Calendar of Non-European Events (non-EFB)
Task Group on Education and Mobility
Task Group on European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES)
Associated Section YEBN (Young European Biotech Network)
Associated Section on Pharma Medical Biotechnology (EAPB)
Section on NanoBiotechnology
Task Group on Innovation (TG INN)
Section on Medicines Development
EFB Statutes
Section on Biodiversity
Task Group on International Relations (TGIR)
Section on Environmental Biotechnology
The EFB Fora
Section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB)
Calendar of European Non-EFB events
BIOTECHNICA, 14th International Trade Fair for Biotechnology
18 - 20 October 2005, Hannover
Decision-makers from industry, the scientific community and the political arena from across the globe all at one place.
Contact:
Oliver Wedekind
Biotechnica Events
Management Office
Tel: +49 511/89 32 128
Fax: +49 511/89 31 218
E-mail: oliver.wedekind@messe.de
Biotech & Finance Forum
1 December 2005, Barcelona, Spain
This pan-European Forum aims at selecting the most innovative and promising biotech, life sciences and med-tech companies to present their businesses to an extensive audience of Europe’s leading life sciences and biotech investors and senior executives from top pharmaceutical firms.
Contact:
Anneli Prohaska
Europe Unlimited SA
Place E. Flagey 7
B-1050 Brussels
Tel.: +32 (0) 2 644 65 80
Fax: +32 (0) 2 644 65 81
E-mail: anneli@e-unlimited.com
Industrial Biotech & Finance Forum
2 December 2005, Barcelona, Spain
The Industrial Biotech & Finance Forum is a special initiative to bring together the key stakeholders in innovative industrial biotech venturing in Europe, and worldwide.
Contact:
Anneli Prohaska
Europe Unlimited SA
Place E. Flagey 7
B-1050 Brussels
Tel.: +32 (0) 2 644 65 80
Fax: +32 (0) 2 644 65 81
E-mail: anneli@e-unlimited.com
Archive 2005
cGMPs Training for the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries in Europe
22-23 March 2005, Paris, France
Seminar Topics:
- Introduction to cGMPs and the FDA
- Raw Materials, Laboratory and Process Control
- Quality Concepts; Organization of the Quality Unit
- Labeling & Identification
- GLPs
- Cleaning; Cross-contamination Prevention
- cGMP Documentation; Validation Issues
- Inspections & Investigations
- Gowning Procedures
- International cGMPs
- Standard Operating Procedures and Batch Records
- New trends in cGMP compliance
Contact:
Elia Cossis
Fax: +1 410 997 3554
Email: ecossis@usaspi.com
Archive 2004
ABIC 2004 - AgBiotech goes Europe
12 - 15 September 2004, Cologne, Germany
ABIC is a conference on agricultural biotechnology. Scientists, industrial
managers, investors and policy makers met together for an intensive
exchange of experience in order to give new momentum to further development
of agricultural biotechnology. The forum was created for the
discussion of results from research and development to enable
co-operations between academic institutions and partners from the
industry so that the transfer of laboratory results to industrial
scale may be accelerated. The event also served as
an information forum for the public in respect to the subject “biotechnology”.
Contact:
Tel: +49-(0)2162-77859
Fax: +49-(0)2162-89215
E-mail: contact@abic2004.org
International Science Communication Summer School
July, 18 - 24, 2004, Centre for Advanced Academic Studies, Dubrovnik, Croatia
This summer course was aimed at preparing graduates in science, engineering, medicine and humanities for basic understanding and skills needed for communication careers in scientific institutions, in the media and in public relations. The course dealed with science communication and science media production combining lectures, workshops and portfolio preparation. Successful students obtained certificates and 5 ECTS.
2nd Oulu Summer School in Bioprocess Engineering:
Recombinant Protein Production In Different Host Systems - Advanced Tools For Optimisation And Monitoring
9-11 June 2004 at Oulanka Research Station, Kuusamo, Finland
This event covered:
- New expression systems and their application possibilities.
- New methods for monitoring the recombinant target products and their quality.
- Bottlenecks in recombinant protein production connected to changes in the cell physiology.
cGMP Training for the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries in Europe
22-23 April 2004, London, United Kingdom
Presented by SPi USA, Inc., this seminar was of special interest to those who have responsibility
for achieving a state of compliance with international cGMP requirements
related to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, specifically
the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA)
and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The seminar was particularly
suitable for professionals responsible for Compliance, Regulatory
Affairs, Project Planning, Technology Transfer, Quality Assurance,
Quality Control, Research & Development, and Manufacturing.
Contact:
Elia Cossis
Fax: +1 410 997 3554
Email: ecossis@usaspi.com
The first symposium on Achievements and Challenges in Biotransformation
30th March 2004, Imperial College London, UK
The purpose of this one-day symposium, organised by the RSC Biotechnology Group
and the Chemical Biology Forum, was to highlight the achievements made in the field of
biotransformation and toidentify future challenges.
Contact:
Elaine Wellingham
Conference Secretariat
Tel and Fax: +44 (0)1275 853311
Email: confsec@blueyonder.co.uk
Viral Vectors & Vaccines
18 - 19 March 2004, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This program showcased some of the industry’s most successful efforts
while contrasting the licensed practices of the established vaccine
companies with the more novel processing techniques of the biotech
firms. The presentations focused on the latest advances in production,
purification, and analytical methods, while depicting the prevailing
trends in regulatory practices and facility design.
