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Biography |
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Consultant in Life Sciences. Former Chief Executive of the Scottish Crop Research Institute Group, including Mylnefield Research Services Ltd. and Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland (1986-2005). Before that, Professor & Head of Botany Department, Glasgow University. Chairman of two Sector Panels of UK Technology Foresight Programme. Member of Board of Directors of BioIndustry Association & Chairman of Industrial Biotechnology Group. International Potato Industry Award, Scottish Horticultural Medal. BSc (Ist), PhD, DSc, FIBiol, FIHort, FRAgS, FLS, FRSE
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Abstract |
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Opportunities for Biotechnology Research & Development in the Arab Region. J.R. Hillman & E. Baydoun. As in many areas of science, engineering, and technology, the Arab world has failed so far to capitalise adequately on its indigenous talents in modern biotechnology. With few exceptions, Arab nations are suffering a relative decline in their relative global competitive positions. The reasons for this situation are manifold, but fortunately a reversal is possible reflecting the enormous range of biotechnological opportunities that have special relevance to the region.
Based on various analyses, including special meetings of the Arab Academy of Sciences, technology foresight exercises in several western nations, and detailed international discussions involving academia and industry, it is clear that there are three general areas especially ripe for exploitation, given available resources. These are: (a) medicinal plants, building on traditional remedies and observations but utilising new analytical techniques, advanced diagnostics using recombinant antibodies and genomics tools, virus vectors, and propagation systems; (b) industrial ("white") biotechnology for the detection and elimination of pollutants and contaminants; (c) bioprospecting of native organisms.
Massive investments elsewhere in the pharmaceutical industry, stem-cell R&D, biofuels, food, fermentation, and plant & animal breeding, together with protracted, complex regulatory arrangements, make entry into these areas difficult and expensive. In contrast, the three areas nominated are able to be conducted productively by small teams of competent scientists with modest investments aided by the fact that relevant technologies are getting cheaper. Associated developments must take place, such as in our bioinformatics |
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