28 May 2010

TTS Ltd. were invited to chair and speak at a couple of sessions at the increasingly important BioVision Alexandria. Held biannually, this particular event has great significance and differs from others in that it strives for the inclusion of the BioSciences in the developing world. To TTS Ltd. this is a wonderful event that focuses on different perspectives than those more readily heard at other events and we are delighted to continue helping support the initiative in any way we can. Bluntly it is a refreshing event and the discourse throughout is always interesting with many subjects being approached from a completely different angle from that which one would more commonly encounter.

If I may take a few words from Dr Ismail Seargeldin, Conference Chair and Executive Director of the Alexandria Library "...our aim is to explore the future. Policy makers and distinguished speakers from the fields of industry, science and civil society will get together to discuss the new frontiers of life sciences with the aim of challenging its enormous potential to the benefit of humanity. Therefore not only do we aim to discuss the novel discoveries and breakthroughs in science, but also examine how the discoveries of today could create a better world for oncoming generations". Admirable, and with six Nobel Laureates amongst a notable line-up of speakers, one would like to think eminently achievable. 

TTS Ltd. chaired and spoke at two sessions covering "Research, Education, Innovation and Industry: The Gap". Both were intriguing for their breadth, wealth of sector experience. To highlight a few Iain Gillespie, Director, OECD gave an enlightening overview of the current economic challenges related to the sector per se, whilst Anatolle Krattiger, Research Professor, University of Arizona, gave a perspective on the issues surrounding IPR and the raging debate of public-private ownership and importantly the impact on collaboration. Further details can be found on the BioVision Alexandria website (www.bibalex.org/bva2010) but in short, this is a wonderful initiative that the biotech sector ought to actively support.