Events
ABIC 2011
Agricultural Biotechnology Conference is food for thought
The 2011 Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC) will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 6 9 September. It deals with the science, innovation and development of food and food production for the future something that affects us all.
Jennifer Thomson, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Cape Town, and chairperson of ABIC2011, describes the importance of this event as follows: At this time of impending food crises, with rising costs and potential shortages, Africa needs every technology available to deal with these problems. Biotechnology is one of these critical technologies. ABIC therefore takes place at a crucial time and on one of the continents which could potentially be hardest hit.
The invited speakers are uniquely qualified to lead the discussion on these important issues. They include Marc van Montagu, Florence Wambugu, James Dale, and local South Africans experts. Their topics range from economic, social and political aspects of biotechnology as well as highlighting new and exciting scientific developments specifically aimed at alleviating food, feed and fuel problems in Africa.
Anyone that works, or is interested, in agriculture and food production for the future is encouraged to attend and use this opportunity to learn from the experts. Knowledge about this field can potentially open new career and business opportunities. The following themes will be covered:
1. Bioeconomy: refers to the set of economic activities relating to the invention, development, production and use of biological products and processes.
2. Genomics for Improved Agriculture: the use of genomic tools for crop enhancement and the improvement of food quality or safety.
3. Bio-based Industrial Products:the cornerstone of the green economy aimed at reducing reliance on fossil hydrocarbons for fuels and industrial raw materials, and the emission of green-house gases.
4. Biopharming: the experimental application of biotechnology in which genetic engineering (GE) is used to create plants that can produce pharmaceutical proteins and chemicals.
5. Environmental and Food Safety Evaluations - the new frontier: the products of modern biotechnological techniques like recombinant DNA (rDNA) undergo intensive research for feed, food and human safety as well as potential environmental impacts.
Poster Abstract Submission closing date is 31 March
The closing date for poster submission is 31 March. Three $500.00 prizes (CDN) will be awarded to the best poster in each of the five subject areas. Read more about the tracks and submission criteria at http://www.abic2011.co.za/abstracts.html
Delegate registration
Register before 31 March at http://www.abic2011.co.za/delegate-registration.html to benefit from the early registration discount of .R4 900.00
The regular registration fee prior to 6 September 2011 is R5 800.00.
On-site registration fee from 6 September 2011 is R6 400.00. All fees include VAT
General enquiries:
Telephone: +27 (12) 816 9000
Fax: +27 (12) 807 7191
Email: Lashika Chinsamy on lashikac@foundation.co.za