Ansari to open BioAsia 2008 featuring Nobel Laureates

Hyderabad, Jan 16 (UNI) Vice-President Hamid Ansari will inaugurate the Fifth Edition of the Global Bio-business Forum -- BioAsia 2008-- which will be held here from February 7-9 and feature two Nobel Laureates.

Informing this to the press here today, Andhra Pradesh Major Industries Minister J Geeta Reddy said BioAsia would feature lectures by Nobel Laureates Sir Martin J Evans on 'Embroynic Stem Cells' and Prof Barry J Marshall on 'Helicobacter Pylori' responsible for causing peptic ulcers.

Over 100 delegates from the US, UK, Australia, Germany, Iran and Malaysia among others have confirmed participation in the event in which over 20 internationally renowned scientists would deliver talks on various topics including stem cells and nanotechnology.

Dr Reddy said Sir Martin J Evan would be conferred this year's Genome Valley Excellence Award during the conference.

The State Government was organising the event with assistance from the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations and the University of Hyderabad to promote interaction among Industry,Academia, Researchers and Venture Capitalists, facilitate MoUs and provide a platform for business meetings.

BioAsia Conferences, which began in 2004, had acted as catalysts in attracting of about Rs 2,050 crore investments creating an employment potential for 60,000 people.

She said Dr Ansari would also lay the foundation stone for the National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research and Center for Stem Cell Sciences besides inaugurating Biotechnology Incumbation Centre.

The Minister also said a National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research was coming up here at an investment of Rs 500 crore.

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