Gov. Heineman Touts Bioscience Opportunities, Lauds State Efforts
Gov. Heineman Touts Bioscience Opportunities, Lauds State Efforts
Gov. Dave Heineman today applauded the collaborative efforts of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), private partners and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) in working to improve statewide bioscience opportunities at the Bio 2005 Annual International Convention this week in Philadelphia.
More than 20 Nebraskans from the public and private sector are attending Bio 2005. The convention, which concludes Wednesday, is the world's largest biotechnology gathering, involving more than 18,000 biotech company executives, investors, scientists and policymakers.
"Biotechnology has a perfect place to grow right here in Nebraska," Gov. Heineman said. "That is why it is important that our state institutions work together for a prosperous biosciences sector. I am pleased that the University, our private partners and the Department of Economic Development recognize the importance of these budding opportunities, as they represent the future."
Nebraska has more than 70 bioscience and medical technology companies, ranging from surgical masks produced in Valley to DNA vectors for scientific research involving cellular manipulation produced in Lincoln. Ethanol and biodiesel offer additional opportunities, as alternative fuels continue to grow in demand, use and acceptance. Alternative fuel production also positions Nebraska to grow in other bioscience industries because of ethanol's use in pharmaceutical production.
DED Director Richard Baier said, "Biotechnology is too important to ignore, and its potential for Nebraska -- from value-added agriculture to large-scale research and development, could prove pivotal to the future of our state's economy." The department's representative at the conference, Darrell Ullman of DED, said, "It is important that we in Nebraska do all we can to improve our international presence and be recognized for what we're doing."
This year marks the first time UNL and UNMC have worked as conference equals toward bioscience research and economic development aims. Gov. Heineman has instructed DED to examine how best to enable the future growth of the biosciences industry, including the marketing of the newly passed Nebraska Advantage jobs-creation package and its tax credit for research and development.
Don Leuenberger, UNMC vice chancellor for business and finance, said, "This is a great opportunity for us to make contacts and let people know what is happening in our state in biotechnology."
http://gov.nol.org/news/2005_06/20_bioscience.html