The natural approach to life sciences to be the focus of major conference
ONE of Scotland’s leading life science research locations is to be the venue for an international conference focusing on the importance of natural products.
Hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Natural Products Conference will bring together experts, businesses and academic researchers on the 25-26 September 2013 at the Scottish Association for Marine Science and European Marine Science Park, Dunstaffnage, near Oban in Argyll.
The conference will feature presentations from global leaders across the sector and will explore opportunities for businesses and researchers working in natural products.
Figures indicate that over the next four years the global markets for health related food and drink will rise to £132bn and natural cosmetics to £176bn.
Morag Goodfellow, senior development manager at HIE, said: “The Natural Products Conference is an opportunity to showcase the leading expertise and facilities in this part of the world.
“The Highlands and Islands is home to outstanding natural assets, global experts, innovative businesses and ground breaking research.
“This combined with the region’s natural assets provide significant commercial and business opportunities. With the recent addition of the European Marine Science Park which HIE has developed to ensure we are ready for further growth, Argyll is the perfect location to hold an event to support the various strands of this emerging industry.
“The Conference will be an important event for anyone interested in the upcoming opportunities in developing natural products.”
The two-day programme will feature presentations, discussions and breakout sessions on products derived from our region’s natural environment such as seaweed, crops and microalgae extracts and their application in drug discovery, bio-energy, nutriceuticals, cosmetics and functional foods.
More specialist sessions will cover how to commercialise ideas and research, how to scale up production, access to finance, and regulatory and intellectual property issues.
To register your interest in attending, please visit the website www.hie.co.uk/NPC13 or alternatively you can call the booking helpline on 0800 032 8080.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
The European Marine Science Park
The European Marine Science Park offers high-quality, flexible laboratory and office space at one of the world’s leading sites for marine research and development. New and expanding businesses can join an outstanding marine community which boasts over 40 years of academic and commercial expertise.
The first phase of the European Marine Science Park was completed at the end of 2012. Since then, it has been short listed for a prestigious architectural design award.
Malin House, part of the new multi-million pound Science Park development by HIE, was shortlisted for the 2013 Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) awards.
The European Marine Science Park is one of HIE’s current major infrastructure investments incorporating marine science, research and development, education and commercial activity.
Issued by:
HIE Communications
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