Type
The main route for SMEs to participate in the seven Priority Thematic Areas will be through Networks of
Excellence (NoE), Integrated Projects(IP) and Specific Targeted Research Projects.
NoEs and IPs
Participation of SMEs in NoEs and IPs will be actively encouraged:
- Evaluation Criteria
Proposers will be asked to indicate to what extent SMEs can best be involved to achieve the objectives of the project and this will be one of the criteria for evaluating the quality of the consortium.
- Targeting of Calls
Areas of particular relevance to SMEs will be given special attention and may also be the subject of targeted calls at a later stage.
- SME Groupings
The formation of SME associations or groupings will also be encouraged as an alternative route for SMEs that might not be able to participate on their own in the new instruments.
- Pe-allocated Budget for Take-up Measures
As technology take-up measures should be included, in IPs in particular, wherever appropriate in order to promote the early or broad application of state-of-the-art technologies, this will offer ideal platforms for presenting SMEs with the results of the research undertaken and encouraging the transfer of these results. In many cases, due to the nature of the project results, SMEs to be involved in these activities may only be identified in the latter stages of a project. In these cases the consortium would be permitted to provide for these activities when calculating the project budget and the relevant part of the Community contribution agreed during contract negotiations would be set aside.
- Extension of running projects
The increased flexibility of FP6 also means that additional SME partners can join running projects via competitive calls.
Specific Targeted Research Projects
Specific Targeted Research Projects will aim at improving European competitiveness and will be sharply focused. They will be similar to the Fifth Framework Programme RTD and Demonstration Projects, where SME involvement was very significant.
Horizontal Research Activities involving SMEs
In addition, FP6 contains two specific schemes for SMEs: Co-operative Research (‘CRAFT’) and Collective Research. These will address primarily the large community of SMEs with the capacity to innovate but with limited research capability. Any research topic or field in the whole area of science and technology, covered by Article 163 of the Treaty, in which the SMEs concerned have specific identifiable needs can be addressed by these schemes.
Co-operative Research (CRAFT) is a scheme whereby a number of SMEs from different countries assign a significant part of the required scientific and technological research to RTD performers. Projects are relatively short-term: their duration must be at least one year, with a maximum of two years. Other enterprises and end-users will be able to participate in Co-operative Research Projects, under conditions ensuring they do not assume a dominant role.
The intellectual property rights of the results belong exclusively to the SME participants. The other participating enterprises and end-users will also benefit from the exploitation of the results.
The first call for proposals will have two deadlines for submission of proposals:
25 March 2003 and
27 November 2003 with indicative budgets of
EUR 95 million and
EUR 60 million, respectively.
Collective Research is a form of research undertaken by RTD performers on behalf of Industrial Associations/Groupings in order to expand the knowledge base of large communities of SMEs and thus improve their general standard of competitiveness. They will be substantial projects of two to three years duration, conducted on a European basis. An ‘SME core group’ should contribute to the project, from its definition phase to the dissemination of the results obtained.
The intellectual property rights belong exclusively to the Industrial Associations/Groupings, whilst the SME core group will benefit from the exploitation of the results.
Selection of Collective Research proposals will be done in two steps: step 1 for outline proposals and step 2 for full proposals. The first call for proposals will have one deadline for submission of the outline proposals on
25 March 2003 and of full proposals (step 2) on
10 September 2003 with an indicative budget of
EUR 40 million.
Economic and Technological Intelligence
Economic and Technological Intelligence activities should address a specific research theme or industrial sector and, in the first call for proposals, projects should concentrate on:
- the participation of SMEs/SME Groupings in FP6, particularly in IPs and NoEs;
- facilitating the creation of groupings or clusters of SMEs that have similar innovation needs;
- the promotion of trans-regional co-operation between SMEs and
- the stimulation of networks of industrial incubators.
The projects will be carried out mainly by intermediaries (e.g. SME National Contact Points, industrial
federations, networks and associations of research performers, professional associations, chambers of commerce) working with/for the innovation players as well as organisations with expertise in Economic and Technological Intelligence.
EUR 200,000 to EUR 2 million. The duration of a project will be determined by the time necessary to obtain its objectives. Typically, the duration might be expected to be 1 to 3 years. Only exceptionally and in duly justified cases will the duration exceed 3 years. The first call for proposals will have a deadline for submission of proposals on 10 April 2003 and an indicative budget of EUR 15 million—>
Specific Support Actions
Specific support actions will also be funded under each of the seven Priority Thematic Areas of FP6
with the aim of stimulating and facilitating the participation of SMEs and SME Groupings/Associations in the new instruments. They will involve for example conferences, seminars,
studies and analyses, working groups and expert groups, operational support and dissemination,
information and communication activities, or a combination of these, as appropriate in each case.
Source: mainly CORDIS SME website and EC SME Working Document
Contact Info:
Information and Assistance
NCPs - National Contact Points
Get a list of NCPs in your country. The NCP network was set up under FP5 ans is a main provider of advice and individual assistance in all Member States and Associated States.
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/ncp.htm
IRCs - Innovation Relay Centers
The mission of IRCs is to support Innovation and transnational co-operation in Europe with a range of business support services, with a special focus on SMEs.
http://irc.cordis.lu/whoswho/
SME Support
Working Document outlining special support measures for SMEs in FP6
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/pdf/sme-support_en.pdf
SME Helpdesk
Directorate General for Research, European Commission, 1049 Brussels, Belgium.
Tel: +32-2-295 71 75; Fax: +32-2-295 71 10
E-mail: research-sme@cec.eu.int
Website: http://www.cordis.lu/sme
Intellectual Property Rights Helpdesk
Basic principles, model contracts etc.
http://www.ipr-helpdesk.org
CORDIS
A free service provided by the European Commission’s Innovation/SMEs programme. CORDIS offers access to a wide range of information on EU research and innovation development activities and searchable databases.
http://www.cordis.lu/en/home.html
FP6 information can be found at:
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/
CORDIS project partner database
to search FP6 partners and to publish an own profile:
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/partners.htm
Europabio SME Project
This EC funded project provides assistance especially for SMEs to find matching project partners in FP6.
http://www.bba-bio.be/smes/index2.asp
Interested SMEs are very welcome to submit a profile to the project database:
http://www.bba-bio.be/smes/Internet/profile_details.asp
6th Framework Programme > The 6th Framework Programme Launch Event
The 6th Framework Programme Launch Event
11-13 November 2002
Brussels, Belgium
European Research 2002: at the crossroads
From 11-13 November 2002 the European Commission has held a major conference in Brussels to mark the launch of the EU’s 6th Framework Programme for research. More than 8000 participants joined this event.
On 11 November, the Heysel Conference Center in Brussels opened its doors for three days to the more than 8000 participants eager to hear and see the latest information about the 6th Framework Programme for Research.
The conference started with the welcome by Philippe Busquin, EC Commissioner for Research (right) followed by the opening by Guy Verhofstadt, Belgium Prime Minister (left).
The audience was very much impressed by the keynote speech “The challenges of research in the 21st century” by Hans-Olof Henkel, President of the Leibniz Association.
This and other selected speaches may be downloaded at:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/conferences/2002/resources_en.html
The conference addressed all the main Thematic Priorities in plenary sessions and provided guidance how to participate in the FP6. Especially the new instruments Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence were explained. A special session was dedicated to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Many sessions were as crowded as this “Life Sciences: Genomics and Biotechnology for Health” session.
Besides these sessions, the Participants’ Forum served as a platform for researchers, organisations and other groups to present their work. During European Research 2002, 81 workshops and symposia were organised by the participants.
Additionally, more than 200 projects and organisations were present at the exhibition presenting interesting EU-sponsored research projects, European research organisations and national organisations having developed genuine European programmes for researchers.
Always crowded: the EFB booth was visited by many participants…
...to be informed about the European Federation of Biotechnology in general, the EFBIC and ASEM project…
...and to pick up some of the newer-empty bowl of sweets…
Further information is available at:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/conferences/2002/index_en.html
Speaches may be downloaded at:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/conferences/2002/resources_en.html
Picture Sources
Pictures 1-4 on this page were obtained from:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/conferences/2002/images-monday_en.html
Pictures 5-7: European Federation of Biotechnology
6th Framework Programme > Links providing information regarding FP6
Links providing information regarding FP6
The 6 Framework Programme provides an excellent opportunity for the Biotech Community to get access to European Funding. Small and Medium Enterprises are especially encouraged to participate; 15% of the financial amount available for the Thematic Priorities is intended for SMEs.
The first calls for propoals are launched on 17 December 2002; first deadlines to submit project proposals will be March 2003, the exact date depends on the Thematic Priority.
FP6 Calls for Proposals
From 17 December 2002 onwards all open and planned FP6 Calls for Proposals, the deadlines and the allocated budget are published here. This page also gives access to the relevant documents needed to prepare a proposal like the Work Programmes and to the new electronic online proposal and submission system.
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/calls.cfm
Priority Thematic Areas
General information regarding the seven Priority Thematic Areas
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/eoi-instruments/tp.htm
Help and Information Desk Addresses for the Different Thematic Priorities
Genomics and biotechnology for health: rtd-genomics@cec.eu.int
Nanotechnologies and Nanosciences: rtd-nanotech@cec.eu.int
Food quality and safety: rtd-food@cec.eu.int
Global change and ecosystems: rtd-sustainable@cec.eu.int
Intellectual Property Rights Helpdesk
Basic principles, model contracts etc.
http://www.ipr-helpdesk.org
FP6 FAQs
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/pdf/faq_en.pdf
NCPs - National Contact Points
Get a list of NCPs in your country. The NCP network is a main provider of advice and individual assistance in all Member States and Associated States.