Contact:
Williamsburg BioProcessing Foundation
Tel: (757) 423-8823; fax (757) 423-2065
E-mail: info@wilbio.com
Antibodies & Recombinant Proteins
15 - 17 March 2004, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This meeting showcased the industry’s more successful efforts
with a focus on recent advances in cell culture, analytical, and purification
methods and trends in facility design and regulatory practices.
BioSquare 2004 - Fourth Annual International Partnering Conference
10 - 12 March 2004, Kongresszentrum Basel, Basel, Switzerland
BioSquare 2004 offered a unique opportunity for business development
and research executives from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and
finance industry to meet with the top management of biotechnology
companies.
Contact:
Tom Voigt, E.B.D. Group
6120 Paseo del Norte, Suite J-2
Carlsbad, CA 92009, USA
Tel: +1 (760) 930 0500; Fax +1 (760) 930 0520
E-mail: tvoigt@ebdgroup.com
1st International qPCR Symposium & Application Workshop: Transcriptomics, Clinical Diagnostics & Gene Quantification
3 - 6 March 2004, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
More than 35 internationally reknowned speakers participated in the programme enabling the valuable exchange of information in the
qPCR field.
Contact:
Life Science Zentrum Weihenstephan
Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Weihenstephaner Berg 3
D-85350 Freising-Weihenstephan
Tel: +49 8161 71 3511; Fax +49 816171 4204
E-mail: Dr. Susanna Wirth,
or Dr. Ulrich Wild
Archive 2003
Accelerating Clinical Trials
4-5 December 2003, Noga Hilton, Geneva, Switzerland
The 4th conference in the series Accelerating Clinical Trials brought scientists up to date with the EC Clinical Trials Directive and how
it impacts on working practises, highlights technological innovations and how they have improved the clinical trials process and explored
proven methods that accelerate patient recruitment, the productivity of investigational sites and the entire clinical trial process.
Contact:
Paul Gilbertson
Tel: +44(0)20 7940 7070, Fax: +44(0)20 7940 7071
E-mail: info@access-events.com
Women in Science: Mainstreaming Gender Equality in the European Research Area
3 December 2003, University of Rome III, Aula Magna, Rome Italy
The issue of women in science is at the core of the European Research Area. The under representation
of women in science is hindering the full realisation of the ERA’s potential and the achievement of the Lisbon objectives. The Conference
aimed at implementing the policy debate at national, cross-national and European level.
Contact:
Annalisa D’Ascenzo - Nicoletta Serina
Fax: +39 06 570 673 01
E-mail: womenandscience@tiscalinet.it
BIO-Europe 2003 - 9th Annual International Partnering Conference
17 - 19 November 2003, Frankfurt, Germany
A forum to promote business development between pharmaceutical, financial and biotechnology companies.
Contact:
Florian Schoenhammer
Neuhauser Strasse 3
80331 Munich, Germany
Tel: +49 (89) 51399803
E-mail: bioeurope@ebdgroup.com
Business Development Basics Course for Professionals in the Life Sciences
13 - 16 November 2003, Hotel Steigenberger Metropolitan, Frankfurt, Germany
The course was designed for professionals new to the life science business development
field and for individuals with some business development experience interested in updating their skills.
Contact:
Pam Putz, E.B.D. Group
Neuhauser Str. 3
80331 Munich, Germany
Tel: +49 (89) 513-99-803; Fax +49 (89) 5454-6364
E-mail: pputz@ebdgroup.com
International Symposium on Applications of Gene-based Technologies for Improving Animal Production and Health in Developing Countries
6 - 10 October 2003, Vienna, Austria
This symposium was organized jointly by IAEA and FAO
Contact:
Dr. Harinder Makkar
Animal Production and Health Section
International Atomic Energy Agency
PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43-1-2600.26057, Fax: +43-1-26007
E-mail: H.Makkar@iaea.org
Biotech Society
29 - 30 September 2003, Dipoli Espoo, Finland
The Biotech Society conference brought together those who study innovation, organization and management, and those who do research in the impact of technology on society, public responses to science and environmental ethics, among others.
Contact:
Laura Walin, Communications Manager
PO BOX 56 (Viikinkaari 9)
00014 University of Helsinki, FINLAND
E-mail: life2000@operoni.helsinki.fi
Tel: +358-9-191 58898, Fax: +358-9-191 58754
1st European Symposium on Plant Lipids
10 - 13 September 2003, Aachen, Germany
From Fundamental Biology to Industrial and Field Applications, a symposium organised by the European Federation for the Science and
Technology of Lipids (Euro Fed Lipid).
Contact:
Euro Fed Lipid, P.O. Box 90 04 40
D-60444 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Tel: +49 69 7917 345
Fax: +49 69 7917 564
E-mail: amoneit@eurofedlipid.org
Proteomics: The Chemical Tools and Challenges
6 July - 08 July 2003, Churchill College, Cambridge, United Kingdom
This conference was organised by the RSC Biotechnology Group and the RSC Chemical Biology Forum. The meeting emphasised the role of chemistry in the emerging field of proteomics. A focus of the conference was the use of affinity-based probes for mining the proteome (Chemical Proteomics) and the rapidly developing area of protein chip technology.
