Two week interactive art work display: The week began with a public interactive artwork display, showcasing our innovative and vibrant sector, at the European Parliament
in Brussels. Members of the Parliament as well as the general public and school students were encouraged to ‘play the DNA game’ on our touch screen TV and to learn more about how biotechnology is already a part of our everyday lives.

Biotech in 2020: Is Europe still relevant? And EuropaBio Most Innovative EU Biotech SME Award - Brussels

The EU launch of the European Biotech Week came in the form of a debate at the European Parliament which attracted an audience drawn from industry, policy, media and patient groups. The event discussed Europe’s future in the global biotech sector, and whether Europe is equipping itself with the right policy framework to encourage innovation, and importantly, retain it.

During the event, the winner of the 2013 ‘EuropaBio Most Innovative European Biotech SME Award’ was named. PsiOxus Therapeutics' saw off tough competition from four other finalists to be deemed the overall winner, due to their radical research and innovative breakthroughs in cancer therapy.

CropDesign site visit – Ghent

A visit to the new BASF CropDesign facility in Ghent took place on 3rd October. More than 20 visitors from European and national Belgian Institutions and industry stakeholders were there to receive a tour of the labs and green houses.

The European Forum for Industrial biotechnology (EFIB) - Brussels

Now in its 6th year, EFIB successfully made the transformation from a small specialised conference to a market leading, pan European flagship event for this vibrant and dynamic sector of Europe’s bioeconomy. The event had 700 delegates in attendance, 45 exhibitors and 20 technology showcase presentations.

Workshop for students at Université Libre – Brussels

A group of students enrolled in master’s programmes in communication and information received the highest grade from an academic jury for their work on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) conducted over the last semester.

Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA celebrated European Biotech Week 2013

Interactive workshops were organized every evening in the Chemistry Lab Gadolin and in the LUMARTS laboratory to introduce teachers to practical biotechnology experiments. Workshop topics included building a functional electrophoresis machinery from kitchenware, biochemical separation techniques for milk and microbiology approaches to enzyme production.

Chemistry and bioeconomy – seminar organized by the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland – Helsinki

The seminar was held in Helsinki and brought together almost 80 representatives from companies, state management and research institutes. Presentations were given by Neste Oil, DuPont, Kiilto, Forchem and FIBIC, the Finnish Bioeconomy Cluster.

Seminar on the Life Science, Chemical and Pharma Industry – Turku region

The seminar introduced the impact of the powerful life science, chemical industry and pharma industry in the area of Turku and the vital importance of big pharma companies to the economy and employment of the city.

Seminar on Biobanks

New biobank legislation entered into force in Finland on 1st of September 2013. The focus of the seminar concentrated on the establishment of new biobanks and their importance as potential research tools.

Challenges and opportunities of Genomics to healthcare – Helsinki

A seminar on how we can prepare for the challenge of human genome sequencing was held in Biomedicum, Helsinki. 130 experts discussed the various ways in which genomic data will change patient care and the subsequent development of next generation sequencing methods.

Jubilee seminar – Helsinki

A jubilee seminar presenting the societal benefits of all three sectors of biotechnology, healthcare agricultural and industrial applications was held in The Finlandia Hall, Helsinki. The seminar was covered in several newspapers including the most important business newspaper in Finland, Kauppalehti.

Demonstrations and lectures on molecular life sciences and biotechnology, as well as learning opportunities for plant biotechnology research – Viikki campus

Presentations of what it’s like to study biotechnology were given by students and lectures alike attending the University of Viikki to high school students wondering about joining this incredible area of science.

Life After PhD Career Fair – Tampere

“Life after PhD – Find your future in biosciences” – seminar was organized in Tampere, Finland, by the Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Tampere. Presentations by twenty excellent speakers from multiple fields provided a wide spectrum of career advice to PhD students.

The Northern Highlights of Biotech and Health seminar – Oulu

The Northern Highlights of Biotech and Health seminar was held in the University of Oulu, offering the participating PhD students and researchers the opportunity to meet people from business development organizations, biotech companies, clinical laboratories and research organizations.

Turku Crosslinks – Seminar on Microbiota and Human Health

Professor Pentti Huovinen opened the seminar telling how microbes are linked, not only to disease like type 1 and 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases, but also how they effect brain functioning.

BIO-TIC workshop

BIO-TIC, a European Commission funded project for Industrial Biotechnology, establishes an overview of the barriers to biotech innovation and aims to find solutions to accelerate the uptake of industrial biotechnology across Europe. The Finish workshop brought together experts to discuss the current status and future of IB in Finland and more widely in Europe.

