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PEI Biotech Week Kick-Off
An official proclamation and a fascinating panel discussion about the current and potential role of genomics in the Prince Edward Island biotechnology cluster helped to launch the celebratory week. Press release follows:
PEI Celebrates National Biotechnology Week
September 20, 2010, Charlottetown, PE--- Members of the public and media were invited to join PEI BioAlliance cluster partners from business, government, and research, along with representatives from Genome Atlantic at a special BioNetworking Session to kick-off Biotechnology Week 2010.
PEI Premier Robert Ghiz spoke to over 70 guests at the Regis & Joan Duffy Research Centre (NRC-INH) at UPEI to mark the official declaration of Biotechnology Week in Prince Edward Island. This is the fifth year that the Provincial government has made the official declaration. In his remarks, Premier Ghiz said that biotechnology shows much promise and growth. “The knowledge economy and the growth of biotechnology are very important - both nationally and provincially. As we move ahead, I believe the role of biosciences as an economic engine will continue to accelerate."
Dr. Steven Armstrong, President & CEO, Genome Atlantic gave a presentation on gene discovery in Atlantic Canada. Panelists from PEI’s Bioscience Cluster spoke about the power of genomics and some of the genomics-based initiatives happening in PEI, the role it plays in their research, and the new products being developed.
“This session was a great example of the world-class biotechnology happening in PEI,” said Dr. Armstrong. “It has reiterated the positive impact of focus and strategic support of this valuable industry.”
“Islanders can be very proud of the results to date in building a successful Cluster of bioscience businesses and research agencies in PEI. It’s taken a shared vision and an excellent partnership with our government partners in making this happen. We’re just at the beginning, and we have momentum,” said Rory Francis, Executive Director of the PEI BioAlliance, coordinating body for development of the PEI Cluster.
Biotechnology Week is a celebration of biotechnology from coast to coast across Canada involving researchers, industry, government leaders, educators and youth. With over 650 companies, Canada has the second largest corporate biotech community in the world. Currently there are 30 biotechnology companies operating here in PEI with revenues of over $90 million per year.
As part of National BioTechnology Week 2010, the PEI BioAlliance and its partners are hosting the following activities:
National Biotech Week Challenge. The public is invited to enter for a chance to win unique prizes, including one-of-a-kind artwork of your own DNA. To enter, visit: http://www.genomeatlantic.ca/quiz.
Sanofi Aventis BioTech Challenge PEI Regional High School Lunch & Learn Sessions at Island high schools - September 21-24th. Contact (902) 367-4400 for more information.
Demystifying Venture Capital Investing Premier’s Speaker Series workshop & networking luncheon September 23, 2010 at MacDougall Hall, UPEI Campus. Organized by the Centre for Health and Biotechnology Research Management at UPEI, registrations are being accepted online at www.chbmr.ca.
For more information:
Rose FitzPatrick
Prince Edward Island BioAlliance
(902) 367-4403
Sue Coueslan
Genome Atlantic
(902) 421-5683
scoueslan@genomeatlantic.ca
About the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance
The Prince Edward Island BioAlliance is the organization dedicated to coordinating bioscience business, research and government partnerships in PEI, providing strategy, focus, and alignment among the partners. This collaboration has been the driver of bioscience growth to date, and has given the PEI Cluster a reputation nationally and internationally. The PEI Bioscience Cluster is the location of choice for companies engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of bioactives-based human and animal health and nutrition products.
About Genome Atlantic
Genome Atlantic is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to develop and lead a program of genomics research that delivers tangible economic, social and environmental benefits to Atlantic Canada. Partnering with government, academic, industry and research institutions, it has enabled ten projects worth over $68 million, ranging from agriculture to forestry, aquaculture and human health. It is one of six genome centres across the country, under the umbrella of Genome Canada.
About National Biotechnology Week
Now in its seventh year, National Biotechnology Week engages over 5000 people in every region of the country in a national program to inform Canadians and share our biotechnology excellence. Participants can take educational forums, career fairs, tour Canadian biotech companies, meet local politicians, and share with others the value biotechnology offers to our health, our economy, and our future. National Biotechnology Week is possible thanks to the support of Amgen, Biovail, Council for Biotechnology Information, Genzyme, Janssen-Ortho, Pfizer, Sanofi-pasteur Ltd.
Visit www.imagenenation.ca for a full national calendar of events and a list of our partner organizations and companies across Canada.
