Most of us today take for granted innovations which have markedly improved our quality of life. It has developed systems that support minerals analysis and processing. Australian researchers have also made good advances in more effective scanning for breast cancer and like Finnish researchers have been working to provide better treatments for inflammatory and other major diseases. At the same time, Turku s Biotie Therapies is developing a drug that strongly limits the ability of cancer cells to divide. These are exciting developments and demonstrate the application of this technology to peoples everyday lives.
Biotechnology is a growing science and industry.
Australia, like Turku, is a leader in exploring its possibilities. In 1999 Australia s Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator the Hon Nick Minchin MP announced a project between the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the Australian Biotechnology Association to establish a comprehensive directory of Australian biotechnology companies, research institutions and service providers. This announcement followed the establishment of an Australian Biotechnology Action Agenda in 1998. This Agenda focuses on the opportunities offered by biotechnology and identifies impediments to its development. The Government has also established a Biotechnology Consultative Group to liaise with all relevant stakeholders in the development of a common vision.