Contact:
Congress Secretariat
Elaine Wellingham
Tel: and Fax: +44 (0)1275 853311
E-mail: confsec@blueyonder.co.uk
MBA in Life Sciences
01 July 2003, Maastricht, The Netherlands
The MBA program in Life Sciences is an 18-month MBA program especially designed for managers and future managers with at least three years of solid working experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology/life sciences environment and an academic or higher education background (including engineering, technical, scientific background) who want to deepen and broaden their insights in business, management and the life sciences industry.
Contact:
Mrs. Dr. Dominique Schmetz
Project Manager at the Research Center for the Management of Bio-industries
University of Liege
Tel: +32-(0)4 366 95 76
E-mail: d.schmetz@ulg.ac.be
1st FEMS Congress of European Microbiologists
29 June - 03 July 2003, Ljubljana, Slovenia
EFB Section on Microbial Physiology contributed in a session on physiology and a session on genomic/proteomic research.
Contact:
Congress Secretariat
Tel:+386 1 241 7134
Fax.:+386 1 241 7296
E-mail: gorazd.cad@cd-cc.si
Tree Biotechnology 2003
7 - 12 June 2003, Umea, Sweden
This IUFRO Tree Biotechnology meeting was arranged by Umea Plant Science Centre. In the exciting times of poplar genome sequencing, the meeting highlighted forefront research on molecular biology and genetics of forest trees.
Contact:
Conference Secretary:
Ulrika Hjelm
Dept. of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology SLU
901 83 Umea, Sweden
Tel: +46-(0)70-3442371
Fax: +46-(0)90-7865901
E-mail: treebiotech.2003@genfys.slu.se
From the green revolution to the gene revolution
28 - 31 May 2003, Bologna, Italy
International conference on different aspects of plant biotechnology; e.g. genomics, food safety, plant biotechnology in the EU 6th Framework
Programme.
Contact:
Prof. Roberto Tuberosa
University of Bologna; Dept. of Agroenvironmental Science and Technology
Via Filippo Re 6/8
Bologna, Italy
Tel: +39 051 209 1536
Fax: +39 051 209 1545
E-mail: tuberosa@agrisci.unibo.it
Danish Biotechnology Conference IX: Eukaryote Engineering
22 - 23 May 2003, Munkebjerg, Vejle, Denmark
The conference, organised by the Danish Biotechnology Forum, addressed three aspects of eukaryote engineering:
- Protein Technology
- Metabolite Production
- Mammalian Cell Culture and Tissue Engineering
Contact:
Danish Biotechnology Forum
Department of Life Sciences, Aalborg University
Sohngaarsholmsvej 49, DK-9000 Aalborg
Tel: +45 9635 8470
Fax: +45 9814 1808
E-mail: ab@bio.auc.dk
EuroBiochips 2003
20 - 23 May 2003, London, Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, UK
The conference encompassed all areas of Microarray and Biochips technologies highlighting tools to enhance businesses from R&D through to diagnostics.
Contact:
Babita Bahal
IBC Life Sciences
37-41 Mortimer Street, Mortimer House
London, W1T 3JH, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7017 4804
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7017 4822
E-mail: babita.bahal@informa.com
ESBA 6th Annual Conference
15 - 16 May 2003, Lyon, France
Conference of the European Biosafety Association on “The Architecture of Biosafety: Design, Construction, Operations and Management”.
On 14 May 2003, Pre-Conference Seminars on Biosafety Audits, Inspections and on Transport of Biological Materials took place.
Contact:
EBSA Secretariat
Dreefstraat 19
1880 Kapelle op den Bos, Belgium
Fax: +32 15 71 31 89
E-mail: MDC@net4all.be
Third International Symposium on Neuroprotection and Neurorepair
07 - 11 May 2003, Magdeburg, Germany
The meeting focused primarily on the connection between neuroprotection based on state-of-the-art knowledge concerning mechanisms
of degeneration and the inherent potential of the nervous system to undergo repair, with one session in particular involving a discussion of the potential of approaches using both endogenous and exogenous stem cells.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Klaus G. Reymann (Chairman)
Tel:+49(391)6263437
Fax:+49(391)6263438
E-mail: reymann@fan-neuroscience.com
Biobiz Workshop Series - Training Program for Biotech Start-up Business Plan (Biobiz)
April 2002 - May 2003, various European cities
The European Commission was financially supporting this initiative to help researchers to acquire the skills needed to start a biotech business. The program was designed and was run by Mr. Michel Lepers of EuroBiobiz.
Contact:
Stephane Hogan, Research Directorate-General, European Commission
Tel: +32 2 296 2965
Fax: +32 2 295 8220
E-mail: stephane.hogan@cec.eu.int
Nanotechnologies II Conference
22 - 24 April 2003, Grenoble, France
Latest news from the nanobiotech in Europe. International delegations associated with Nano2Life coming from Australia, Canada, USA attended this meeting.
Contact:
Sara Dos Santos SCI
28 Rue Saint-Dominique
75007 Paris
Tel:+33 1 53 59 02 25
Fax:+33 1 45 55 40 33
E-mail: nano2@scifrance.org
BioVision 2003
08 - 11 April 2003, Lyon, France
The World Life Sciences Forum
Contact:
Tel:+33 (4) 78 92 70 00
Fax:+33 (4) 78 92 70 15
E-mail: contact@biovision.org
BioTech Helsinki 03
24-26 March 2003, Helsinki, Finland
Contact:
Congreszon / Biotech Helsinki 03
Ms. Piia Koskinen
Tel:+358 9 5840 9353
Fax:+358 9 5840 9555
E-mail: piia.koskinen@congreszon.fi
Archive 2002
BIO-Scandinavia 2002
14-15 November 2002, Copenhagen, Denmark
8th Annual Partnering Conference.
