BIO Announces Program Highlights for Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 1, 2005) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will host the Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy Jan. 11-13, 2006 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa in Honolulu. “While there have been a number of conferences in Asia dealing with biofuels, none has fully integrated the new technological advances in the broad spectrum of industrial biotechnology applications,” noted Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section.
“Presentations at the summit will examine the role of bioenergy and industrial biotechnology in securing energy supplies and building regional prosperity in the Pacific Rim. They will also explore the convergence of biotechnology, chemistry, agriculture and the study of marine microorganisms, and how this convergence will revolutionize nearly every aspect of the global economy. Nations in the Pacific Rim region have enough agricultural byproduct resources to supply a robust economy producing renewable products and fuels,” Erickson said.
The Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy will feature presentations on bio-energy, bio-based products, industrial biotechnology for drug discovery and production, and novel applications of marine biotechnology and nanotechnology. Program highlights include panels and topics in four tracks:
Bioenergy Track
New Developments in Biofuels
Among the many panels will be reports on breakthroughs in development of biotech enzymes to make fuels from crop wastes in the United States and China. Researchers from the University of Georgia and China Agricultural University will discuss production of bio-ethanol from agricultural residues such as sugar cane bagasse and wheat straw.
Biobased Products and Biobased Chemicals Track
Biopolymers
Two panels examine the latest advances in the development and commercialization of biopolymers. Presentations from DuPont, Metabolix, Codexis, Cargill, and NatureWorks will detail developments in products from 3- and 4-carbon building blocks. Other panels will focus on protein-based biomaterials and products from palm oil and other Pacific Rim sources.
Nanotechnology and Novel Applications Track
Drug Discovery and Production
Two panels will examine breakthroughs in drug discovery and production through industrial biotechnology. Researchers from the U.S. will discuss biocatalytic routes to overcoming bottlenecks in the drug discovery process, while speakers from Australia, Indonesia and the U.S. examine new biotech pathways. In addition, speakers will discuss how drugs can be derived from marine organisms.
Marine Biotechnology and Bioprospecting Track
Microalgae for Pharmaceuticals, Foods, Fuels and Biofixation
A series of panels will examine exciting new uses of microalgae, including recent work in Hawaii on biofixation of CO2. A second panel will examine advances in production of chemicals and intermediates by marine organisms. Other panels will examine food and nutritional applications and deriving drugs from marine organisms.
Plenary program speakers include Patrick Moore, founder of GreenSpirit and one of the original co-founder of Greenpeace; the Honorable James Aiona, Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii; and BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. The program also includes a Hawaiian welcoming reception, business partnering sessions, and an opportunity to participate in a special golf event at one of Honolulu’s premier courses. The summit promises to be a lively and dynamic conference in a truly attractive venue.
The early bird registration deadline is Dec. 9. Registration can be completed online at http://www.bio.org/pacrim/reg/. Additional program information, hotel, and registration information can be found on the BIO web site, at http://www.bio.org/pacrim/.
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
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