Site visit to Roquette in Lestrem, the largest biorefinery in Europe (for students and teachers from the university of Lille)

In Lestrem, the largest biorefinery in Europe opened its doors to students and lecturers fromthe University of Lille. They had the opportunity to discover the site, the maize starch plant, and after to visit biotech pilots and an application development center.

Rendez vous de Concarneau: "When industry meets science" - Concarneau (focus for industry and academics)

Approximately 60 people took part in the 5th edition of the Rendez-Vous de Concarneau that took place during the first European Biotech Week, where topics discussed included ERA Net Marine Biotech, Artic Sea and Fisheries and Aquaculture

Digital showcase - German biotech competes on YouTube

The German biotech association BIO Deutschland hosted an interactive online media event where participants were asked to present a video clip in a specially created YouTube channel and compete with each other for the most clicks.

"Flesh and Blood" - Genetics meets Genealogy - Dublin

Over 50 people attended the BioConnect Ireland event on Genetics and Geneology in Dublin to gain an insight into the technologies and the companies that are offering genetic genealogy services and their approaches. The event entitled, “Flesh & Blood – Genetics meets Genealogy” was addressed by experts in the genealogy area with the relatively new twist of using genetic research techniques to trace ancestors and relatives.

Opening Ceremony, in collaboration with National Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnology and Life Sciences – Rome (for general public & science community)

The event took place in Rome and was dedicated to exploring the contribution of biotechnology in different sectors, 60 years after the discovery of the structure of DNA. The event was attended by about 60 people.

Growth and competiveness of Italy: the role of biotechnology – Rome

The event included a policy discussion on a strategy to use biotechnology as a tool for growth and competitiveness, as well as ways to develop youth employment in Italy and was attended by about 50 people.

'Quality is in the DNA' (for Agri-food experts)

The focus was on the relationship between DNA and agri-food products and quality control systems via DNA analysis. The event was attended by approximately 100 stakeholders from companies and research institutes alike.

The importance of being DNA – Milan

This event celebrated the anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, illustrated the history of this molecule and the enormous impact of molecular biology discoveries on scientific research and society.

Biotechnology and quality of life – Genoa

The event in Genoa explored the topic of large research infrastructures at European level, focusing in particular on the role that biobanks play in research. The event was attended by about 70 people.

Universities and Biotech Companies: together for research and development of innovative drugs – Milan

In 2030 it is estimated that 80% of new drugs will be derived from biotech. How are Universities preparing to take up this challenge? How can we promote and enhance technology transfer between universities and biotech companies? A symposium, held at the University of Milan, compared the views and experiences of representatives from the world of research, academia and biotech companies in the pharmaceutical field.

Biotechnology in medicine – Naples

Biotechnology is a resource for the development of new drugs, innovative and more effective therapies and new diagnostic tools. In such a context, the collaboration with research institutions is certainly a model that has proved to be virtuous. The event in Naples, organized in collaboration with Telethon, compared the views and experiences of representatives from the world of research and biotech companies in the pharmaceutical sector.

Biorefineries integrated in local communities – Turin

What are biorefineries, where does the biomass they use come from, and what are the implications for soil and agriculture? These were the topics discussed at an event in the University of Turin, with expert insights from industry representatives such as Novamont, Biochemtex and Novozymes, as well as universities, research centers and farmers’ associations.

Biotechnology and bioeconomy: A round-table discussion on regional and national measures to foster biotechnology – L’Aquila

The section of the National Association of Italian Biotechnologists in Abruzzo organised the event, which was aimed at involving the main regional actors in order to underline the potential, the perspectives and needs of the biotech sector.

Innovating for growth: a bioeconomy for Italy – Naples

The bioeconomy was explained in detail to approximately 300 high schools students in the Campania Region, with presentations by expert academics, clusters managers, start-up biotech companies and DSM Capua, the Italian subsidiary of the Dutch multinational biotech company.

Molecular biology in the development of innovative diagnostic systems – Rome

Molecular biology has allowed us to revolutionise diagnostics, allowing us to perform previously impossible analysis of many diseases and reducing diagnosis’ costs, thus increasing sustainability of the national healthcare system. The event, in collaboration with the Nationals Institute of Health, provided the opportunity to discuss these important topics.

New Frontiers for Genetics and Agriculture - Florence

The event was focused on the evolution enabled by gene transfer in plants, and the new improved techniques of cultivated varieties.

