Media Release: Natural conference attracts national attention

EXPERTS from industry and academia will present at a national conference taking place at Eden Court in Inverness tomorrow (Thursday 7 October).

Focusing on the use of natural products in life sciences and hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Natural Bioactives Conference will bring together businesses and academic researchers from across Scotland.

The aim of the conference is to provide an ideal opportunity for those working on the discovery and commercialisation of biological active substances, such as seaweed or crops, to develop research and commercial interests.

Dr Steven Dodsworth, Head of Life Sciences at HIE, said: “This is an exciting time to be involved in Life Sciences in the Highlands and Islands.

“Only last week 120 delegates gathered at the P4 Digital Healthcare Convention in Inverness.

“This week the Natural Bioactives Conference will pull together a number of key individuals from highly regarded organisations to help businesses and individuals look into different aspects of academic and commercial research, as well as discovery and marketing. HIE is actively supporting the region in becoming a significant contributor to Scotland’s world-class life sciences sector.”

Around 100 delegates are expected to discuss their different projects that will lead to compounds used in medicines, food products and cosmetics.

Speakers include Dr Neil Parry, Expertise and Science area leader, Biotechnology/Bioscience for Unilever; Julian Mellentin, owner and editor of New Nutrition Business, and Prof Alan Harvey, director of Strathclyde Institute for Drug Research at the University of Strathclyde.

Additional speakers will also be taking part, including experts from UHI the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands, the University of Glasgow and a number of private sector businesses.

The day will involve a mixture of presentations, interactive workshops and facilitated discussions before rounding off with an informal dinner at the Glen Mhor Hotel in Inverness. The afternoon workshops will offer practical advice on how to tackle regulatory issues, manage marketing strategies and how to avoid pitfalls.

For more information, visit www.keycs.com/events.asp

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Natural Bioactives Conference
Date: 7th October 2010
VENUE: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
The cost to attend is £45 (including VAT) not including accommodation.

Notes to editors:

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) delivers the Scottish Government’s economic strategy by supporting the sustainable growth of ambitious businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. You can visit our website at http://www.hie.co.uk and follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/highlandsandislandsenterprise

HIE’s activities contribute to a comprehensive range of measures introduced across the public sector as part of the Scottish Government’s Economic Recovery Plan. For more information visit: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/economic-situation

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Contact: Kim Thain
Phone: 01463 244238
Email: kim.thain@hient.co.uk
Website: http://www.hie.co.uk