IBI has provided informational studies and consulting services to hundreds of private companies, government agencies and other institutions. The Center's mission is to provide long-term economic benefit to North Carolina through support of biotechnology research, development and commercialization statewide. Our 45-member staff works toward that mission by assisting business, education and science. At times, we work on special projects to keep the pipeline between product idea and commercialization flowing. They range from applied programs in plant breeding and rangeland management to basic research on regulatory mechanisms using model plant systems.
Genetic engineering is the isolation, configuration, and asexual transfer of genes.
A key goal of genetic engineering in forestry is to increase productivity of short-rotation tree plantations to enable the growing world demands for wood products to be met while large areas of natural forests are reserved from intensive harvesting. Using digitized video and custom software, the Biotech Center is now able to take the lectures it presents and place them onto its web site enabling instant access at any time. This gives UW faculty, students, and the interested public a chance to view lectures they could not attend in person. The Virginia Bio Technology Research Park is Virginia's research park for the life sciences.