NI REPRESENTED AT TOP BIOTECH EVENT

THE expertise of Northern Ireland's universities, teaching hospitals and health technology companies was on show at a major biotechnology event in the US.

Held in San Diego, Califorina, the International Biotechnology Convention and Exhibition, BIO 2001, which runs from June 24 to 27, is the world’s largest event of its type.

The Northern Ireland presentation at BIO 2001 was organised jointly by representatives of the Industrial Development Board, Trade International, LEDU, IRTU, Queen’s University, the University of Ulster, the Bioscience and Technology Institute and the Centre for Innovation and Biotechnology.

Bruce Robinson, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said the event was an immensely important initiative by the four organisations, which will form the new single economic development agency. He said they had worked with universities and local companies to harness the business potential of the fast growing biotechnology industry.

Mr Robinson said: "In addition to new drugs and vaccines being developed by health technology companies, biotechnology is already driving change in environmental management, chemicals, energy, food and textiles, promoting innovation and helping companies to improve their overall competitiveness.”

Senior academics from both local universities were present, along with representatives from local biomedical companies and the Bioscience and Technology Institute.

Northern Ireland companies showcasing their expertise included Fusion, Genomic Mining, Pathcom Biotech and Xentox.

Mr Robinson said Northern Ireland was well placed to exploit the potential of biotechnology through universities and their close working relationship with teaching hospitals and local companies on research projects and the application of new technology.

BIO 2001 attracted around 750 exhibitors who displayed their products and expertise at the event to showcase the latest advances in health care, agriculture, manufacturing and environmental management. (SP)