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Grand Opening of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center
The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County located in Doylestown, Pa., is a $15 million, 62,000-square-foot facility, funded in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The center seeks to advance biotechnology in Bucks County and the surrounding region, maximize synergies between nonprofit scientists and their commercial colleagues, and launch new ideas and discoveries that will make a difference. The nonprofit center, which is a joint partnership of the Hepatitis B Foundation and Delaware Valley College, is dedicated to the creation of a world-class biotechnology center; to the promotion of regional economic development and job creation; and to the education and training of tomorrow’s researchers. According to Dr. Timothy Block, president of the center and the Hepatitis B Foundation, the facility will stimulate innovative research and serve as a valuable economic driver in the state. Governor Edward G. Rendell made a special announcement that the state is investing $250,000 in the new center as a designated Keystone Innovation Zone, the 19th such zone in the state. Keystone Innovation Zones are established in communities that host institutions of higher education and are designed to foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities. The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County opened its doors with State Senator Joe Conti cutting the ribbon at the grand opening. Source: Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, Doylestown, Pa. awards for innovation RNAi Pioneer Named Winner of The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research Johnson & Johnson, in association with the New York Academy of Sciences, presented the inaugural The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research to Craig C. Mello, Ph.D., a professor of molecular medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass., and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Mello was selected for his role in the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) and the elucidation of its biological functions. J&J founded the award to honor active scientists who are making transformational contributions toward the improvement of human health and who display the innovative and leadership qualities embodied by Dr. Janssen, founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica. Source: Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Services LLC, Raritan, NJ global skills report The Talent Wars Brainbench’s 2006 report is a detailed analysis of employment skills data collected from individuals in 217 countries and territories. The report tracks successful certifications achieved. More than 600 types of assessments grouped into six main categories — IT, finance, customer support, sales and marketing, management, and healthcare — were administered between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006. GLOBAL CHANGES n India experienced an increase in total number of certifications, rising 47% compared with last year, while the United States declined for the second year in a row, by 18%. n Eastern Europe had a slowdown but remains a very strong area for technical professionals. Russia and Romania combined account for 18% of total certifications, behind the United States (35%) and India (30%). n Latin America was the big surprise with large increases in several countries, including Mexico (73%), Cuba (125%), and Chile (163%), particularly in back-office skills. n China moved up in the rankings, completing 82% more certifications than last year. The country is benefiting from successful Indian IT companies now locating offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and elsewhere. n Project management emerged as the most sought-after nontechnical skill. Other business management, sales, and marketing skills are on the rise worldwide. Top-of-Mind Concerns n Pools of skilled IT workers are shrinking in the United States but increasing in India, China, and Eastern Europe. n India is no longer just an outsource destination for software development and testing. India has developed large, world-class IT services firms. The country is outsourcing to other countries and getting ready to compete with U.S. giants, such as IBM and Accenture. n Change is being fueled by competition. Companies, countries, and people must adapt quickly. North America may not enjoy its position as innovation leader for much longer. October 2006 PharmaVOICE