Technology transfer and enterprise creation – Milan (for start-ups)

The event, in collaboration with NetVal and PLG and Acquario e Civica Stazione Idrobiologica, explored the themes of technology transfer and incentives for biotech start-ups.

The future of Biotechnology – Milan

Meeting and discussion with first year students at the University of Milan, studying Medical Biotechnology, Veterinary, Pharmaceutical, Industrial and Environmental; Plants, food and agri-environment.

FutureCamp Europe: Biotech - Milan

FutureCamp Europe offers a detailed overview of the jobs of the future in the areas that present the greatest opportunities for development. The event was attended by about 130 people.

Theatrical performance: The African clone, Coleretto Giacosa – Turin

Theatrical performance, on the adventure of a researcher and his unpredictable clone, “built” in a biotechnology laboratory and able to digest any form of paper, becomes a moment of reflection on the role of science and scientists in a world having reached a complex technical and scientific level.

Theatrical performance "DNA meets Facebook" – Naples(for general public)

More than 100 people gathered to hear the story of a new world of genomics that allows us to look in our genes obtaining information about future risk of disease, tolerance to drugs, genealogical and ethnic profiles, and the meaning of sharing this data in social networks.

Genetically, art: The genes of art – Milan

An artistic reinterpretation under the theme of Water was held in Milan, in collaboration with the Nuova Accademia di belle Arti. Water was chosen as a theme because it is the source of nourishment and life. Expo 2015 elected it as a central theme to feed the planet.

Play Decide @ BiotechWeek: biotechnologists today and tomorrow – Bologna

PlayDecide is a discussion game to talk in a simple and effective way about controversial issues. It is a project of UNIAMO, the Italian Federation of rare diseases. The perspectives of synthetic biology were analyzed and debated by more than 100 students playing different roles: patients, politicians and professionals in research, treatment and government.

PlayDecide: Stem cells and Orphan Drugs – Palermo, Bari and Lecce

At three separate events, held in Palermo, Bari and Lecce, stem cells and orphan drugs issues were analyzed and debated from the different points of view of many key players: rare disease patients and all professionals in research, treatment and government

VI Foresight Training Course, "Biotech and Innovative Science to meet Patient Needs" - Bari (for children and families)

The event addressed the issue of how biotechnology and Innovation can meet the treatment needs of patients.

NovartisBioCamp Italia 2013 – Siena

The Novartis BioCamp Italy was held for the first time in Siena, in the Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Research Center facilities. Thirty students from Italian Universities, selected from 1,600 applications, had the chance to meet high profile Novartis speakers, as well as top tier research and management experts.

Genes in laboratory @ START Laboratory of Creative Cultures – Bologna

Child-friendly experimental labs for science experiments, as well art and technology workshops we located in four different areas of Bologna.

Baby Science Lab @ START Laboratory of Creative Cultures – Bologna (for children and families)

A baby science lab was set up in a padded area for young children and their families in Bologna, where sensory activities, experiments cognitive games and stories were heard, to allow children to learn about science through touch, observance, measurement, and sight.

DNA AperiNight @ Life Learning Centre - Bologna

In collaboration with Fondazione Marino Golinelli, a White Night for the general public took place at the Life Learning Center Bologna, the first Italian center for training and research on life sciences where, for the past 13 years, thousands of students experienced laboratory activities in the field of genetics.

Sherlock and Watson at the discovery of DNA @ START Laboratory of Creative Cultures – Bologna

In Bologna, fun and interactive activities, animations, and lab experiments revealed the discovery of DNA and its applications, to children, teens and families.

DNA on the Road @ Piazza Re Enzo – Bologna

The Car Lab, the mobile laboratory of Life Learning Center, arrived in the center of Bologna with pipettes, electrophoresis cells and microscopes, to involve the public in demonstrations, workshops and discussions about the history and applications of DNA and open new frontiers in the field of medical, agricultural, food, and art.

Genes in laboratory @ START Laboratory of Creative Cultures – Bologna

This event in Bologna invited artists and scientists to explore the laws of genetics, with the aim of creating jewelry that contained scientific codes.

i.lab Biotecnology e i.lab Genetics: DNA in your pocket – Milan

An opportunity for second level students to scrape, separate, extract DNA using enzymes, soap and toothbrushes. The end result was two meters of DNA that are present in the cells in each of our own bodies.

i.lab Biotecnology e i.lab Genetics. Meet the expert – Milan

A debate with researcher Massimo Galbiati, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan – on Platform Models Plants, took place for teachers in order for them to learn more about the state of research in the world of biotechnology and genetics.