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/ncp.htm
IRCs - Innovation Relay Centers
The mission of IRCs is to support Innovation and transnational co-operation in Europe with a range of business support services, with a special focus on SMEs.
http://irc.cordis.lu/whoswho/
FP6 Instruments
Information regarding the new instruments Intergated Projects and Networks of Excellence and the traditional FP6 instruments
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/nfp/networks-ip.html
Small and Medium Enterprises
EC Working Document outlining special support for SMEs
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/pdf/sme-support_en.pdf
Marie Curie Actions
Basic information for individual researchers or research organisations that may be interested to participate in Marie Curie Actions. The aim of Marie Curie Actions is to enhance mobility and training of researchers
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/information/publications_en.html
European Research 2002
The FP6 Launch Event, 11-13 November 2002, Brussels, attracted more than 8000 participants
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/conferences/2002/index_en.html
Lectures
held during European Research 2002 (including the information sessions regarding the new and traditional instruments) can be downloaded at:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/conferences/2002/resources_en.html
Expressions of Interest
Prior to the start of the 6th Framework Programme the European Research Community was invited by the EC to submit Expressions of Interest
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/eoi-instruments
EoI Database
The Expressions of Interest are published on the CORDIS website and may be searched for potential project partners:
http://eoi.cordis.lu/search_form.cfm
Call for Experts
The European Commission has launched two calls for independent experts for evaluattion of FP6 proposals and monitoring and reviewing of projects.
http://www.cordis.lu/experts/fp6_candidature.htm
Documents
“How to Participate”
This very helpful EC brochure provides easy-to-read information covering all relevant FP6 topics.
http://www.kowi.de/rp6/dokumente/download/how-to-participate_en.pdf
Model Contract
Model contracts for the new FP6 instruments drafted by the Model Contract Working Group set up by the Research Directorate-General http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/working-groups/model-contract/index_en.html
Official FP6 related Documents
e.g. diverse Council decisions; rules for participation
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/documents_en.html
Diverse Documents
e.g. brochures regarding Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/find-doc.htm
FP6 PowerPoint Presentations
Integrated Projects:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/pdf/ip-short.ppt
Networks of Excellence:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/pdf/noe-short.ppt
CORDIS
A free service provided by the European Commission’s Innovation/SMEs programme. CORDIS offers access to a wide range of information on EU research and innovation development activities and searchable databases.
http://www.cordis.lu/en/home.html
FP6 information can be found at:
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/
CORDIS database to search FP6 partners and to publish an own profile:
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/partners.htm
CORDIS helpdesk:
helpdesk@cordis.lu
CORDIS Express - a free weekly elecreonic newsletter
http://www.cordis.lu/express/
Europabio SME Project
This EC funded project provides assistance especially for SMEs to find matching project partners in FP6.
http://www.bba-bio.be/smes/index2.asp
Interested SMEs are very welcome to submit a profile to the project database:
http://www.bba-bio.be/smes/Internet/profile_details.asp
Partners for Life
Is a trans-national project co-funded by the European Commission and serves as a gateway to European research & technology funding for SMEs in the Life Sciences.
http://www.bit.ac.at/partners_for_life.htm
6th Framework Programme > Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest
Prior to the formal adoption of FP6 and the first calls for proposals the European Commission had consulted the European research community by inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI). Deadline for the submission of the EoIs was 7 June 2002.
This initiative assisted the EC in preparing Working Programmes and in defining the scope of the first call for proposals for FP6 envisaged
17 December 2002.
The participation of the European Biotech community was very high. Nearly 12,000 EoIs throughout the 7 Priority Thematic Areas were submitted, most of them referring to the new instruments
Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence.
EoIs and FP6 Priority Thematic Areas
Among the Priority Thematic areas most interesting for biotechnologists, the received EoIs are distributed as follows:
1997 EoIs - Life Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health
1670 EoIs - Nanotechnologies, Multifunctional Materials and New Production Systems and Devices
1008 EoIs - Food Quality and Safety
2831 EoIs - Sustainable Development, Global Change and Ecosystems
EoI Search
The submitted EoIs are published on the CORDIS website and also serve as a good opportunity to look for potential project partners:
http://eoi.cordis.lu/search_form.cfm
EoI Analysis
The full analysis of the EoIs received by the European Commission is published at:
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/eoi-analysis.htm
Further EoI Information
http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/eoi-instruments
6th Framework Programme > FP6 - General Information
FP6 - General Information
FP6 - 6th Framework Programme of Research
2002-2006
7 Priority Thematic Areas
New Instruments - IP & NoE
Structuring & Strengthening the European Research Area
Budget 17.5 Bio Euro (14.96 Bio Euro in FP5)
15% (2.1 Bio Euro) for SMEs (10% - 1.1 Bio Euro in FP5)
The 6th Framework Programme (FP6) provides an excellent opportunity for the Biotech Community to get access to European Funding. Small and Medium Enterprises are especially encouraged to participate.
FP6 concentrates on priority thematic areas and aims at strenghtening and structuring the European Research Area. The proposed budget for the FP6, which covers the period from 2002 to 2006, is 17.5 Billion Euros; 15% are allocated for Small and Medium Enterprises.
The first calls for proposals were launched 17 December 2002.
First deadlines were in March 2003.
The aims of the 6th Framework Programme are ambitious: Structuring and Strengthening the European Research Area. To achieve this, FP6 is focussing on 7 Priority Thematic Areas. Additionally, the new Instruments Networks of Excellence and Integrated Projects are especially designed to integrate the critical mass of research power; about 75-80% of the FP6 budget is dedicated to these new instruments.
The Thematic Priorities of the 6th Framework Programme
Out of the seven Thematic Priority areas listed below, the most interesting thematic priorities for biotechnologists are genomics and biotechnology for health, nanotechnologies and nanosciences, food quality and safety and sustainable development, global change and ecosystems.
| Thematic Priority | Budget (Mio. Euro) |
|---|
1. Genomics and biotechnology for health
- Advanced genomics and its application for health
- Combating major diseases | 2200
- 1150
- 1050 |
| 2. Information society technologies | 3600 |
| 3. Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials, new production processes | 1300 |
| 4. Aeronautics and space | 1075 |
| 5. Food quality and safety | 685 |
| 6. Sustainable development global change and ecosystems | 2120 |
| 7. Citizens and governance in a knowledge-based society | 225 |
| Specific activities covering a wider field of research | 1320 |
The Instruments of the 6th Framework Programme
The instruments listed below are available to implement the priority themes. The range of instruments of FP6 is a mix of three “new” instruments and “traditional” instruments similar to those in FP5.
Especially the “new” instruments Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence strive to mobilize the critical mass of expertise needed to achieve ambitious objectives within the priority themes.
Principles guiding their design - especially of the new instruments - were simplification and streamlining, increased legal and financial security, flexibility and adaptability, and increased management autonomy.
Integrated Projects
Integrated Projects are designed to generate the knowledge required to implement the priority thematic areas by integrating the critical mass of activities and ressources. The scientific and technological objectives have to be ambitious, clearly defined and of an European dimension.
The participation of SMEs is strongly encouraged.
IPs are open to participation of legal entities from ‘third’ countries; for certain groups of such countries, financial support from the EU is possible.
- Purpose: objective-driven research needed to generate knowledge
- Primary Deliverable: new knowledge
- Other deliverables: structuring effects
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Scale of effort: medium to high
- Community contribution: from several millions to several tens of millions of Euro
- Financial regimen: ‘grant to the budget’ paid as contribution to actual costs
- Consortium: at least 3 participants from 3 Member or Associated States, of which at least 2 are Member States or Associated Candidate Countries
Networks of Excellence
Networks of Excellence mainly address the fragmentation of European research and the strenghtening of excellence on a particular research topic by networking together.
The keystone of NoEs is the
Joint Programme of Activities. This JPA is composed of
Integrating Activities like sharing research facilities and staff exchanges,
Jointly Executed Research, e.g. developing new research tools and platforms for common use and last but not least
Activities for Spreading Excellence like a joint programme for training researchers and communication campaigns.
The financial community contribution is calculated on the basis of the number of researchers in the network. ‘A researcher’ has to have a PhD or at least four years of research experience; with a bonus for registered PhD students.
The scale of the critical mass will vary from topic to topic; larger networks are expected to involve several hundred of researchers.
NoEs are open to participation of legal entities from ‘third’ countries; for certain groups of such countries, financial support from the EU is possible.
Article 169
Article 169 is a reference to the article of the Treaty that enables the community to participate in research programmes untertaken jointly by several Member States. The purpose is the joint implementation of national research programmes. Article 169 may be difficult to apply; a first pilot project proposal concerning a ‘European and Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership’ was presented by the Commission to the Council and European Parliament.
- Purpose: support research programmes jointly undertaken by several Member States and Associated States
- Scale of effort: high
- Community contribution: from some tens of millions of Euro upwards
“Stairway of Excellence”
The “Stairway of Excellence” supports research activities of a more limited scope and ambition, particularly for smaller research actors including SMEs.
- Specific Targeted Research Projects will be an evolved form of the RTD projects and demonstration projects used in FP5.
- Co-ordinated Actions are an evolved form of the concentrated actions/thematic networks of FP5.
- Specific Support Actions are evolved from the accompanying measures used in FP5 and will support e.g. conferences, seminars, working and expert groups, information activities etc.
Specific Targeted Research Projects
Should be a sharply focused and take one of the following forms or a combination of both:
A research and technological development project to improve existing products, processes and services or to develop new ones or a demonstration project designed to prove the viability of new technologies offering potential economic advantages but which cannot be commercialised directly.
