June 2003
From U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation for the FSU
CRDF presents on Russian biotechnology at Biotechnology Industry Organization's annual meeting Washington, DC � June 17, 2003 � The U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) is presenting two seminars at the Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO's) annual meeting that will explore the global biotechnology environment at the International Biotechnology Marketplace. The seminars, to be held on Sunday, June 22 at the Washington Hilton & Towers in Washington, will feature U.S., Russian, and Israeli companies and government representatives with experience building biotechnology business partnerships.The event will feature representatives of over 15 leading Russian biotechnology companies and scientific institutions at table displays showcasing their biotechnology capabilities and portfolio of products in drug discovery, compounds, adjuvants, anti-TB vaccines, biotech software and more. "The CRDF is pleased to be presenting two seminars that will highlight the biotechnology expertise of Russia's scientific community. We are hoping that these events will foster future research and development partnerships between U.S. and Russian collaborators and lay the groundwork for innovative collaborations involving Israeli companies," says Cathy Campbell, Senior Vice President of the CRDF. The first CRDF seminar, Global Biotechnology Partnerships in Russia: Models of Successful Partnering, will feature four successful U.S.-Russian biotechnology partnerships. Panelists will discuss the key ingredients of their successful partnerships, as well as lessons learned and challenges of working in the Russian environment. Guest speakers include moderator Ambassador James Collins, former Ambassador to Russia; Dr. Cynthia Tuthill, Vice President for Scientific Affairs for SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; and Dr. Vera Dmitrieva, Executive Director of the Center for Ecological Research & BioResources of Russia. The second seminar, the Trilateral U.S.-Israeli-Russian Panel on Global Biotechnology Partnerships, will include speakers from the government, business, and investment sectors of the three countries. The speakers will outline their respective approaches to international collaboration, and highlight the potential for trilateral collaboration. The seminar will include both large and small company representatives who will address the opportunities and challenges in seeking international collaborations. Guest Speakers include Dr. E. Opper, Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Israel; moderator Mr. Benjamin Wu, Deputy Under Secretary for Technology of the U.S. Department of Commerce; Dr. Barbra Miller, Technical Director of the Dow Chemical Company; and Mrs. Albina Nikkonen, Executive Director of the Russian Venture Capital Association. The U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress and established by the National Science Foundation in 1995. The CRDF supports scientific and technical collaboration between the United States and the countries of the former Soviet Union through grants, technical resources, and training. The foundation also promotes the transition of weapons scientists to civilian work to help reduce the global spread of weapons of mass destruction. The CRDF is based in Arlington, Virginia with offices in Moscow and Kyiv. | |