Biotech lab - Milan

Some simple science experiments were proposed under the first Italian edition of the European Biotech Week.

Sunday dedicated to Biotechnology – Milan

The museum della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, in Milan offered visitors a chance to participate in experimental activities such as an interactive i.lab dedicated to Genetics and Biotechnology.

Open Doors – across Italy

Visits to research laboratories and biotech companies took place throughout the Italian edition of European Biotech Week.

"Cafe scientifique" (focus for students)

At a Caffe in Vino, Vilnius, more than 30 people came to discuss Stem Cell therapy and its potential for changing the way we treat patients.

Seminar on Life sciences, Institute of Biotechnology of Vilnius University (focus for school children)

Five teachers and 63 school children from all over Lithuania took part in the seminar. Two lectures were included in the programme. Participants were also give a choice of half-day science experiments that they could take part in, to give them a hands on feel for what it’s like to work in or study biotechnology.

"Life Science Action Lab" - Vilnius (for university students)

More than 100 participants gathered over the course of two days at the Communication and Information Center, Vilnius University, to take part in workshops and open days about biotechnology.

DNA cocktail Party – Delft

Speakers from DSM, BE-Basic, Bioproces Pilot Facility, HollandBIO en the Technical University Delft discussed the results of 60 years of DNA research and the important role of biotechnology for the development of a sustainable biobased economy. Students also had the opportunity to present their view on the future of biotechnology.

Debate with members of Dutch Parliament on 25 years of biotechnology in the Netherlands (General public)

Anne Will Lucas (VVD), Sjoera Dikkers (PvdA) and Annemiek Verkamman (HollandBIO) discussed the value and role of biotechnology for the Dutch economy.

Keygene symposium: What do we eat tomorrow, the future of our food

Expert speakers gave their vision on the subject and came up with interesting and surprising insights and solutions. One of the conclusions was that biotechnology can play a role in the biodiversity and the development of new food crops.

Launch of European Executive MBA Biotechnology - Leiden

HollandBIO, in collaboration with DuPont, organized a seminar about entrepreneurship in life sciences. The main topics were: How to become a successful biotech entrepreneur and manager, and what is the role of training and education in this process?

Plants for the future - Cluj

the ‘Plants for the future’ seminar attracted 37 speakers, professors, students and official participants from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment (National Agency for Environmental Protection).

Spanish Forum on Bioeconomy – Toledo (for public administration, economic agents and civil society organizations)

Among the barriers and factors identified was the need to improve dialogue and participation among the different actors in the value chain by engaging in these processes not only the industry and the public administration, but also other areas such as agriculture, entrepreneurs, end users and consumers,

4th Biotech Meeting with the Media – Toledo (for journalists)

Some of the major biotechnology trends for the future were discussed, including biotechnology's role in innovation, the revolution of biologic drugs and biotech crops in the EU.

Visit with students at the Repsol Technology Centre – Madrid (for students)

Students visited the laboratory facilities and were able to discover the importance of biology to develop renewable energy.

OECD report launch  

The report highighted how the biotech industry in Switzerland benefits simultaneously from the inputs of Swiss world leading pharma enterprises and cutting-edge public research institutions.

Regional meeting – Renens  

The NTN Inartis, a Network for Life Sciences in Western Switzerland conducted a half day event on the subject of “Process Control in the Medtech & Biotech Industry”.

Regional meeting – Lausanne  

More than 100 participants took part in the first Swiss Biotech Day in Western Switzerland, where discussions included the importance of science results, technology transfer practices and regional, national and international networks.

Cambridge MP roundtable discussion – Cambridge

Representatives from eleven UK biotech companies and the Right Honourable Sir Jim Paice, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, had a lively discussion on topics such as the UK government’s support for innovation and Cambridge’s position as a life science hub.

Biomedical research charity store public engagement – Peterborough (General public)

The BIA, in collaboration with the Babraham Institute and Papworth Hospital, took display stands and interactive activities to a BHF charity store in Peterborough in order to celebrate voluntary donations to medical research charities.

European Medicices Agency Day – London

To kick start European Biotech Week in the UK, EuropaBio hosted its first EMA-EuropaBio Information Day. Approximately 60 EuropaBio members joined the meeting and the very lively discussions on key issues for healthcare biotech companies.

World Agri-Tech Investment summit

The World Agri-Tech Investment Summit was held in London during the European Biotech Week. With a specific focus on agricultural biotechnology and software-driven precision farming, the summit brought together global leaders in resource-efficient agriculture with the world’s most innovative technology developers and the international clean tech investment community.