- Purpose: to support RTD and demonstration activities of a more limited scope and ambition than IPs
- Primary Deliverable: new knowledge
- Duration: typically 2-3 years (if justified, possibly more)
- Scale of effort: low to medium
- Community contribution: from several hundred thousand to a few million Euro
- Financial regimen: ‘grant to the budget’ paid as contribution to actual costs
- Consortium: at least 3 participants from 3 Member or Associated States, of which at least 2 should be Member States or Associated Candidate Countries
Co-ordinated Actions
Are intended to promote and support the networking and co-ordination of research and innovation activities aiming to improve integration. Activities are e.g. organisation of conferences, performance of studies, exchange of personnel, exchange of “good practices”, and setting up of information systems and expert groups.
- Purpose: to promote and support the networking and co-ordination of research and innovation activities.
- Community contribution: up to several hundred thousand Euro (in rare cases, millions)
- Financial regimen: ‘grant to the budget’ paid as contribution to actual costs, of up to 100%
Specific Support Actions
are intended to support the implementation of the Framework Programme. Within the priority thematic areas, they involve e.g. conferences, seminars, studies, high level scientific awards and competitions, working groups and expert groups, operational support, communication activities. Specific Support Actions are also implemented to encourage and facilitate the participation of e.g. SMEs, small research teams, newly-developed an remote research centers, and participants from candidate countries.
- Purpose: to support the implementation of FP6.
- Community contribution: up to several hundred thousand Euro (in rare cases, millions)
- Financial regimen: ‘grant to the budget’ paid as contribution to actual costs, or (if necessary) as a lump sum
Membership > Why Join?
Why Join?
Established by European scientists in 1978, the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) is Europe’s non-profit federation of National Biotechnology Associations, Learned Societies, Universities, Scientific Institutes, Biotech Companies and individual biotechnologists working to promote Biotechnology throughout Europe and beyond.
The Aims of EFB are to advance the responsible use of the Life Sciences, to promote research at the cutting edge of biotechnology, to provide a forum for interdisciplinary and international cooperation, to improve scientific education and to facilitate dialogues between scientists and the public.
The Mission of EFB is to promote the safe, sustainable and beneficial use of Nature’s resources through the application of knowledge in the Life Sciences and biotechnology. Membership is open to all organisations and individuals involved in Biotechnology with an active interest in and a desire to play a central role in the European biotech community.
Institutional Membership Benefits (Print Friendly)
- Promote international and interdisciplinary cooperation throughout Europe and beyond
- Foster collaboration between academia, research and industry
- Stimulate innovation & technology transfer
- Promote the socially and ethically sound application of biotechnology
- Organize workshops, meetings and the biennial European Congress on Biotechnology
- Promote training & education
- Improve understanding of safety issues in biotechnology
- Promote public understanding of biotechnology
- Prepare position papers, white papers, briefings, reviews and reports
- Maintain good contacts with and serve in an advisory capacity to the European Commission
- Disseminate information on EC funding opportunities and science policy issues
- Promote and defend the beneficial use of biotechnology
- Full and prestigious status as an Institutional Member and voting member of the General Assembly
- A voice in the direction, priorities and strategy of EFB and our communications and advice to the European Commission
- Influence industry & academic initiatives and public policy through participation on our sections, task groups, and white papers and initiatives
- Be informed of and participate in EFB projects, many of which are major European projects with an international focus and key partners around the world
- Inclusion of your full profile in the EFB Annual Membership Directory
- Build your network with the biotechnology business and research communities
- Information Services: Website includes news releases, industry & academic information and upcoming biotech events
- Subscription to the EFB newsletter: The EFB newsletter is an exclusive publication with information and special offers of interest to members, articles about EFB’s activities and editorial pieces (up to 10 named recipients)
- Inclusion of your full profile in the EFB Annual Membership Directory
- Access to members-only areas of the EFB website and forums
- Visibility for your institution on the EFB website, with a link to your site
- Free access to and announcement of job opportunities on the EFB jobs site
- Special discounts & offers on all EFB events
- Special EFB Member Discounts at many of Europe's leading biotechnology events
- Exclusive opportunities to reach our 4,400 plus members through EFB events and publications
- Participation and/or presentations at key conferences, congresses and related academic & industry events
- Complimentary invitations to EFB seminars and meetings open exclusively to Institutional Members and VIP guests (1 representative per Institutional Member per event)
- Eligibility to serve on the Executive Board and Management Committees
Task Groups > Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology
Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology
The Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology was established in 1991.
Its members have been brought together from a wide range of groups with interests in biotechnology from across Europe. The Task Group’s primary aim is to foster greater public awareness and understanding of biotechnology and to encourage public debate.
If you wish to become a member of the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology, please contact:
Website
Prof. Julian Kinderlerer (Chairman)
Sheffield Institute for Biotechnology Law and Ethics (SIBLE)
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN, UK
Tel.: +44 (0) 114 22 26708
E-mail: j.kinderlerer@shef.ac.uk
Dr. David J. Bennett (Secretary)
Oude Delft 60, NL-2611 CD Delft
Phone: +31 15 212 7800
Fax: + 31 15 212 7111
E-mail: David.Bennett@efbpublic.org
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Microbial Physiology
Section on Microbial Physiology
Microbial growth and metabolism play key roles in all of the major geochemical cycles of Planet Earth, consuming and replenishing carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and sulphur in the biosphere. Microbes can be extremely beneficial. They are essential tools in environmental biotechnology, biodegradation, composting, the supply of fresh drinking water, the safe disposal of sewage, and in food, wine and beer production. But they can also cause disease and food deterioration. Microbial physiology is the study of microbial structure and function, in particular, how microbial activity responds to changes in the environment. It is therefore the key to controlling detrimental aspects of microbes, and to exploiting them for the good of the human race.
The EFB Section on Microbial Physiology was founded on 17 August 1997, during an EFB General Assembly. One of its main activities is the organization of high-level scientific symposia. Major features of these activities are:
1. they are interdisciplinary, bringing together molecular microbiologists, geneticists, environmental and industrial biotechnologists and chemical engineers;
2. they are truly international, typically attended by participants from across the world;
3. all sectors are represented: industry, academia, research institutes and government agencies.
Meetings are organized at 2 to 4 year intervals around a series of focused themes that include:
- recombinant protein production;
- analysis of microbial physiology at the single cell level;
- microbial response to environmental stress;
- bacterial electron transfer processes and their genetic regulation; and
- the physiology of yeast and filamentous fungi.
Other activities include participation in short courses; drafting of position papers for the European Commission, and provision of expertise for European governmental agencies.
For further information about the Section on Microbial Physiology, please visit the Section website or contact:
Prof. Dr. Jeff Cole (Chairman)
University of Birmingham
School of Biochemistry
P.O. Box 363
UK, Birmingham B15 2TT
Tel: +44 121 414 5440
Fax: +44 121 414 5925
E-mail: J.A.Cole@BHAM.AC.UK
EFB_microbial_physiology_section_Minutes_2008.pdf
> EFB relocates to Barcelona and obtains legal status
EFB relocates to Barcelona and obtains legal status
Barcelona, May 31, 2005 - The European Federation of Biotechnology was established as a legal entity under Belgian law in May 2005. This is the fulfilment of a process initiated in Madrid in 2001 to undertake the first major reorganisation of EFB since its foundation in 1978.
Another significant recent achievement was the establishment of a permanent and well-funded EFB Central Office (ECO). Following decisions of the Executive Board (ExBo) in the summer of 2004, EFB advertised for tenders to host ECO. A committee of ExBo members evaluated the four bids that were received and recommended the proposal from Barcelona BioRegion and the Spanish Society for Biotechnology (SEBiot) to locate ECO on the premises of the Catalan Research Foundation in Barcelona. This recommendation was unanimously accepted at the ExBo meeting in January 2005, during which a preliminary agreement between EFB, SEBIOT and the Catalan Ministry of Research was signed.
The new ECO was opened with generous financial support from Barcelona BioRegion in excellent modern offices with first class infrastructure facilities provided by the Catalan Research Foundation on March 1, 2005. As from the same date, Christian Suojanen, who has extensive experience and an excellent professional background, was appointed to the challenging job of EFB General Secretary. These latest and significant developments are the culmination of many years of exceptional contribution to EFB by Professor Borge Diderichsen, Vice-President of Novo Nordisk Denmark. Since becoming President of EFB in 2001 he oversaw the very substantial changes in the structure and organisation of EFB.
Publications > Books, Proceedings
Books, Proceedings
Handling Scientific Uncertainty in European Environmental Decision-Making
Report of the Seminar, 17-18 April 2000, London (with Green Alliance and the Economic and Social Research Council, UK). Published by the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology
Ethical Aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology
Published by the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology (1999)
ISBN 90-76110-05-0
“Dialogue in Biotechnology” - Report on the Workshop on 20 April 1998 in Brussels
Published by the EFB Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology (1998)
ISBN 90-76110-04-2
Biotechnology in the Public Sphere: A European Sourcebook
edited by John Durant, Martin W Bauer and George Gaskell
Published by Science Museum London (1998)
ISBN 1 900747 09 X
Applied Biocatalysis
edited by J.M.S. Cabral, D. Best, L. Boross, J. Tramper
harwood academic publishers (May 1994)
ISBN 3-7186-5391-5
ECB 6 - Proceedings of the 6th European Congress on Biotechnology
Florence, Italy, 13 - 17 June 1993
Elsevier Science B.V. (1994), Part I and II
ISBN 0-444-89992-8
Recovery of Bioproducts
Study Report of the Working Party on Downstream Processing and Recovery of Bioproducts
SCI (June 1993), 130 pages
ISBN 0-901001-79-1
To be obtained from: SCI Publications Department, 14/15 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS, UK; Fax: +44(0)171 823 1698, E-mail: books@chemind.demon.co.uk
Publications > Review Papers
Review Papers
“Made by Genetic Engineering” Series
Prepared by the Section on Applied Functional Genomics (former Working Party on Applied Molecular Genetics)
Made by Genetic Engineering articles are re-published here on-line by kind permission of Elsevier Science, publishers of Journal of Biotechnology in which this series of articles are published. Such provision is made on the basis that further copies are not made for systematic distribution.