Presenting a forum for the international life sciences community to meet Medicon Valley.
Contact:
Jorg Bachmayr
E.B.D. Group
Pettenkoferstr. 35, 80336 Mônchen, Germany
Tel: +49 89 51 399 803
Fax: +49 89 544 202 14
E-mail: jbachmayr@ebdgroup.com
BIO-Europe 2002
11-13 November 2002, Stuttgart, Germany
8th Annual International Partnering Conference
A forum to promote business development between pharmaceutical, financial and biotechnology companies.
Contact:
Florian Schoenhammer
E.B.D. Group
Pettenkoferstr. 35
80336 Mônchen, Germany
Tel: +49 89 51 399 803
Fax: +49 89 544 202 14
E-mail: bioeurope@ebdgroup.com
European Research 2002 at the crossroads
11-13 November 2002, Brussels, Belgium
The European Research Area and the Framework Programme
The European Commission held a major conference to mark the launch of the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme for research, which covered the period from 2002 to 2006.
Contact:
European Commission / Directorate-General for Research, Information and Communication Unit
Tel: +32 2 295 99 71
Fax: +32 2 295 82 20
E-mail: rtd-conference2002@cec.eu.int
3rd Rothamsted International BioMarket
05-07 November 2002, Rothamsted, United Kingdom
Bioproducts from plants and microbes
Contact:
Dr. Roger Atkin and Amanda King
Rothamsted International BioMarket
Tel: +44 1582 763 133
Fax: +44 1582 760 981
E-mail: biomarket@bbsrc.ac.uk
ScieCon Munich 2002
7 November 2002, Munich, Germany
Germany’s contact fair for the life sciences. Germany’s top biotechs presented themselves as possible employers
Contact:
Peter Bristot
Biotechnologische Studenteninitiative (btS) e.V.
Tel: +49 89 51 08 68 35
E-mail: ScieConM@btS-ev.de
FutureFood and BioEthics
23 - 25 October 2002, The Danish Parliament building Christiansborg, Copenhagen, Denmark
An international conference hosted by the Danish Government
Contact:
Conference Secretariat
Centre for Ethics and Law in Nature and Society
Valkendorfsgade 30, 3.
DK-1151 Copenhagen K
Tel: +45 3369 1616
Fax: +45 3369 1617
E-mail: centre.for@ethiclaw.dk
1st International Congress “Biotechnology - State of the Art and Prospects of Development”
15-18 October 2002, Moscow, Russia
International biotechnology congress and international exhibition “Biotech World”
Contact:
Office 410, Profsoyuznaya Str. 3
117036, Moscow, Russia
Tel: +7 95 124 0896
Fax: +7 95 124 7060
E-mail: bio@biotechworld.ru
From DNA to Dollars
12-15 October 2002, Lodz, Poland
International Symposium on Promotion of International Cooperation in Eastern and Southern Europe in the Field of Medical Biotechnology
Contact:
Dr. Barbara Nawrot
Centre of Molecular and Macromoleular Studies
Polish Academy of Sciences
Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
Tel: +48 42 681 69 70
Fax: +48 42 681 54 83
E-mail: medbio@bio.cbmm.lodz.pl
II World Conference on Bioethics
30 September - 4 October 2002, Gijon, Spain
An international conference organized by the International Bioethics Society.
Topics were:
* AIDS, drugs and pharmaceutical research
* Cloning of human cells
* Bioethics in South Africa
* Food in the World
Contact:
Technical Secretariat
C/Cabrales 48, 1ç-33201 Gijon, Spain
Tel: +34 985 35 46 66
Fax: +34 985 35 34 37
E-mail: ilcongreso@sibi.org
1st Plant-GEMs 2002
29 September - 02 October 2002, Berlin, Germany
Plant-GEMs meetings are a series of annual meetings on the subjects of genome and genomics research.
The First Plant-GEMs, Plant Genomics European Meetings, took place at the Technical University in Berlin.
Contact:
E-mail: info@plant-gems.org
ISBP2002 - International Symposium on Bacterial Polyesters
22-26 September 2002, Muenster, Germany
This Symposium focused on any aspects of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PAH) as well as on some related biopolymers and synthetic polymers.
Contact:
Andrea Mersmann
Institute of Microbiology, Muenster University
Correns str. 3, D-48149 Muenster
Tel: +49-251-83 398 20/21
Fax: +49-251-83 383 88
E-mail: mersmann@uni-muenster.de
1st German-Chinese Workshop on Bioprocess and Tissue Engineering
22-25 September 2002, Stuttgart, Germany
The workshop was co-organized by the International Bureau of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, and by the Chinese
National Center for Biotechnology Development (CNCBD)
Contact:
Prof. Rolf D. Schmid
Institut of Technical Biochemistry
University of Stuttgart
Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart
Fax: +49-711-685-4569
E-mail: rolf.d.schmid@rus.uni-stuttgart.de
FAB Business 2002
20-21 September 2002, Ostend, Belgium
16th Forum for Applied Biotechnology : “Challenges for biotech business managers and policy makers” organized by the Faculty of Agricultural
& Applied Biological Sciences of the University of Gent and by the Regional Development Authority of West-Flanders (GOM - West-Vlaanderen),
Belgium.
