International Conference on Bio-Nanotechnology opens in Al Ain

The four-day conference, at the Al Ain Hilton Hotel, has been organised by the College of Engineering, UAE University, Al Ain in collaboration with Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech)

The summit is being held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al-Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University.

Dr. Yousef Haik, UAE University Chair of Department of Mechanical Engineering said: 'The conference will highlight the potential applications of recent advances in nanosciences. The development of novel technologies in this field will benefit biomedical imaging, accurate and efficient diagnostics of diseases, treatments of acute conditions, and many more medical applications.

'The implication of nano-biotechnology on the economic development is tremendous. By hosting this conference in the UAE we hope to address the future prospects of this technology in the country and the region.'

Distinguished keynote speakers at the conference include Dr. Roderic I. Pettigrew, Director of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at the National Institute of Health, USA; Dr. Mostafa Analoui, Senior Director at Pfizer, Inc. USA; Dr. Reyad Sawafta, President and CEO of QuarTek, USA; and Dr. Robert McMahan, Senior Advisor to the Governor of North Carolina, for Science and Technology, USA. Other countries represented at the event include Japan, Iran, Jordan, Taiwan, Egypt, Canada, Singapore, India and Russia.

Dr. Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech who will deliver a presentation at the conference said: 'Our support of this conference conforms with DuBiotech's mission to advance research and development and encourage innovation in the region.

'Bio-nanotechnology holds many significant potential for the future and we want to provide all possible support to facilitate research in this field to develop the next generation of medical technologies.'

Among the key issues the conference will discuss are exploring the application of micro and nanotechnologies research in relation to venture investment and the relationship between agencies and universities that foster research in this field.

The high profile meeting will also serve as a venue for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to explore collaborative research and business development proposals.

According to recent studies, the technologies associated with the advancement in nanosciences are expected to have a huge impact on economic development. The total market demand for nanomaterials was estimated at US$ 13.1 billion in 2005. This is expected to reach US$ 20.5 billion in 2010, of which US$ 3.4 billion alone is expected to be allocated for nanomaterials used in life sciences.