For further information contact the Publishing Editor at c.cherrington@elsevier.nl.
- Glucagon and LH (2000)
OLSEN T and DIDERICHSEN B, FONJALLAZ P and LOUMAYE E
Glucagon and Recombinant LH
J Biotech 2000; 79 : 185-189
- Glucocerebrosidase and Lyme disease vaccine (2000)
HOPPE H, CROOY P and LOBET Y
Glucocerebrosidase and Lyme disease vaccine
J Biotech 2000; 76 : 259-263
- Chymosin and Phytase (1999)
VAN DIJCK P.W.M.
Chymosin and Phytase
J Biotech 1999; 67 : 77-80
- Alzheimer tau test and Detergent cellulase (1998)
VANMACHELEN E, VANDERSTICHELE H, JONES B and QUAX W
Alzheimer tau test and Detergent cellulase
J Biotech 1998; 66 : 229-233
- Coagulation factor VII and Folicle stimulating hormone (1998)
HEDNER U, LUND-HANSEN T, HEIKOOP J.C. and OLIJVE W.
Coagulation factor VII and Folicle stimulating hormone
J Biotech 1998; 61 : 231-236
- Tissue plasminogen activator and Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (1998)
WERZ W and WERNER R and TILL R
Tissue plasminogen activator and Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
J Biotech 1998; 61 : 157-161
- Interferon gamma and rabies vaccine (1996)
FALKNER E and MAURER-FOGY I, TERRÉ J, CHAPPUIS G, LOMBARD M and DESMETTRE P
Recombinant interferon gamma for the therapy of immunological Eradication of rabies, using a rec-DNA vaccine
J Biotech 1996; 46 : 155-9
Publications > Opinion Papers
Opinion Papers
Prepared by the Section on Applied Functional Genomics (former Working Party on Applied Molecular Genetics)
- Future of Microbiology in Europe (1995);
- Microbial Diversity (1995);
- DNA Diagnostics and Gene Therapy (1996).
Publications > Briefing Papers
Briefing Papers
The aim of the briefing papers, prepared by the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology, is to provide information and does not represent the views or policy of the European Federation of Biotechnology or any other body.
- GM Crop Market Dynamics: the example of Soya Beans (2002)
This briefing paper discusses some of the key issues and market dynamics associated with the developing segmentation of markets into GM-derived and non-GM-derived materials. It concentrates on the example of herbicide tolerant soya beans which is the most widely grown GM crop globally and has been the primary focus of debate surrounding the issue of GM crop acceptability in Europe.
- Gene technology and ethics in the plant and foods area (2002)
This document is an abridged version of a two-part, 180-page report on ethics and genetic engineering. The report was prepared by the Centre for Ethics and Law for the Danish National Consumer Agency, which is part of the Danish Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs. The complete report is intended to contribute to the government’s work on a new Council of Europe convention which will lay the foundation of ethical principles for the development and use of genetic engineering in the plant and foods area.
The first part of the report, Gene technology and ethics in the plant and foods area: Conventions and declarations, was written by Peter Kemp and Kjersti Lunde. The second part, Gene technology and ethics in the plant and foods area: Regulation and national visions, was written by Peter Kemp, Kjersti Lunde and Lisbeth Witthøfft Nielsen.
- Biodiversity: the Impact of Biotechnology (2001)
Biotechnology, while controversial particularly in agricultural applications, has the potential to improve sustainability in several ways and is expected, thereby, to help maintain natural as well as agricultural biodiversity. This paper results from the combined contributions of scientists, industrialists, and governmental and public interest organisations across Europe.
- Antibiotic Resistance Markers in Genetically Modified (GM) Crops (2001)
The use of marker genes for resistance to certain antibiotics in the development of genetically modified (GM) crops has given rise to considerable public concern. This briefing paper reviews what they are and why they are used, how the safety of GM crops is regulated and the possible alternatives to their use. The overall aim is to provide balanced information and advance public debate. This paper results from the combined contributions of scientists, industrialists, and governmental and public interest organisations across Europe.
- Environmental Biotechnology, Second edition January 1999
This briefing paper explores the various areas of environmental biotechnology together with their related issues and implications.
- Biotechnology Legislation in Central & Eastern Europe (1999)
The aim of this briefing paper is to provide critical analysis of the key biotechnology legislation which has been adopted within the CEE countries.
- Lessons from the Swiss biotechnology referendum (1998)
This briefing paper analyses the Swiss referendum held on June 7, 1998, and draws conclusions from it for the broader European context. The text was authored by the Vice-Chairman of the Task Group, Professor Richard Braun.
- Dialogue in Biotechnology (1998)
This briefing paper, which results from a Task Group survey, draws together the experience derived from organising round table meetings with participants from different groups - industry, public interest organisations, government, retailers, scientists - around Europe.
- What’s what in Biotechnology? (1997)
This briefing paper aims to answer frequently asked questions about the developments in biotechnology and to clarify terms which are used interchangeably.
- Dealings with the Media (1996)
The purpose of this briefing paper is to explain, particularly for scientists working in biotechnology, how the media operate. It shows how specialists and journalists can work together in ways that are constructive and may be mutually beneficial.
- Patenting in Biotechnology, September 1996 (update of ‘Patenting Life’ paper, first published June 1993)
The techniques of genetic modification allow new characteristics to be introduced into living organisms, but there is debate over how far resulting modified life forms should be patentable. US law allows patents to be considered for all modified organisms whether they be microorganisms, plants or non-human animals. In Europe, a European Commission proposal for a Council Directive is under consideration to endorse the availability of such rights in all EU countries. This paper considers the scientific developments which have led to the possibility of “patenting life,” and the concerns about it.
- The application of human genetic research (1995)
The aim of this briefing paper is to review the scientific developments that have led to current and planned human genetic research together with the important related ethical, social, legal and economic issues. In this context there is the common need for information and understanding about these topics and therefore the overall aim of this briefing paper is to provide balanced information to advance the debate about them.
- Biotechnology in foods and drinks (1994)
The aim of this briefing paper is to review the scientific developments in biotechnology for the production of foods and drinks, to analyse the important issues concerning the public about them and to review the developing legislation for their regulation and labelling. The paper results from the combined contributions of scientists, industrialists, and governmental, environmental and consumer group representatives.
WeblinksEFB Home > EFB related sites
EFB related sites
WeblinksEFB Home > Associations
Associations
- Biotechnology Industry Organisation - BIO represents biotechnology companies in the areas of biomedicine, diagnostics, agriculture food, energy, environmental, and industrial applications.
- Euroscience, European Association for the Promotion of Science and Technology.
- BIOTRIN, a non-profit organisation for dissemination of information on modern biotechnology
- The website of the Belgian Bioindustries Association presents several links to Biotechnology Associations all over the world.
- BelgoBiotech, the Association representing the main Belgian biotechnology companies, created a new educational biotech website with many animations and selected links.
- EuropaBio - The “European Association for Bioindustries” represents over 600 companies and 11 national associations in the life sciences field.
- European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies
- AusBiotech Ltd is dedicated to the Australian biotechnology industry and to improvement of communication between all sectors of biotechnology.
- Biotechnology Australia is an initiative of the Federal Government.
- France Biotech
- Hungarian Biotechnology Association
- BioResearch Ireland - BioResearch Ireland (BRI) commercialises biotechnology research in Irish universities and research institutes.
- The Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA)
- NIABA is the industrial and agricultural association for biotechnology in The Netherlands
- Biotech Scotland - an initiative coordinated by the Scottish Enterprise Network Biotechnology Group to promote biotechnology in Scotland. News and Information from the Scottish biotech community and international biotech news.
- The Asia-Pacific International Molecular Biology Network provides a forum and mechanism for interaction amongst scientists and scientific institutions, supported by national and international agencies, and industry in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology and biotechnology, through a range of activities including promoting collaborative research, the provision of training and skill enhancement opportunities, and the dissemination of information.
- BioteCanada - Canadian Biotechnology
- BioGateway of Industry Canada provides access to information on Biotechnology in Canada and worldwide.
- The British Columbia Biotechnology Alliance (BCBA) is a non-government, not-for-profit trade association for producers and users of biotechnology located in Vancouver, Canada.
- Toronto Biotechnology Initiative. A non-profit organization committed to promoting the growth of biotechnology in Toronto and the surrounding region.
- The New Zealand Biotechnology Association Objective: improvement and diffusion of knowledge of Biotechnology in New Zealand.
- IUBMB - International Union of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology: devoted to promoting research and education in biochemistry and molecular biology throughout the world.
- The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization.
- American Genetics Association: Welcome to A World of Genetics Societies!