Contact:
Administrative Centre FAB:
Philippe Tavernier and Lydie Van der Poorten
c/o GOM - West-Vlaanderen
Baron Ruzettelaan 33
B-8310 Assebroek/Brugge - Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)50 36 71 31
Fax: +32 (0)50 37 77 23
E-mail: lydie.vanderpoorten@gomwvl.be
BIOMED 2002 - 9th International on Biomedical Science Technology
19-22 September 2002, Kemer-Antalya, Turkey
The main themes of the meeting were Tissue Engineering, Stem Cells, Cell and Gene Therapies.
Contact:
Murat Elcin, President BIOMED 2002
Tel: +90 312 212 6720 Ext. 1096
Fax: +90 312 223 2395
E-mail: elcin@science.ankara.edu.tr
Genetic Engineering and the Intrinsic Value and Integrity of Animals and Plants
18-21 September 2002, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A multidisciplinary workshop organised by the International Forum for Genetic Engineering
Contact:
David Heaf
Hafan, Cae Llwyd, Llanystumdwy, LL52 0SG, UK
Tel. / Fax: +44 1766 523 181
E-mail: 101622.2773@compuserve.com
Introduction to Biotechnology
15-17 September 2002, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
A Three-Day Residential Course organised by the British Institute of Regulatory Affairs (BIRA) in association with the Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick. This practical introduction to biotechnology was designed for regulatory
professionals wishing to build their knowledge of the science associated with biotechnology-derived products.
Contact:
BIRA
7 Heron Quays, Marsh Wall, London E14 4JB
Tel: +44 20 7538 9502
Fax: + 44 20 7515 7836
E-mail: bira@bira.org.uk
Creating Commercial Success from Biomedical Engineering - From Technology Transfer to Flotation
29 April 2002, The Royal Society of Medicine, London, UK
A conference organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK Fokus for Biomedical Engineering.
Contact:
External Affairs, The Royal Academy of Engineering
29 Great Peter Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3LW
Tel: +44 20 7222 2688
Fax: +44 20 7233 0054
E-mail: ukfocus@raeng.co.uk
BioSquare 2002
27 February - 01 March 2002, Zurich, Switzerland
Contact:
Tom Voigt
E.B.D. Group
Tel: +1 760 930 0500
Fax: +1 760 897 2299
E-mail: biosquare@ebdgroup.com
Calendar of Non-European Events (non-EFB)
2005
3rd Conference on Recent Technologies in Agriculture
November 14-16, 2005 in Cairo, Egypt
The conference will focus on the role of technology and resource management for sustainable agriculture in developing countries.
Contact:
Vice Dean for Environment and Community Affairs
Faculty of Agriculture
Cairo University
Gamaa Sr, Giza
PO Box 12613, Egypt
E-mail: agrtech@gmail.com
VII International Symposium on Plant Biotechnology
17 -21 April 2006, Villa Clara, Cuba
The main objectives of the VII Symposium are to contribute to the development and application of the current advances in the Plant Biotechnology field and to allow the interchange of experiences among the participant Specialists.
Contact:
B. Osmildo B. Fernández Tejera
Executive Secretary of the Organization Committee
VII International Symposium on Plant Biotechnology
E-mail: biotec2006@ibp.co.cu; simposio_2006@yahoo.es
Archive 2004
SCBA International Symposium 2004
July 18-23, 2004 in Beijing, China
Molecular basis of human health, progress of genomics/proteomics and biotechnology along with global collaborations were in the focus of this Symposium.
BIO 2004 Annual International Convention
June 6-9, 2004 in San Francisco, USA
Bio 2004 provided an excellent opportunity to learn about emerging technologies, network at the many events and showcase businesses to potential partners, investors and collaborators.
AAPS National Biotechnology Conference
May 16-19, 2004, Boston, USA
This conference allowed its attendees to customize their experience and learn how biotechnology has integrated itself into their specialities.
WHTS’ 3rd Annual Life Spring Forum of Biosciences and IT
May 12-15, 2004 in Dalian, China
In recent years, computational technologies have become crucial for the study of complex system of biological processes. Life Spring Forum 2004 addressed the recent advances and peers’ views in life sciences, computational technologies and beyond, which provided its attendees with informative breakthrough and achievements by WHTS’ presentation of the Interface of IT and BT.
AchemAsia 2004: 6th International Exhibition-Congress on Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
May 11-15, 2004 in Beijing, China
A world’s leading event for chemical engineering, environmental protection and biotechnology that provided an outstanding opportunity to learn about exciting chances in the process industries in China.
The World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
April 21-23, 2004, in Orlando, Florida
This conference was geared toward a diverse base of participants from biotechnology, chemical and other industries, to government and academia. It was meant to provide a unique forum for interdisciplinary interaction and networking. The three-day eventfeatured
technical sessions for business, academic and research-related presentations on topics such as biotechnology in manufacturing and synthesis, bioprocessing of agricultural feedstocks, bioenergy production, biotechnology and climate change, and issues surrounding the application
of biotechnology to industrial sustainability.
BioVisionAlexandria 2004
3-6 April, 2004 in Alexandria, Egypt
This conference was an all-embracing examination of the issues raised by the New Life Sciences in a world undergoing profound transformations.
It addressed the key issues in Health, Agriculture, Food and Industry and Environment.
Global Biotechnology Forum
2 - 5 March 2004, Concepcion, Chile
This major international event brought together representatives from the scientific, public, private and social sectors as well as high level decision makers to review opportunities and challenges posed by biotechnology in the developing world.
