Pioneering research underway at the University of Aberdeen is to be showcased at one of the most prestigious events in the biotechnology and life sciences calendar.
BIO 2004 is the world's largest biotechnology event and this year it takes place in San Francisco. More than 18,000 biotech executives, scientists, venture capitalists and policy makers from all over the world will attend the June 6-9 event. Around 650 delegates are expected from the UK.
Dr Liz Rattray, Company Development Manager, with the University of Aberdeen's Research and Innovation Department, is representing the institution at the convention.
She said: "I'm hoping to develop new business opportunities for the extensive life science research that is ongoing within the University. One of the research projects I'll be highlighting is the work that's underway towards developing a nasal spray which could prevent Rhesus babies in women who have the Rhesus Negative blood group.
"Another project I'll be trying to stimulate business interest in is the research that is being done to develop new drugs for treating bone disease, in particular Osteoporosis.
"I'll be using BIO 2004 to look for commercialisation links for our expertise, including licensing partners and investors for our spin-out companies."
One company that was "spun out" from the University is also being represented at the event. Aberdeen based Haptogen is taking a stand adjacent to the one being occupied by the University. Its Chief Executive Officer Jim Reid will be there on behalf of the antibody engineering company.
He said: "This is our second year at BIO with around 18,000 of the world's bio decision-makers and we are looking to progress collaboration and business opportunities. Last year we were very successful in winning three contracts from an American company. This year we are obviously hoping to build on that."
The day after BIO ends, the British Consultate in San Francisco is holding a British Innovations in Biotechnology seminar. Dr Liz Rattray is one of just three or four representatives of British biotechnology companies and universities who have been asked to make a presentation.
Dr Rattray said: "It's a huge coup for the University to be one of just a handful of British representatives who have been invited to give a presentation.
"It's an excellent opportunity to get the message across to key people about the work we do here at the University of Aberdeen. The delegates will include representatives of US pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses and venture capitalists.
"I'm obviously hoping it might lay some foundations for possible transatlantic links for the Unversity."