- ICGEB - Italy’s International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
- Young European Biotech Network - YEBN is a non-profit organisation with the aim to strengthen the co-operation of students and young Life Scientists throughout Europe. It’s aims are to create a network for international and interdisciplinary (start-up) projects, to determine young European scientists’ needs and give them a voice on the international level, to improve scientific culture and knowledge transfer to society, and to foster biotechnology and its safe, sustainable and beneficial use. YEBN is engaged in an active dialogue and co-operation with key organisations and institutions as well as industry-partners and political decisionmakers in Europe
WeblinksEFB Home > Information Services
Information Services
E-BioSci: Europe’s Gateway to the life sciences. A scientific information service which offers scientists and other researchers new forms of navigation through the dramatically increasing flood of biological information and factual data repositories. It will allow users to navigate from a data record in either a bibliographic database, a biological sequence database, or elsewhere to the full text of a relevant journal article or other type of explanatory information.
Enterscience.com offers a variety of continuously updated links to grant funding, travel planning, laboratory tools, conference lookup, patenting, product search, etc. The goal is to speed up research time of scientists on the web by providing a first screening of the websites available and directing the research towards the most efficient ones.
SelectScience is an independent information service for all laboratory scientists. It helps you to make informed decisions when purchasing. Key features include up to date news, jobs, conferences, articles and links to other useful sites.
The Brief History of Biotechnology hosted at the InfomationsSekretariat Biotechnologie at DECHEMA presents important people and events in the field of biotechnology.
BiosciRegister.com is a manual compilation of biotech suppliers enabling buyers to easily source manufacturers of biotechnology equipment for cell biology, cell culture, genomics, proteomics and more. Site includes new projects, free magazines, jobs, news and events.
DNA from the beginning, a recommendable website presenting detailed information organized around key concepts. The science behind each concept is explained by: animation, image gallery, video interviews, problem, biographies, and links.
AgBiotechNet, the online service for agricultural biotechnology, delivers an exciting range of content on plant and animal biotechnology. It provides easy access to information on cloning, genomics, genetic engineering, in vitro culture, biosafety, intellectual property rights and all key issues in agricultural biotechnology through news, reviews, abstracts reports, links, book chapters and much more.
An Overview of Biotechnology at the OECD
Yahoo! Biotechnology The most up to date webindex of biotech-links, news and infos
MedWeb: Biotechnology: Impressive, well structured catalogue of biotechnology-related sites
Biotechfind Search Engine A directory of international links covering the fields of biotechnologies and biofinances.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information: The NCBI offers access to the american bioinformatics databases,to the National Library of Medicine and to the National Institute of Health
The European Food Information Council: EUFIC is a non-profit organisation which provides science-based information on food and food-related topics to the media, health and nutrition professionals, educators, and opinion leaders.
AgrifoodBiz is a portal and B2B Marketplace showcasing ag-biotechnology. The site features agbiotech news, agbiotech event calendars, resources for researchers and entrepreneurs, tools, the agbiotech directory featuring Canadian, U.S. and U.K. agbiotech companies, organizations and associations searchable by category, name, and regional map, the AgBiotech Request for Quote Marketplace, the AgBiotech Request for Partnership Marketplace, the
IP-Out-licensing/In-licensing Marketplace, the Product Marketplace, and the Career Service.
BINAS Web. United Nations Industrial Development Organization: Biosafety Information Network & Advisory Service.
BioExchange.com is a global bio-pharmaceutical network integrating
community features, advanced e-commerce functions, scientific tools,
directories & an advanced career board for Life Science
professionals.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration All approved diagnostic drugs, therapeutics and food in the United States of America are registered here.
I-Bio
is a government-backed enterprise that presents a guide to the latest developments in biotechnology issues,
including stem cell research, cloning, GM foods and genetic engineering.
Science.ie,
one of the activities of the new Irish Governmental National Integrated Awareness Programme
and a member of EUSCEA (European Science Events Association), aims to provide resources for visitors
of all ages who are interested in science, engineering and technology. We also strive to increase
interest in science and encourage young people to consider science as a viable career option.
CIRS-TM.ORG,
the International Center for Scientific Research is a scientific portal that
references all scientific organizations, listed by country and topic.
EFB Home > EFB Regional Branch Office Applications
EFB Regional Branch Office Applications
The general tasks proposed to all approved applicants fall into two categories:
A: Standard Regional Tasks
B: Support and cooperation with selected EFB Sections and Task Groups (optional).
A: Standard Regional Tasks
- Representation to national government and regional authorities
- Coordination of regional and selected projects
- Coordination of or cooperation on selected EC (and other) applications
- Various contacts (ministries, universities, organisations, media)
- Arrange regional meetings, workshops, conferences etc
- Arrange meetings and workshops in the region for EFB Sections and Task Groups
- Regional membership campaigns
- Distribute info about EFB and EFB events in the region
- Ensure EFB presence at relevant events in region
- Establish data base on institutions and contacts in the region
- Disseminate info about EU (and other) funding opportunities in the region
- Facilitate EFB media contacts in the region
- Deliver regional information and data for EFB website, data base, EFB Central Office (ECO) and EFB Executive Board (ExBo).
B: Support and cooperation with selected EFB Sections and Task Groups
Regional Branch Offices which have an interest in doing so are encouraged to work with EFB Sections or Task Groups, and to consider playing an active role in these such as by hosting activities or providing the Secretariat.
Region
Region typically means country or region within a country, although in exceptional circumstances may include neighbouring countries or regions, to be specified in the agreement. Regional Branch Offices (RBOs) are named according to city or country of residence.
Income
Some of the above regional activities may generate income for the RBO subject to agreement with EFB Sections, Task Groups or EFB Central Office (ECO).
Sections and Task Groups
RBOs may support and collaborate with selected Sections or Task Groups according to individual agreements with their chairmen. To ensure proper coordination, new collaborations of this kind need to be approved by the President. The Executive Board may decide to discontinue selected collaborations if in the overall interest of EFB.
Duration
The agreement should be valid for minimum of 2 years and maximum 5 years, automatically renewable upon agreement of both parties.
RBO Fee
The annual EFB membership fee for a Regional Branch Office is €1,000
Important Comment
Please consider the above as guidelines describing EFB’s suggestions for specifications of a collaboration which builds on shared interests and mutual trust. The goal is to develop a mutually beneficial relationship.
Please note that RBOs report to the EFB Executive Board either directly at Executive Board meetings or through the Secretary General and Central Office. RBO delegates will be invited to each Executive Board meeting. All parties are expected to work in a collaborative, flexible and open-minded manner.
Application
To be considered for Regional Branch Office status, a formal application must be submitted to the Secretary General. This will then be discussed at the next Executive Board meeting, to which the candidate will be invited, and approval will be made by simple majority vote of the Executive Board. The application should include
- Formal letter of application
- Description of the applicant & overview of activities
- Description of how the RBO’s activities will support or be of value to the EFB
Guidelines for Regional Branch Offices
Activities
RBOs carry out activities serving interests in the various areas of research and technology and across the sectors of biotechnology covered by the whole EFB (e.g. innovation, education, public perceptions, international relations, biosafety), in close co-operation with Central Office and under the guidance of the Executive Board.
Organisation and operation
RBOs decide their own manner of organisation and operation as long as they adhere to the Mission and Objectives of EFB, are consistent with EFB Statutes and follow the guidance that occasionally may be issued by Executive Board. All activities carried out in the name of the EFB must be approved in advance and must conform to the general principles of EFB.
Status and agreement
Official status as an EFB RBO will be granted and publicized in all appropriate EFB materials, website and at appropriate EFB events. The specific rights and obligations of Branch Offices will be specified in a formal agreement between the Branch Office and EFB.
Funding and financial arrangements
From successful experience, funding for activities at the RBO can be from:
- conferences, symposia, workshops, etc
- contracts for European Commission-funded projects
- industry, as long as EFB interests and independence are not compromised
- national funding bodies, foundations, etc
- collaborations and partnerships with other non-profit and commercial organisations for specific activities as long as EFB interests and independence are not compromised
- journals and other publications
Activities must not deprive the EFB Central Fund, Central Office, Sections or Task Groups of any significant financial income unless agreed upon by the Executive Board. RBO managers are requested to attend the Executive Board meetings of the EFB. Travel expenses for these meetings should be covered by the RBO.
For further information, please contact:
Christian Suojanen
Secretary General
European Federation of Biotechnology AISBL
christian@efb-central.org
Tel: +34.93.268.7703
Fax:+34.93.268.4500
Biotech Topics > Made by Genetic Engineering
Made by Genetic Engineering
efb-central.org/topics/madeby.htm
Biotech Topics > Biotech Timeline
Biotech Timeline
i-s-b.org/wissen/timeline/englisch/timeline.htm
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Aarhus, DENMARK
EFB RBO Aarhus, DENMARK
Region:
The Aarhus RBO is located at BioMedico Forum and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Denmark.
EFB Activities:
Besides their regional tasks, the EFB RBO Aarhus is interested in supporting the work of the EFB Task Group on EAGLES - European Action on Global Life Sciences, the Task Group on Innovation, and the Section on Applied Functional Genomics.
More Information:
Homepage
Contact:
EFB RBO Aarhus
Dr. Jens Sundbye
BioMedico Forum
Forskerparken
Gustav Wieds Vej 10
DK-8000 Aarhus C
Phone: +45 8620 5080
Fax: +45 8620 1222
E-mail:js@ebiomedicoforum.dk
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Tartu, ESTONIA
EFB RBO Tartu, ESTONIA
Region:
The Tartu RBO is located at the Estonian Genome Foundation and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
EFB Activities:
Besides their regional tasks, the EFB RBO Tartu is interested in participating in the work of the EFB Section on Applied Functional Genomics and the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology.
More Information:
Contact:
EFB RBO Tartu
Mrs. Maris Vali
Estonian Genome Foundation
Riia 23 Str.
Tartu 50410, Estonia
Phone: +372 742 01 32
Fax: +372 742 02 86
E-mail:maris.vali@ebc.ee
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Turku, FINLAND
EFB RBO Turku, FINLAND
Region:
The Turku RBO is located at Turku Science Park Ltd and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Finland and St. Petersburg.
