Twenty-Four Countries to Present at BIO 2006 International Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2006) – BIO 2006, the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) Annual International Convention April 9-12 in Chicago, will feature an International Program that will draw attendees from across the globe. Panelists will discuss innovative biotechnology systems that address chronic, acute and emerging infectious diseases, issues of poverty, bioterrorism and challenges to agricultural and environmental sustainability.
The International Program is scheduled 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9 at the McCormick Place Convention Center, site of BIO 2006.
Highlights of the International Programs are:
· Ministerial Seminar, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Federal level ministers of science and technology, trade and/or economics will discuss various areas of biotechnology including healthcare, food and agriculture, and industrial and environmental issues. Participants will focus on strengths, challenges, initiatives, regulation and the climate for biotechnology product sales.
Panelists will include:
o Dr. Maria de Graca Carvalho, special advisor on biotechnology, European Commission
o The Hon. Georg-Wilhelm Adamowitsch, state secretary, federal ministry of economics and technology, Germany
o The Hon. Dato’ Sri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis, minister of science, technology and innovation, Malaysia
o The Hon. Dr. Ferng-Ching Lin, minister of state and co-covenor, Taiwan, R.O.C.
o The Hon. Kapil Sibal, minister of state for science, technology and ocean development, India
o Peter Brenders, president and CEO, BIOTECanada, will serve as moderator.
· International Marketplace, 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Business leaders and researchers from around the globe will showcase advancements in innovation and product development in an intimate atmosphere primed for exploration into common research initiatives and possibilities for collaborations.
· International Seminars, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. The seminars will feature 15 world regions presenting the latest developments in business, policy, and scientific advancements currently taking place in their countries.
· International Food and Agricultural Seminar, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Six world regions will focus specifically on food and agriculture topics such as increasing food production for growing populations, nutraceuticals and other plant and animal topics. This seminar is new to BIO 2006.
· Hot Topics for the Biotechnology Industry in Europe, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. A joint European Union delegation will organize four targeted sessions highly relevant for the global biotech industry. The sessions involve EU research programs, regulatory issues, patents and co-existence.
· Global Biotechnology Forum, 3:45 - 5 p.m. Biotechnology industry leaders, policymakers and members of the international community will explore policy initiatives that foster industry growth in the context of meeting future needs and opportunities.
Panelists include:
o Georgette Lalis, director, European Commission
o Dr. Elias Zerhouni, director, National Institutes of Health
o Dr. Mervyn Turner, senior vice president, worldwide licensing and external research, Merck & Co. Inc.
o The Hon. Christine Lagarde, minister of trade, France
o Dr. Christopher Earl, president and CEO of BIO Ventures for Global Health, will serve as moderator.
For more information on the International Programs, please visit http://www.bio.org/events/2006/intlatt/.
Countries scheduled to present are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and representatives from the European Commission.
Advance media registration for BIO 2006 is now available online. Registration is complimentary for credential members of the news media. To register, please visit http://www.bio.org/events/2006/reg/. Only reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers and online publications must register in advance by Friday, March 31, 2006.
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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