Biotechnology:

 Perspectives, Policies and Issues

 An International Symposium

 Major breakthroughs achieved in cellular and molecular biology during
the last decade have made it possible to genetically modify plant and
animal cells. These powerful new techniques offer opportunities of
improved utilization of microbes, animals, and plants in human welfare.
Current scientific and commercial developments in these areas have raised
important new policy issues concerning the implications and
commercialization of biotechnology.
 Through this symposium we will examine the state of the art of
biotechnology and focus on the issues of university/industry relations,
economic opportunities, and ethical questions in the commercialization of
biotechnology and the transference of these technologies throughout the
world.
 The symposium is designed to provide a forum for exchange among
business, academia, and government in looking at the present and future
scientific developments and beyond to the implications and the
commercialization of biotechnology and related national and
international policy issues. It will consist of four sessions:
 SESSIONS I AND II will look at the state of the art of biotechnology in
the areas of plant, animal, biomedical, marine, environmental, and
bioengineering sciences. The sessions will examine the background,
current scientific issues, and accomplishments, identifying specific
products and the potential time frames for their availability and the
constraints that exist in these areas.
 SESSION III will examine new institutional developments from
university, industry, and international points of view. Through the
university perspective it will deal with relationships between universities
and industry, including intellectual property rights, degree of involvement
of faculty, joint and sole ventures, and the impact on graduate instruction.
The industry perspective will look at industry/university relations, funding
mechanisms, and the development, exchange and publication of scientific
information and possible repercussions of manpower needs and demands.
The international perspective will deal with the current status and future
development and utilization of biotechnology in developed and developing
countries with particular reference to property rights and technology
transfer.