EFB Activities:
Besides their regional tasks, the EFB RBO Turku is interested in participating in the work of the EFB Section on Agri-Biotechnology - Working Group on Functional Food - as well as the EFB Task Group on Innovation and the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology.
More Information:
Contact:
EFB RBO Turku
Mr. Tero Piispanen
Turku Science Park Ltd
Itainen Pitkakatu 4 B
20520 Turku
Phone. +358 2 880 3100
Fax: +358 2 4101610
E-mail: tero.piispanen@turkusciencepark.com
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Paris, FRANCE
EFB RBO Paris, FRANCE
Region:
The Paris RBO is located at the Societe de Chimie Industrielle and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for France.
More Information:
Homepage
Contact:
EFB RBO Paris
Dr. Jean Buendia
c/o Société de Chimie Industrielle
28, rue Saint-Dominique
F-75007 Paris
Phone +33 1 53 59 02 15
Fax +33 1 45 55 40 33
E-mail:sci.fr@wanadoo.fr
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Frankfurt, GERMANY
EFB RBO Frankfurt, GERMANY
Region:
The Frankfurt RBO is located at Dechema and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Germany.
More information:
Homepage
Contact:
EFB RBO Frankfurt
Dr. Willi Meier
DECHEMA e.V.
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25
D-60486 Frankfurt, Germany
Phone +49 69 7564 143
Fax +49 69 7564 302
E-mail: meier@dechema.de
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Athens, GREECE
EFB RBO Athens, GREECE
Region:
The Athens RBO is located at Bionova Ltd. and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Greece.
Contact:
EFB RBO Athens
Dr. Alex Pavlou
Bionova Ltd.
5A Stamatas Avenue and Solomou Street
145 75 Drosia
Tel. : +30 210 800 49 14 or 15
Fax : +30 210 800 49 13
E-mail:a.pavlou@bionova.gr
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Szeged, HUNGARY
EFB RBO Szeged, HUNGARY
Region:
The Szeged RBO is located at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Hungary, Slovenia and South-Eastern Europe.
EFB Activities:
Besides their regional tasks, the EFB RBO Szeged is interested in supporting the EFB Section on Environmental Biotechnology.
More Information:
Contact:
EFB RBO Szeged
Prof. Kornel L. Kovacs
Department of Biotechnology
University of Szeged
Temesvari krt. 62
H-6726 Szeged
Phone. +3662 544 351
Fax: +3662 544 352
E-mail: kornel@nucleus.szbk.u-szeged.hu
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Bologna, ITALY
EFB RBO Bologna, ITALY
Region:
The Bologna RBO is located at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Bologna, and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Italy, Vatican and San Marino.
EFB Activities:
Besides their regional tasks, the EFB RBO Bologna is interested in supporting the EFB Associated Section YEBN (Young European Biotech Network) and participating in the work of the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology and the Task Group on Education and Mobility.
More Information:
Homepage
Contact:
EFB RBO Bologna
Prof. Lanfranco Masotti
Department of Biochemistry
University of Bologna
Via Irnerio 48
I-40126 Bologna
Phone: +39 051 209 1221
Fax: +39 051 209 1230
E-mail: masotti@biocfarm.unibo.it
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Oslo, NORWAY
EFB RBO Oslo, NORWAY
Region:
The Oslo RBO serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Norway and Iceland.
EFB Activities:
Besides their regional tasks, the EFB RBO Oslo is interested in participating in the work of the EFB Section on Applied Functional Genomics and the Task Group on European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES).
More Information:
Contact:
EFB RBO Oslo
Jens Gran
c/o Birkeland Innovation
Gaustadallen 21
No 0349 Oslo
Tel. +47 22840057
Fax. +47 22840081
E-mail:jens.gran@medcoast.org
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Warsaw, POLAND
EFB RBO Warsaw, POLAND
Region:
The Warsaw RBO is located at the Warsaw University of Technology and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Poland, Ukraine and Belarus.
EFB Activities:
Besides their regional tasks, the EFB RBO Lodz is interested in participating in the work of the EFB Section on Applied Biocatalysis and the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology.
Furthermore, the Lodz RBO has a strong background and interest in the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission.
More Information:
Contact:
EFB RBO Warsaw
Dr. Maciej Pilarek
Warsaw University of Technology
Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering
Warynskiego 1
PL-00-641 Warsaw
Phone: + 48 22 2346272
E-mail:pilarek@ichip.pw.edu.pl
Regional Branch Offices > RBO Moscow, RUSSIA
RBO Moscow, RUSSIA
Region:
The Moscow RBO is located at the Russian Society of Biotechnologists and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Russia.
Contact:
EFB RBO Aarhus
Dr. Raif Vasilov
Russian Society of Biotechnologists
33 Leninsky prospect, build 1
off. 364, Moscow, 119071
Phone: + 7 495 648 09 13
E-mail:obr@biorosinfo.ru
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Ljubljana, SLOVENIA
EFB RBO Ljubljana, SLOVENIA
Region:
The Ljubljana RBO is located at the National Institute of Chemistry and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Slovenia.
More Information:
Homepage
Contact:
EFB RBO Ljubljana
Dr. Vladka Gaberc Porekar
National Institute of Chemistry
Hajdrihova 19
SI-1000 Ljubljana
Phone: +386 1 4760 241
E-mail:vladka.gaberc.porekar@ki.si
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Madrid, SPAIN
EFB RBO Madrid, SPAIN
Region:
The Madrid RBO is located at the Spanish Society of Biotechnology (SEBiot) and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Spain.
More Information:
Homepage
Contact:
EFB RBO Madrid
Prof. José Luis Garcia
Sociedad Española de Biotecnologia (SEBIOT)
Vitubrio 8
E-28006 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 561 3464
E-mail: jlgarcia@cib.csic.es
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Gothenburg, SWEDEN
EFB RBO Gothenburg, SWEDEN
Region:
The Gothenburg RBO serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Sweden.
More Information:
RBO Manager
Contact:
EFB RBO Gothenburg
Christer Hedman, Dr.Med.Sc./Ph.D.
Head of Biomedical Development
Business Region Göteborg
Norra Hamngatan 14
S-411 14 Göteborg, Sweden
Phone: +46 31 612421
Fax: + 46 31 612401
E-mail: christer.hedman@brg.goteborg.se
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Buchs, SWITZERLAND
EFB RBO Buchs, SWITZERLAND
Region:
The Zwitzerland RBO is located at the Swiss Coordination Committee for Biotechnology SCCB and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for Switzerland.
Contact:
EFB RBO Switzerland
Dr. Roland Wohlgemuth
Swiss Coordination Committee for Biotechnology SCCB
Industriestrasse 25
CH-9470 Buchs
Phone: +41 81 7552640
E-mail:rwohlgemuth@sial.com
Regional Branch Offices > EFB RBO Cambridge, UNITED KINGDOM
EFB RBO Cambridge, UNITED KINGDOM
Region:
The Cambridge RBO is located at the Babraham Institute and serves as EFB Regional Branch Office for United Kingdom.
Contact:
EFB RBO UK
Dr. Mike Taussig
The Babraham Institute
Babraham Research Campus
Cambridge, CB22 3AT
Phone: +44 (0)1223 496557
E-mail:mike.taussig@bbsrc.ac.uk
About the EFB > General Council and General Assembly
General Council and General Assembly
The General Council (GeCo) consists of one representative of each Institutional Member of EFB. The members of the EFB Executive Board , all chairmen of the EFB Sections and Task Groups also belong to the GeCo. The General Council decides on all fundamental matters connected with the work of the Federation. The members of the GeCo meet at the General Assembly (GeAs).
Download: Extraordinary General Assembly 7 June 2008
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Applied Functional Genomics
Section on Applied Functional Genomics
This EFB Section was founded during the First European Symposium on Applied Genome Research in Brussels, November 26-27, 1998.
The activities of the Section include organization of meetings, workshops, round tables, brain-storming sessions and any other activities to ensure that expertise in the field of Applied Genome Research is optimized and available to support all facets of Biotechnology in Europe (Health, Agro-food, Environment, Chemicals).
For further information about the Section on Applied Functional Genomics, please contact the Section Chairman:
Dr. Mike Taussig
The Babraham Institute
Cambridge CB2 4AT - United Kingdom
E-mail: mike.taussig@bbsrc.ac.uk
Tel.: +44-(0)1223-496557
Fax: +44-(0)1223-496045
Section Publications:
Made by Genetic Engineering
Made by Genetic Engineering articles are re-published here on-line by kind permission of Elsevier Science, publishers of Journal of Biotechnology in which this series of articles are published. Such provision is made on the basis that further copies are not made for systematic distribution.
For further information contact the Publishing Editor at c.cherrington@elsevier.nl. |
Publication Details:
Glucagon and LH (2000)
OLSEN T and DIDERICHSEN B, FONJALLAZ P and LOUMAYE E
Glucagon and Recombinant LH
J Biotech 2000; 79 : 185-189
Glucocerebrosidase and Lyme disease vaccine (2000)
HOPPE H, CROOY P and LOBET Y
Glucocerebrosidase and Lyme disease vaccine
J Biotech 2000; 76 : 259-263
Chymosin and Phytase (1999)
VAN DIJCK P.W.M.
Chymosin and Phytase
J Biotech 1999; 67 : 77-80
Alzheimer tau test and Detergent cellulase (1998)
VANMACHELEN E, VANDERSTICHELE H, JONES B and QUAX W
Alzheimer tau test and Detergent cellulase
J Biotech 1998; 66 : 229-233
Coagulation factor VII and Folicle stimulating hormone (1998)
HEDNER U, LUND-HANSEN T, HEIKOOP J.C. and OLIJVE W.
