Menu
21/06/2004
NI biotechnology sector continues to grow
Northern Ireland’s biotechnology sector has grown by a third over the last three years in terms of jobs created, Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has said.
Mr Murphy was speaking at the launch of 'BioIreland 2004 - Stepping Stones to Success', a top level biotech conference being held at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus this week.
Over 200 delegates from every continent have gathered at the Causeway Coast venue to explore emerging opportunities for partnership and growth in the biotechnology sector.
“Biotechnology is a priority for the Government, in the UK as a whole as well as in Northern Ireland,” Mr Murphy said. “Fifty of the world’s 75 top selling medicines were discovered and develop with tin the UK - and currently we have almost twice as many new products in clinical trials as out nearest European competitors.
"Northern Ireland also has an important role to play in delivering the UK’s key bioscience development target, which is to ensure that, by 2015, the UK is a global force in bioscience second only to the USA," he added.
Northern Ireland biotechnology sector now has 50 companies which together employ 4,000 people, contributing over £200m in revenue to the Province’s economy annually.
The BioIreland2004 conference comes just a week after scientists and business representatives from Ireland, north and south, attended Bio2004 in San Francisco, the world's most important annual biotechnology event, at which important international links were forged.
The Coleraine conference will see scientists and business representatives from the San Francisco showcase visit Northern Ireland to consolidate and extend these links.
(MB)
Mr Murphy was speaking at the launch of 'BioIreland 2004 - Stepping Stones to Success', a top level biotech conference being held at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus this week.
Over 200 delegates from every continent have gathered at the Causeway Coast venue to explore emerging opportunities for partnership and growth in the biotechnology sector.
“Biotechnology is a priority for the Government, in the UK as a whole as well as in Northern Ireland,” Mr Murphy said. “Fifty of the world’s 75 top selling medicines were discovered and develop with tin the UK - and currently we have almost twice as many new products in clinical trials as out nearest European competitors.
"Northern Ireland also has an important role to play in delivering the UK’s key bioscience development target, which is to ensure that, by 2015, the UK is a global force in bioscience second only to the USA," he added.
Northern Ireland biotechnology sector now has 50 companies which together employ 4,000 people, contributing over £200m in revenue to the Province’s economy annually.
The BioIreland2004 conference comes just a week after scientists and business representatives from Ireland, north and south, attended Bio2004 in San Francisco, the world's most important annual biotechnology event, at which important international links were forged.
The Coleraine conference will see scientists and business representatives from the San Francisco showcase visit Northern Ireland to consolidate and extend these links.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 June 2004
Northern Ireland group on global biotechnology mission
Northern Ireland is being represented by a group of technology companies and leading university researchers at what has been described as ‘the largest biotechnology gathering ever'. The companies and delegates from NI are attending the BIO 2004 Annual International Convention, which runs from June 6 to 9 in San Francisco.
Northern Ireland group on global biotechnology mission
Northern Ireland is being represented by a group of technology companies and leading university researchers at what has been described as ‘the largest biotechnology gathering ever'. The companies and delegates from NI are attending the BIO 2004 Annual International Convention, which runs from June 6 to 9 in San Francisco.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
11 July 2024
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
19 May 2014
Northern Ireland Retail Sector Shows April Recovery
NI Shopping figures have increased by almost 13% in April compared to the same period last year, according to the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC). The vacancy rate in Northern Ireland was 17.2%, marginally improved from the previous quarter.
Northern Ireland Retail Sector Shows April Recovery
NI Shopping figures have increased by almost 13% in April compared to the same period last year, according to the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC). The vacancy rate in Northern Ireland was 17.2%, marginally improved from the previous quarter.
27 June 2001
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
