Spring Break
Faculty, UGA students tackle biotech at annual convention
MARIANNE ENGLISH
Issue date: 5/21/09 Section: News
Several University faculty and a handful of students headed to the Georgia World Congress Center this week to attend the BIO International Convention -- the largest annual biotechnology gathering of its kind.
The convention allows researchers, entrepreneurs and a diversity of businesses to share ideas and biotechnology (technology based on biology) to better adapt to the medical, agricultural and fuel problems society faces today.
Organized by the Washington, D.C.-based Biotechnology Industry Organization, the event attracts more than 22,000 science and business professionals from around the globe annually. This year, a total of 62 University members registered to attend.
"It's a great opportunity for the University to make connections with other industries," said Terry Hastings, director of public relations for the Office of the Vice President for Research. She said the four-day convention emphasizes the transformation of biotechnology into usable products.
With the help of the Technology Commercialization Office, researchers can market their biotechnology to national and international companies at the exhibition portion of the convention. Housed alongside other in-state research institutions and companies, the University's exhibit showcases biotechnology in the "Georgia Pavilion" area.
On the other hand, technology and patents aren't the only prospects swapped at the convention. Mark Tompkins, assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases, said although he is not showcasing his research, the event provides an opportunity to exchange ideas.
"There are many factors that influenced my decision to attend," he said. "Conventions like this will continue to bridge the gap between research and industry. It's interesting to hear about the progress others are making."
Tompkins studies the influenza virus and said the swine flu will be a hot topic at the convention. Many of the therapies he is developing have a long-term potential to be used for flu outbreaks, he said.
Overall, biotechnology not only shapes the national economy, it affects Georgia's economy and job market as well.
Jeffrey Humphreys, Terry College professor and director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth was chosen to assess the economic effects of the life science industry on Georgia's economy. His research concluded that in 2007 alone, biotechnology supported more than 62,000 jobs in the state and $6.2 billion in state Gross Domestic Product.
MULTIMEDIA: University professor Clifton Baile speaks about the importance of attending the 2009 BIO International Convention.
The convention allows researchers, entrepreneurs and a diversity of businesses to share ideas and biotechnology (technology based on biology) to better adapt to the medical, agricultural and fuel problems society faces today.
Organized by the Washington, D.C.-based Biotechnology Industry Organization, the event attracts more than 22,000 science and business professionals from around the globe annually. This year, a total of 62 University members registered to attend.
"It's a great opportunity for the University to make connections with other industries," said Terry Hastings, director of public relations for the Office of the Vice President for Research. She said the four-day convention emphasizes the transformation of biotechnology into usable products.
With the help of the Technology Commercialization Office, researchers can market their biotechnology to national and international companies at the exhibition portion of the convention. Housed alongside other in-state research institutions and companies, the University's exhibit showcases biotechnology in the "Georgia Pavilion" area.
On the other hand, technology and patents aren't the only prospects swapped at the convention. Mark Tompkins, assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases, said although he is not showcasing his research, the event provides an opportunity to exchange ideas.
"There are many factors that influenced my decision to attend," he said. "Conventions like this will continue to bridge the gap between research and industry. It's interesting to hear about the progress others are making."
Tompkins studies the influenza virus and said the swine flu will be a hot topic at the convention. Many of the therapies he is developing have a long-term potential to be used for flu outbreaks, he said.
Overall, biotechnology not only shapes the national economy, it affects Georgia's economy and job market as well.
Jeffrey Humphreys, Terry College professor and director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth was chosen to assess the economic effects of the life science industry on Georgia's economy. His research concluded that in 2007 alone, biotechnology supported more than 62,000 jobs in the state and $6.2 billion in state Gross Domestic Product.
MULTIMEDIA: University professor Clifton Baile speaks about the importance of attending the 2009 BIO International Convention.
Be the first to comment on this story