Biotechnology week recognizes Canada as a global leader

Monday, September 17, 2012

Canada's ninth annual National Biotechnology Week, from September 14 to 21, celebrates national biotechnology excellence. Canada's bio-economy is estimated to be worth more than $87 billion and involves a wide variety of sectors including pharmaceutical manufacturing, health, and medicine, agriculture and food bioprocessing, and organic chemical manufacturing.

Almost a year ago, the University of Waterloo launched its Centre of Bioengineering and Biotechnology with systems design engineering professor Catherine Burns at the helm. The centre already boasts 80 members from every Faculty on campus, although engineering and science are at its core. "The goal is to incorporate partnerships with hospitals, organizations, companies and student members as well," says Burns. [bioengineering centre article] [more about biotechnology week]