AGU, UoB launch MBPAC

Manama, Apr. 22 (BNA): Under the patronage of Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) and the University of Bahrain (UoB) are co-organising the Millennium Biotechnology Pan Arab Conference and Exhibition (MBPAC) at the Gulf Convention Centre on April 23-25. Themed "How life science and biotechnology will re-shape the third millennium", the three-day conference forms a unique opportunity for biotechnology universities and institutes in the fields of pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental industries from the Arab world to present their research and achievements, and interact with scientists, international experts and investors in various fields of biotechnology. Prof. Mohamed Al Dahmani, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies in AGU and President of MBPAC, said the activity is the first conference to be co-organised by AGU and UoB, adding that it is one of the largest regional platforms that discusses biotechnology, which has become a vital tool to achieve the aspired economic and social development in the Arab world. The conference will shed light on the most important biotechnology applications in the fields of health, agriculture and the environment. MBPAC will also include a special innovation forum, in addition to discussion sessions that will address job opportunities created by biotechnology products and services, and the latest industrial technologies in the field. Additionally, the conference will shed light on gene correction, cell and gene therapy, bioremediation, drug design and genome-specific discoveries. Commenting further, Prof. Al Dahmani stated that the conference reviews the scientific progress of these topics alongside new emerging technologies that lead to real paradigm shifts in the healthcare system, and make real promises to control and treat human diseases and alleviate the burden of healthcare for the millennium. Other topics that will be highlighted during MBPAC include challenges that could be defied by introducing sustainable solutions using technology, such as food security, safety, agriculture and desertification. The conference will also include a forum to discuss the economic aspect and the effective role of life science and biotechnology in the establishment of a knowledge economy. The Forum will underline the various investment opportunities and high added value that can be used in strategic areas such as health, agriculture, energy and the environment.