BIOTECH INFORMATION CENTERS ANNUAL MEETING 2011

The Annual Meeting of the Biotechnology Information Center (BIC) was held on April 4 to 6, 2011 at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Dr. Paul Teng, Dean of Graduate Studies and Professional Learning at NIE and vice chair of ISAAA welcomed the participants and gave a brief backgrounder of the University. The meeting was opened by the Chair of ISAAAs Board of Trustees Dr. Clive James via Skype who congratulated the Global Knowledge Center in organizing the annual event. Dr. James also mentioned that the network has passed its10th year, has already matured and is now better equipped to face the important challenges on biotech communication.

Thirty members of the network from 13 countries discussed knowledge sharing initiatives and science communication strategies to foster greater understanding of the technology in 2010. Key topics were also featured in the meeting including Food Security and Biotechnologys Role by Dr. Teng, Impact of Biosafety Regulations: An Alternative Communication Angle by Dr. Marga Escaler and The Private Industry Perspective in Biotech Communication by Ms. Sonny Tababa.

A Public Forum on Science Communication was also held in Biopolis which featured the talks on the Global Scenario of Biotech Crops by Dr. Randy A. Hautea and science communication initiatives in India, Kenya and Malaysia presented by directors of the respective BICs. The forum concluded with a Biotech Fashion Show featuring student designers showing their biotechnology-inspired designs.