Coagulation factor VII and Folicle stimulating hormone
J Biotech 1998; 61 : 231-236
Tissue plasminogen activator and Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (1998)
WERZ W and WERNER R and TILL R
Tissue plasminogen activator and Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
J Biotech 1998; 61 : 157-161
Interferon gamma and rabies vaccine (1996)
FALKNER E and MAURER-FOGY I, TERRÉ J, CHAPPUIS G, LOMBARD M and DESMETTRE P
Recombinant interferon gamma for the therapy of immunological Eradication of rabies, using a rec-DNA vaccine
J Biotech 1996; 46 : 155-9
> International Cooperation
International Cooperation
EFB collaborates closely with the Research Directorate (DG XII) and other Directorates of the European Commission. At certain meetings of the EFB Committees and Fora, representatives of DG XII are present to brief the EFB on the progress of initiatives of the European Commission and to hear the views of EFB on specific matters.
As R&D programmes form an important topic of the EFB in relation to the EC, EFB has been involved in the framework programmes of the European Commission. In 1992, EFB prepared a general Position Paper with respect to the biotechnology programme in Framework IV. Section and Task Group members also contributed to three separate Position Papers focusing on Environmental Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering Science and Biological Fundamentals. Following this successful initiative EFB aims to intensify its cooperation with the European Commission by preparing Position Papers for the Framework V and VI programme and by cooperating with other organizations related to the European Commission such as IRDAC and CODEST.
The Federation also aims at facilitating joint research and information exchange with countries in Eastern and Central Europe. A dramatic increase in the number of EFB Member Societies from Central and Eastern Europe during the past few years resulted in intensified cooperation between East and West in all areas of biotechnlogical application.
One of the current problems is finance to cover attendance of such representatives; for many of the member societies in these areas, this provision is difficult to realise. In recognition of the emergence of biotechnology in Central Europe, the meetings of the EFB Fora regularly take place in Central or Eastern European countries.
Good relationships and an exchange of information are maintained with various international organisations such as COBIOTECH, ECBA, ESF IOBB, and IUPAC.
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Phyto-Pharmaceuticals
Section on Phyto-Pharmaceuticals
Currently there is intense interest worldwide for studying medical treatment derived from traditional medicine sources. The EFB therefore deems it appropriate to start a section on phyto-pharmaceutical science which will network with European scientific experts in the field from various countries which have source material based on natural plant materials from in particular China, Latin America, India and Russia. This section will aim to encourage via its members the establishment of scientific procedures and norms for enabling new biomedical health treatments in prevention of and intervention in the course of human diseases. The section will aim to be a channel for high level research investigation and global co operations to enable new drug discoveries.
In contrast to target oriented Western medicine, traditional use of herbal medicines such as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) uses a holistic, synergetic and personalized approach for diagnosis and treatment. Although products like those from TCM are sold in many countries, there is an insufficient post-market surveillance system, lack of control over quality and safety, no integration of existing knowledge on adverse effects, uncertainty over IPR issues and regulatory requirements, and in general a large need for more advanced knowledge and new approaches to R&D. At the scientific level at the present time there is little understanding about the mechanisms of action of many such therapies, which would be immediately valuable for evidence-based evaluation and improved regulation. Given the complexity of both the human body plus the often complex compositions of the herbal extracts, this requires multidisciplinary research applying advanced tools, in conjunction with holistic approaches, to decipher the scientific fundamentals of the medication.
As the EFB has established Regional Branch Offices (RBO) in Europe and via its task group on international relation, RBOs outside Europe, these can be natural elements for interacting with particular national requirements and national granting bodies including the European Commission and also be available to stimulate networking and high level scientific cooperation between our European members and important interested bodies such as the Chinese Ministeries, responsible for regulating and overseeing the proper use of phyto-pharmaceuticals.
The Board of the new Section will contain representatives of interested parties. To start, the Chairman has been nominated to be Professor Brian Clark and the Executive Director Mr. Jens Sundbye, both at the Danish RBO of the European Federation of Biotechnology.
All Section Members are welcome to become an active participant in this EFB Section.
For further information about the Section activities, please contact:
Prof. Brian F.C. Clark (Chairman)
Institute of Molecular Biology
Gustav Wieds Vej 10
DK-8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
E-mail: bfcc@mb.au.dk
Jens Sundbye (Executive Director)
BioMedico Forum
Forskerparken
Gustav Wieds Vej 10
DK-8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
Tel +45 - 8620 5080
Fax +45 - 8620 1222
E-mail: js@biomedicoforum.dk
Task Groups > Task Group on Safety in Biotechnology
Task Group on Safety in Biotechnology
The objective of the Task Group on Safety in Biotechnology is to help maintain the excellent safety record of biotechnological operations through its activities and by creating an information network through its members and members from other organisations.
For further information on the activities of this Task Group please contact:
Dr. Patrick Rüdelsheim (Chairman)
PERSEUS BVBA
Technologiepark 4
B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
Tel./Fax: +32 (0) 93 210 705
Mobile: +32 (0) 475 457 204
E-mail: patrick.rudelsheim@perseus.be
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB)
Section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB)
The EFB section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB) is active in the field of Industrial Biotechnology. Industrial Biotechnology is the application of biotechnology for the industrial production and processing of chemical substances, materials and bio-energy. Industrial Biotechnology exploits the synthetic capabilities of the natural world for human needs and typically leads to greener production processes. This technology is mainly based on biocatalysis (the use of enzymes to catalyse chemical reactions) and fermentation technology (directed use of microbial metabolism). Industrial biotechnology (also referred to as white biotechnology) stands apart from the red biotechnology (directed towards health care) and green biotechnology (genetically modified agricultural crops).
Industrial Biotechnology is a technology with a particularly broad application potential in a variety of industries such as the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the food and feed industry, agro-industry, textile industry, energy sector, etc. These industries increasingly rely on biocatalytic processes to perform a wide range of reactions, improve the cost-effectiveness of existing processes and develop new products and applications. The use of biocatalysis can have significant performance benefits compared to conventional chemical technology, such as a high reaction selectivity, higher reaction rate, increased conversion efficiency, improved product purity, lowered energy consumption and a significant decrease in waste generation. The processes of industrial biotechnology will often rely on renewable resources as a raw material and typically lead to significant ecological and economical benefits.
The former working party on Applied Biocatalysis transformed itself into an EFB Section in September 2000. ESAB is led by a scientific committee consisting of about 40 members from all European countries. Individual scientists with an interest in Industrial Biotechnology are requested to become a member so that they can actively participate in the activities of ESAB and support the development of Industrial Biotechnology in Europe.
The mission of ESAB can be summarized as follows:
- To promote the industrial application of useful biocatalysts
- To develop the science and engineering aspects of industrial biotechnology
- To promote industrial biotechnology in European and national science policies
- To identify key topics which may be rate-limiting for the development of industrial biotechnology and to take steps to stimulate these areas, particularly through the organisation of scientific meetings and conferences.
For further information, please visit the ESAB website or contact:
Dr. Roland Wohlgemuth (Chairman)
Fluka Group, Buchs, Ch
Dept. of Biochemistry
E-mail: rwohlgemuth@sial.com
About the EFB > The EFB Fora
The EFB Fora
The main fora of the EFB are Sections and Task Groups. They accomodate all European scientists interested in biotechnology. Sections are devoted to a particular field of biotechnology (vertical topics) and are open to all personal members. Task Groups cover topics which are of interest to all or most biotechnologists (horizontal topics); you can become a member of a Task Group by invitation only.
Sections may decide to establish Working Groups to address selected issues. Working Groups are operating under the guidance of the Section Board.