2003
The Relevance of GM Technology to Indian Agriculture and Food Security
26 - 27 November 2003, New Delhi, India
The Agriculture Minister of India, Sri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the symposium and Dr M S Swaminathan delivered the Inaugural Address. Dr VL Chopra, President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, delivered the Keynote Speech. A range of national and international experts delivered talks on various aspects of GM technology and its application. Panel discussions were held involving a variety of stakeholders.
Crossroad of Biotechnology 2003
29 - 30 September 2003, Montréal (Quebec) Canada
“Biopharmaceuticals: towards enhanced productivity and commercialization”
The 9th edition of the Crossroad of Biotechnology symposium was hosted by the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) of the National Research Council. The event attracted an international panel of speakers from biopharmaceutical multinationals, emerging biotech companies, as well as academia. Participants from across the world were invited to this symposium where business meets science.
Contact:
Ms. Ani Armenian
Communication Officer
Tel: (514) 283-1901; Fax: (514) 496-5007
E-mail: ani.armenian@cnrc-nrc.gc.ca
6th Conference on Protein Expression in Animal Cells
7-11 September 2003, Mont-Tremblant (near Montreal), Quebec, Canada
Contact:
Amine Kamen
Head, Animal Cell Technology
Biotechnology Research Institute
National Research Council of Canada
6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2
Tel: +1 514 496-0915; Fax: +1 514 496-6785
E-mail: 6thPEACe@nrc.ca
39th IUPAC Congress and 86th Conference of the Canadian Society for Chemistry
10-15 August 2003, Ottawa, Canada
Chemistry at the interfaces.
Contact:
Conference Services Office
Building M-19, Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6
Tel.: +1 613 993 0414; Fax: +1 613 993 7250
E-mail: iupac2003@nrc.ca
Bio China 2003
26-28 August 2003, Beijing, China
The 3rd China International Biotechnology Exhibition
Contact:
Ms. XUAN Yanhua, China International Biotechnology Exhibition Organizing Committee
Tel: +86 10 6851 4062, Fax: +86 10 6851 4063
E-mail: hzexpo@vip.sina.com
First Latin American Workshop on Enzyme Technology
17 - 21 June 2003, Varadero Beach, Mantanzas, Cuba
Contact:
Reynaldo Villalonga
Enzyme Technology Group
Center for Biotechnological Studies
University of Matanzas
Autopista a Varadero km 3 Ω, Matanzas, C.P. 44740, Cuba
Tel: (53)(45) 261251
Fax: (53)(45) 253101, 262222
E-mail: relatenz.umcc@umcc.cu
Biotech 2003
26-28 May 2003, Beijing, China
The Chinese Society of Biotechnology, the Division of Biochemical Engineering, SCE, Japan and the Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering announced this international conference on biotechnology and related fields. Some other societies on biotechnology from North America were also contacted as co-organizers. The conference provided an extended forum for biotechnology researchers worldwide to present their recent discoveries, developments and challenges in biotechnology and related fields.
Contact:
Professor Zhu’an CAO, Dr. Huimin YU
Department of Chemical Engineering
Tsinghua University
Beijing, China 100084
Fax: 8610-62770304
E-mail: cbiotech@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
HGM2003: HUGO’s eighth annual international meeting on the human genome
27 -30 April 2003, Cancun, Mexico
The scientific programme for HGM2003 was focused on worldwide progress in the Human Genome Project and covered topics such as functional annotation, complex traits, stem cells, proteomics, bioinformatics, new technologies, chromatin regulation, complex diseases and developmental genomics.The meeting also had ethics sessions including a plenary on therapeutic cloning.
Contact:
HGM2003 Secretariat
144 Harley Street
London W1G 7LD
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 20 7935 8085
Fax:+ 44 20 7935 8341
E-mail: hugo@hugo-international.org
20 -22 April 2003, Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates
A conference organised by the College of Food Systems, United Arab Emirate University
Contact:
Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Sherif Al-Badawy (Organizing Committee Chair)
College of Food Systems
United Arab Emirates University
P.O. Box 17555
Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
Tel: + 971 3 - 705 - 1247
Fax:+ 971 3 - 763 - 2384
E-mail: FoodSys.Conf@uaeu.ac.ae
Biophotonics Workshop
13-16 January 2003, The East-West Center Manoa Valley, Hawaii, U.S.A.
A 4-Day Course and Workshop for Researchers from Biotechnology and Academia
Contact:
Gerard Marriott, PhD, Associate Professor
Biotechnology Havana 2002
24-29 November 2002, Havana City, Cuba
Agro-Biotech in the New Millennium
Contact:
BiotecnologÍa Habana 2002, AP 6162, La Habana 10600, Cuba
Tel: +53-7-2718008 ;Fax: +53-7-2718070
E-mail: bioagro@cigb.edu.cu
IBC’s Chips to Hits (R) 2002
27 - 31 October 2002, Philadelphia Marriott, Philadelphia, PA USA
The World’s Premier Microtechnology Event for Life Sciences
Contact:
Client Service Department
IBC Life Sciences
1 Research Drive, Suite 400A
Westborough, MA 01581
Tel: + (508) 616-5550 X1004
Fax: + (508) 616-5522
E-mail: reg@ibcusa.com
The 7th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms
11 - 15 October 2002, Beijing, China
The International Symposium on The Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has been held biennially, to address the scientific basis for biosafety (environmental as well as human and animal health issues) associated with GMOs.The Symposia series is designed for senior scientists, policy makers, regulators, environmentalists and industry representatives involved in the commercial release of GMOs.
