Thursday 15:46
Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury today praised local companies for taking part in the world's largest biotechnology event being held in San Francisco next week. The UK delegation, with two companies from Scotland, will be led by Lord Sainsbury to showcase their latest products and research at the BIO 2004 Annual International Convention, 6 - 9 June.
Lord Sainsbury said, "These companies are outstanding in their field, offering world-class services and products to the increasingly important biotech sector. I am very pleased that they will be part of the 50 strong delegation of firms at this major industry event and will be able to demonstrate their cutting-edge technology to the world."
UK Trade & Investment, in partnership with BioIndustry Association (BIA), is supporting 50 companies and organisations specialised in biodefense, drug discovery, structural biology, cancer and oncology to take part in BIO 2004.
The event is expected to attract more than 16,000 bio executives, investors, journalists, policymakers and scientists from over 55 countries worldwide.
Bio 2004 will feature business forums, educational sessions and workshops on biotech finance, partnering, research and development, science and policy, as well as an exhibit hall that hosts 1,200 displays. The event will bring together experts and industry leaders to discus topics ranging from biotech's environmental benefits, drug development, nanotechnology and bioethics.
Scottish companies who will be exhibiting at BIO 2004 are Biovation Ltd and Scottish Development International.
More information on BIO 2004 can be found at http://www.bio.org/events/2004/
Issued on behalf of UK Trade and Investment by Government News Network Scotland
Regional releases for Government departments can be viewed at: http://www.gnn.gov.uk