Events > EFB Events Archive
EFB Events Archive
Date |
Event |
City |
Participation |
20-23 January 2008 |
First International Conference on Stem Cell Engineering |
Coronado Island, California |
Promoted by EFB |
21-22 February 2008 |
2nd International Symposium on Biothermodynamics |
Frankfurt, Germany |
Promoted by EFB |
12-14 March 2008 |
BioSquare 2008 |
Basel, Switzerland |
Promoted by EFB |
7-9 April 2008 |
BIO-Europe Spring |
Madrid, Spain |
Supported by EFB |
12-16 April 2008 |
BioVisionAlexandria2008 |
Alexandria, Egypt |
Supported by EFB |
21-24 April 2008 |
4th Annual BioProcess International European Conference & Exhibition |
Vienna, Austria |
Promoted by EFB |
25 April 2008 |
Biochemical Engineering Symposium |
Birmingham, UK |
Promoted by EFB |
15-16 May 2008 |
Biotechnology and Biobusiness Trade Fair – Bio-Forum VII |
Lodz, Poland |
Promoted by EFB |
21-22 May 2008 |
European White Biotechnology Summit |
Frankfurt, Germany |
Promoted by EFB |
22-23 May 2008 |
Biopharmaceuticals: why use yeasts? |
Zurich, Switzerland |
Promoted by EFB |
23-24 May 2008 |
4th International Conference on Analysis of Microbial Cells at the Single Cell Level |
Schandau, Dresden, Germany |
Organized by EFB |
2-4 June 2008 |
Biological Production 2008 |
Munich, Germany |
Promoted by EFB |
17 - 20 June 2008 |
2008 BIO International Convention |
San Diego, USA |
Supported by EFB |
8-11 June 2008 |
Industrial Biotechnology International Conference IBIC 2008 |
Naples, Italy |
Promoted by EFB |
28 June - 3 July 2008 |
33rd FEBS Congress & 11th IUBMB Conference on Biochemistry of Cell Regulation |
Athens, Greece |
Promoted by EFB |
06-11 July 2008 |
Conference on Biocatalysis |
Smithfield, USA |
Organized by EFB |
31 August - 4 September 2008 |
Biocat 2008: International Congress on Biocatalysis |
Hamburg, Germany |
Organized by EFB |
3-6 September 2008 |
4th European Bioremediation Conference |
Chania – Crete, Greece |
Supported by EFB |
9 September - 1 October 2008 |
BioLatina 2008 |
Sao Paulo, Brazil |
Supported by EFB |
7 -10 September 2008 |
7th European Symposium on Biochemical Engineering Science |
Faro, Portugal |
Organized by EFB |
14 - 19 September 2008 |
Bioprocess Engineering Course |
Island of Brac, Croatia |
Organized by EFB |
21-25 September 2008 |
The Third International Meeting on Environmental Biotechnology and Engineering |
Palma de Mallorca, Spain |
Organized by EFB |
23-25 September 2008 |
European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (erscp2008) |
Berlin, Germany |
Promoted by EFB |
24-28 September 2008 |
Recombinant Protein Production V (RPP V) |
Sardinia, Italy |
Organized by EFB |
29 September - 1 October 2008 |
International Symposium on Preparative and Industrial Chromatography & Allied Techniques SPICA 2008 |
Zurich, Switzerland |
Promoted by EFB |
29 September - 1 October 2008 |
Biolatina 2008 |
Sao Paulo, Brazil |
Supported by EFB |
1-4 October 2008 |
3rd ESF Conference on Functional Genomics and Disease |
Innsbruck, Austria |
Promoted by EFB |
6-7 October 2008 |
Tech Transfer Summit |
Paris, France |
Organized by EFB |
7–8 October 2008 |
Science to Market |
Hannover, Germany |
Supported by EFB |
7–9 October 2008 |
EuroBio 2008 |
Paris, France |
Supported by EFB |
7-9 October 2008 |
European Bioperspectives 2008 |
Hannover, Germany |
Supported by EFB |
12-14 October 2008 |
BioPartnering Europe |
London, UK |
Supported by EFB |
12-17 October 2008 |
13th International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS) 2008 |
Dalian, China |
Promoted by EFB |
18-22 October 2008 |
International Drug Discovery Science and Technology (IDDST) 2008 |
Beijing , China |
Promoted by EFB |
20-21 October 2008 |
Biotechnology Workshops |
Barcelona, Spain |
Organized by EFB |
20-24 October 2008 |
Expoquimia |
Barcelona, Spain |
Supported by EFB |
21-22 October 2008 |
Sustainable Energy & Environment Forum |
Roskilde, Denmark |
Promoted by EFB |
17-19 November 2008 |
BIO-Europe 2008 |
Mannheim/Heidleberg, Germany |
Supported by EFB |
28 November 2008 |
Trends in Environmental Biotechnology |
Delft, The Netherlands |
Supported by EFB |
8-9 December |
International Workshop on Functional Foods: Wellness & Healthcare Products |
Ghent, Brussels |
Organized by EFB |
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Environmental Biotechnology
Section on Environmental Biotechnology
For information about the activities of this Section please contact:
Dr. Piet Lens (Chairman)
Wageningen UR
Bomenweg 2, 6703 HD / 8129
6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)317-48 38 51
Fax: +31 (0)317 48 21 08
E-mail: Piet.Lens@wur.nl
Task Groups > Task Group on International Relations (TGIR)
Task Group on International Relations (TGIR)
The EFB Task Group TGIR aims at the promotion of international (global) interactions and cooperation between governments, industries and academics in the field of biotechnology. Specifically, TGIR formulates proposals to the European Commission and implements EC programmes to establish strategic relations.
One of the main activities of the Task Group is European Focus on Biotechnology in China (EFBIC). EFBIC’s purpose is to establish strategic relations in biotechnology between decision makers in Europe and China and facilitate collaborations in research, training and innovation among European and Chinese scientists.
For further information on the activities of this Task Group please contact:
Prof. Dr. Brian Clark (Chairman)
Department of Molecular and Structural Biology
University of Aarhus
Gustav Wieds Vej 10C
DK-8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 - 8942 5055
Fax: +45 - 8619 1959
E-mail: bfcc@mb.au.dk
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Biodiversity
Section on Biodiversity
The Section on Biodiversity, an initiative of the European Federation of Biotechnology, was founded on 27 February 2003. The main task of this section is to investigate and debate the impact of Biotechnology on Biodiversity.
Priority topics of the EFB Section on Biodiversity are:
- Benefits and threats from GMO’s
- How can the view on Biodiversity help in research and development?
- Enhance the knowledge about soil microbiology and agricultural biodiversity
- Biodiversity and Population Genetics: A wide field of research
- Active participation in the development and outlining of research programmes on an European level.
For further information, please contact the Chairman of the Section:
Klaus Ammann
Prof. hon. emeritus, former Director Botanic Garden, University of Bern
Rue de Monruz 20
CH - 2000 NEUCHATEL, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 32 721 40 83
Website: www.efb-central.org/Biodiversity/homepage.html
E-mail: klaus.ammann@ips.unibe.ch
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Message from Klaus Ammann, Chairman of the EFB Section on Biodiversity
Dear Reader,
As we all know Biodiversity / Biotechnology is a complex discussion field - and many people are worried about the impact of biotechnology on biodiversity, and it is easy to follow the opinions of opponents of green biotechnology without knowing the facts.
But there are also many who think that biotechnology could help to enhance and biodiversity and specifically help in conservation matters. The task of this Section is to investigate and debate the impact, whether positive or negative. In the last few years considerable progress has been made in the area of biosafety research.
Many opinions are around on whether biotechnology has a negative impact on biodiversity - or whether it might have positive effects - or both. Since we are dealing with biology, we encounter a complex situation when it comes to evaluate the organismal arguments. In addition is not only about organismal biodiversity, but also about ecology, about the intricate food web to give an example. And if we broaden the term biodiversity even more, we will also have to deal with IPR issues, with socio-economic impacts and cultural aspects. This is exactly where we will also make sure that the EFB Section Biodiversity will network with all its various units.
With the help of a newly lauched Forum called ASK-FORCE we will also try to give the section a more pro-active touch, it will hopefully develop into a very active network starting with a series of topics, presented as separate Forum entries: Biodiversity, Developing world, Public Research and Regulation, Activists, Philosophy, European Union matters. This forum will help us all to switch from pro-reactive to pro-active mode. After having seen a very positive development of green biotechnology out in the field, reaching soon 100 mio hectares planted, we can make up a balance also for biosecurity: There has been not a single incidence reported with some kind of negative impact, which can be clearly related to genetically modified crops. This does not mean that we need to become careless, it will be important to always raise the questions on biodiversity in modern agriculture.
It should be made clear that many aspects of negative impacts on biodiversity are caused by agriculture per se, including all kinds of management methods. It is precisely agricultural biotechnology which could help to remedy some of the detrimental impacts of agriculture (besides other management methods as well).
About the EFB > EFB Statutes
EFB Statutes
EFB Statutes 2004 (PDF document)
As the legal seat of the EFB is in Belgium, the official Statutes of the European Federation of Biotechnology as filed with the Ministry of Justice are in French. An English translation of the statutes is available to EFB members upon request to the Central Office, but the French version available for download here is the definitive one.
Sections & Workgroups > Section on Medicines Development
Section on Medicines Development
With the mapping of the human genome, biotechnology is of increasing importance for development of new and targeted medicines and will impact future medical practice. This calls for an optimising of the current medicines R&D process and a re-thinking of the process. It is for this reason that the Section on Medicines Development was established in 2003. This Section covers all aspects of Medicines Development (which today all will involve biotech in one way or other) as well as all processes within the R&D cycle from idea through research, applied research, preclinical, clinical, regulatory and post-marketing follow-up.
The EFB Section on Medicines Development is a platform for all stakeholders and sciences related to development of medicines. NSMF follows two tracks:
Streamlining:
Activities to optimise and reengineer the current drug research & development processes utilising contemporary scientific knowledge by removing bottlenecks and developing new tools.
Fresh approach:
To re-evaluate the entire drug development process and create a new efficient flow of knowledge generation and management without compromising safety based on recent scientific and technological advances including genome research.
NSMF enjoys strong support from EC DG Research as well as from EUREKA. A steadily increase in members of the section is reflecting that also universities, hospitals, medicines agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and SMEs from most countries in Europe are interested in engaging in this major and strategic initiative. NSMF webpage (www.nsmf.org) provides information about NSMF including an overview of NSMF, reports from workshops, and NSMF relevant events and activities.
For information about the activities of this Section please contact:
Dr. Adreani Odysseos (Chairman)
Organisations: EPSO-Iasis, R&D and University of Cyprus
University of Cyprus
Dept. of Chemistry
75, Kallipoleos Street, Nicosia 1678
Tel: +357-22-892760
Fax: +357-22-892801
E-mail: odysseos@ucy.ac.cy, andreani@epos-iasis.com
Events
Workshop on Downstream Processing. Mannheim - Germany
Biotechniques for Air Pollution Control
EFB Events Archive
EFB Forum
02/07/2009 - 32 views
Biopreneurs: The Molecular Millionaires -
08/06/2009 - 304 views
Fostering EU-India business and research cooperation in Biotechnology
27/09/2008 - 2270 views
Biopreneur e-magazineN1V2 is now available
Activities
European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES)
European Action on Latin American Functional Foods (EULAFF)
European Focus on Biotechnology in China (EFBIC)
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