Contact:
Ms. Wang Huan (Joy Wang), China Comfort Travel CO., LTD
Tel: + 86 10 65956417, 84983782
Fax: + 86 10 65956417, 84978129
E-mail: joywang57@hotmail.com
The Crossroad of Biotechnology 2002
30 September - 01 October 2002, Montreal, QC, Canada
A crossroad between the European and the North American industries where business meets science
Contact:
Biotechnology Research Institute - NRC
Tel: + (514) 469-6250
Fax: + (514) 496-5007
E-mail: bri@nrc.ca
ABIC 2002 Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference
15-18 September 2002, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
4th biennial ABIC conference covering a broad range of topics in agricultural biotechnology
Contact:
ABIC 2002 Conference Coordinator, c/o Ag-West Biotech Inc.
#101-111 Research Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 3R2
Tel: +1-306-683-2242 ;Fax: +1-306-683-2264
E-mail: abic@abic.net
International DNA Sampling Conference
5-8 September 2002, Montreal, QC, Canada
Contact:
Claudine Fecteau, Pavillon Maximilien-Caron, Universitπ de Montrπal
3101, chemin de la Tour; Montrπal (Quπbec) Canada, H3T 3J7
Tel: +1 (514) 343-2142; Fax: +1 (514) 343-2122
E-mail: conferenceADN@droit.umontreal.ca
AusBiotech 2002 Annual Conference
18-21 August 2002, Melbourne Convention Centre, Victoria, Australia
Building Excellence through partnership
Contact:
c/ Intermedia Convention & Event Management
PO Box 1280 Milton Qld 4064 AUSTRALIA
Tel: + 61 (0)7 3858 5529 ;Fax: + 61 (0)7 3858 5510
E-mail: ausbiotech02@im.com.au
IBC’s 7th Annual World Congress
4 - 9 August 2002, The Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA USA
Contact:
Client Service Department
IBC Life Sciences
1 Research Drive, Suite 400A
Westborough, MA 01581
Tel: + (508) 616-5550 X1004
Fax: + (508) 616-5522
E-mail: reg@ibcusa.com
10-12 July 2002,Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Japan
Organized by Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.
Contact:
BIO EXPO JAPAN Show Management
Attn: Hajime Suzuki(Mr.), Chisato Miyawaki(Ms.)
Tel: +81-3-3349-8506 ;Fax: +81-3-3349-8500
E-mail: bio@reedexpo.co.jp
Bio-Tech Israel 2002
20-21 March 2002, Tel Aviv, Israel
Israel’s first international biotechnology conference
Contact:
BioIsrael Communication Ltd.
39/11 Tel Chai St, Kfar Saba, Israel 44229
Tel: +972-9-766 2602; Fax +972-9-767 3543
E-mail: info@bioisrael.com
Task Group on Education and Mobility
In September 2000, the former Working Party on Education transformed itself into the Task Group on Education. In March 2003, the name of the Task Group on Education was changed to “Education and Mobility” to reflect a wider scope of interest that also mirrors the interests of the European Commission.
The EFB Task Group on Education and Mobility is composed of some forty senior 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.
If you wish to become a member of the Task Group on Education and Mobility, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Charlie F. A. Bryce (Chairman)
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
Mr. Christian Suojanen (Secretary)
EFB Central Office (ECO)
Pg. Lluis Companys 23
08010 Barcelona - Spain
Tel: +34 93 268 87 96
Fax: +34 93 268 45 00
E-mail: christian@efb-central.org
Task Group on European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES)
EAGLES was set up through the initiative of members of the European Federation of Biotechnology. It was established as a Task Group, which provides advice and support, as well as an administrative structure and its large network.
EAGLES designs and implements 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 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.
For information on the activities of this Task Group please visit the EAGLES website or contact:
Prof. Dr. David McConnell (Chairman)
Department of Genetics
Smurfit Institute
Trinity College
University of Dublin
Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: +353 - 1 608 2008
Fax: +353 - 1 671 4968
E-mail: david.mcconnell@tcd.ie
Associated Section YEBN (Young European Biotech Network)
“Biotechnology and young people’s networks are both essential components of Europe’s scientific and technological futures. Accordingly, I strongly endorse the goals and activities of the YEBN.” - Philip Campbell, Ph.D. Editor-in-chief, Nature
Biotechnology is a key factor for sustainable development of our future. The Young European Biotech Network (YEBN) is a non-profit organisation that aims to strengthen the co-operation among European Countries in order to promote a responsible and dynamic community of young scientists and increase the competitiveness of the European Life Science sector worldwide. YEBN was founded in December 2002 in Bertinoro, Italy, by four student organisations active in several European countries. Today, YEBN consists of several hundred members in 15 European countries.
Linking people together has proven to be vital for businesses. A successful scientist has to seek out contacts at conferences as well. Networking is a crucial aspect, not only for career, but for information and also sometimes for fun. YEBN links people within its network and to the outside world, either through its member database or through specific networking events, such as conferences, meetings or workshops. In doing this, YEBN achieves an internal and a vertical integration of its members, for example with academia, other organisations (such as the European Federation of Biotechnology) and companies.
Young Life Scientists are often concerned with their future career. YEBN has built specific career services, such information on job matching databases and its internal networking database to help YEBN members in critical questions, i.e. on getting information of research groups in other countries.
