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11 July 2013 -- At the sixth international meeting on Synthetic Biology, David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, today announced that Imperial College is to host SynbiCITE - a new £10 million Innovation and Knowledge Centre for synthetic biology. The centre will be funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research (BBSRC) and the Technology Strategy Board.
Having supported Imperial College’s application, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) welcomes today’s announcement. SynbiCITE will develop a collaborative network which will help to realise the true value and potential of synthetic biology by bringing together researchers from 18 academic organisations and 13 industrial partners, bolstering the UK’s position as a world-leading location for science
The centre will focus on the commercialisation and application of promising science and technology. Emerging companies in the synthetic biology field, such as those that have recently joined the BIA’s Synthetic Biology Advisory Committee, will stand to benefit from the centre’s support and expert knowledge as they reach commercial maturity.
Steve Bates, BIA Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We welcome the decision to establish SynbiCITE at Imperial College and we look forward to working with them on this exciting project to develop a centre of national importance. The BIA is uniquely positioned to help them engage with both business and the public as the sector works to develop responsible innovation in synthetic biology.”
Dr Tim Fell, CEO of synthetic biology company Synthace and Chair of the BIA’s Synthetic Biology Advisory Committee, said:
“SynbiCITE establishes exactly the type of knowledge-rich environment that is highly conducive for small companies seeking to collaborate with academics and other businesses. This is welcome news of direct commercial relevance which further strengthens the UK’s world class synthetic biology community.”
For further information, please contact Robert Winder, Head of Communications, rwinder@bioindustry.org, 020 7630 2191; mobile 07825 942 934.
BioIndustry Association
Founded over 20 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK’s position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people’s lives. For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org
BIA Synthetic Biology Advisory Committee
In 2013 the BIA established a new Synthetic Biology Advisory Committee for companies working in this emerging area of bioscience. The committee currently consists of 10 companies: Algenuity, Biosyntha, Genabler, GlaxoSmithKline, Green Biologics, Ingenza, Oxitec, Prokarium, Synpromics, and Synthace.
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