Young people most often have great ideas, as well as the courage and motivation to realize them. Yet, sometimes the space is missing for the creativity to be put into reality.
YEBN helps you to realize your own ideas by helping to find human resource to fill your team, helps you to find financial aid, management skills and most importantly provides its name to leverage your endeavour. Genetic engineering, cloning and other issues have caused widespread anxiety and debates in society. YEBN is dedicated to provide society with unbiased and objective knowledge and information on Life Science, from young involved scientists. YEBN aims for these objectives by representing a young generation of open-minded scientists who can be regarded as trustworthy. Specific projects and Task Groups within YEBN are focused on science and society, public perception and communication of science. A project called BioPop of a new model for science communication and sociology of science under the FP6 program of the European Commission” was accepted and run from 2004.
Everyone is welcome to join and initiate projects in YEBN, membership is for free. We encourage persons with different backgrounds but strong interest in biotechnology to join, in order to create a fruitful interdisciplinary forum.
For further information regarding this Associated Section, please visit the YEBN website or contact the Chairman:
Francesco Lescai
YEBN Ltd. CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board
University of Bologna
francesco.lescai@yebn.org
www.yebn.org
Associated Section on Pharma Medical Biotechnology (EAPB)
The European Association of Pharma Biotechnology (EAPB), the Associated Section on Pharma Medical Biotechnology of the EFB, is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of biotechnology in pharmaceutical sciences, specifically as applied to industrial materials, processes, products and their associated problems. Its members constitute scientists employed in industry, government and university laboratories, biotech companies and scientific organizations.
During the 10th European Congress on Biotechnology in Madrid, July 2001, the idea was born to join forces of EFB and EAPB (European Association of Pharma Biotechnology). A cooperation agreement was formulated and adopted in October 2001.
EAPB is the representative and central network to promote and develop Pharma Biotechnology in Europe, linking academia, industries and regulatory bodies. Members are scientists (individual membership), companies, departments of companies and organisations from academia (corporate membership), but also industry, especially pharmaceutical industry and related sciences involved in pharma biotechnology.
For further information regarding this Associated Section, please visit the EAPB website or contact:
Dr. Sven Stegemann (Chairman)
Capsugel Bornem
Rijksweg 11
B-2880 Bornem
Phone +49 - 172 605 4869
Fax +41 - 61 705 5118
E-mail: sven.stegemann@pfizer.com
Section on NanoBiotechnology
It’s the right time to fundamentally structure and integrate the European nanobiotechnology community. Nanobiotechnology is now emerging due to the absolute novelty of its highly interdisciplinary scientific field combining what were previously separate, autonomous, and to some extent unrelated disciplines.
The European Federation of Biotechnology established the first Section on NanoBiotechnology in conjunction with Nano2Life, a proposed Network of Excellence awaiting support from the European Commission. The application fields of nanobiotechnology are similar to those traditionally addressed by biotechnology: medical or biological diagnosis, drug design, medical applications, food and environmental monitoring.
The scientific focus of nanobiotechnology lies mainly on a viable interface between biological and non-biological entities at the nanoscale. Success is vital as the communication between these two “worlds” at the molecular level will lead to breakthroughs in the design of a whole new set of nanobio-tools and nanosensors having unforeseen potential especially for medical devices, the pharmaceutical and food industries, and other application fields, e.g., process technology or environmental monitoring.
Mission
The aim of the Nanobiotechnology Section of the European Federation of Biotechnology is to facilitate the diffusion of nanobiotechnology in the biotechnology industry. The section provides, on the basis of the corresponding European Network of Excellence Nano2Life, information and assessment about:
- Recent scientific and technical developments in the field of nanobiotechnology that could impact the Biotechnology industry;
- Novel education and training courses for professionals;
- Easy access to the main research institutes and industrial companies active in the field of nanobiotechnology.
Besides this core activity, the section works in close cooperation with existing EFB Task Groups on dedicated subjects, for instance on public perception and acceptance of nanotechnology for life sciences, and a nanobiotechnology technical roadmap for the biotechnology industry (how to make optimal use of these new and emerging technologies in the next years). Multimedia supported communication and dissemination activities will provide thorough education and awareness of the scientific and industrial community outside the European Federation of Biotechnology and the general public about the impact of nanobiotechnology on industry and society. This will ensure development of nanobiotechnology devices, material and services according to the needs of European industry and in agreement with international social and ethical standards, which will support sustainable development of the European economy in this knowledge intensive area. Contact: Section Website Dr. Arantxa Sanz (Chairman) Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC) Baldiri Reixac 10-12 08028 Barcelona Tel. +34 93402 0283 Fax. +34 93403 9702 E-mail: asanz@ibec.pcb.ub.es
Task Group on Innovation (TG INN)
Innovation, entrepreneurship and technology are of key importance for capitalising the diverse technological and knowledge-based advances that have recently been witnessed in biotechnology.
The EFB Task Group on Innovation aims to strengthen the interactions between research and application.
For information on the objectives of this Task Group please contact:
Dr. Bowman J Heiden (Chairman)
Deputy Director
Center for Intellectual Property Studies
Chalmers University of Technology
S-41296 Goteborg Sweden
Phone +46 - 31 772 8247
Fax +46 - 31 772 1917
E-mail: bo.heiden@cip.chalmers.se
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
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.
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
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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).
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
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
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.
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