Celebrating the convergence of biology and technology and how it shapes our world
By Amal Zafar
This past fall, biotech leaders, scientists, government representatives, educators and science enthusiasts gathered across the country to participate in Global Biotech Week.
Spanning September 20 to 27 of this year, Global Biotech Week brought together science and society through a wide range of events, from art exhibitions and workshops to policy meetings and public lectures. The goal was to showcase Canadian success in biotechnology and to educate the public and those in policy development about how biotechnology improves lives — from advancing medical research and sustainable agriculture to protecting the environment.
National Roots
Global Biotech Week was first conceptualized in Canada when BIOTECanada — the national industry association representing over 230 member organizations across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, academia and their supporters — launched the first-ever National Biotechnology Week in 2003.
BIOTECanada President and CEO, Wendy Zatylny, notes, “Global Biotech Week has grown into an international celebration of the biotechnology industry’s impact and potential. It’s a moment to showcase the strength of our national ecosystem and the leadership of provinces driving discovery, investment and innovation across the country.”
Since its humble beginnings in Canada, Global Biotech Week has become a global movement, inspiring similar events around the world in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the United States of America and Australia. Together, these countries hosted approximately 100 events worldwide, each highlighting the vital role biotechnology plays in shaping a sustainable and healthy future.
Zatylny continues, “the week’s purpose has always been to raise awareness of biotechnology and its global significance, among policymakers, influencers and the public.”
Across Canada, events ranged from art exhibits and science workshops to panel discussions, networking sessions and facility tours. Among the many activities held throughout the week, CaRe Clinics hosted an open house at their Calgary location that allowed participants to step inside an active clinical research facility, meet the research team and gain insight into the studies being conducted across diverse therapeutic areas.
These activities not only celebrate the achievements of Canadian biotechnology, but also invite the public to explore how this field continues to influence the nation’s health, environment and economy.
Inspiring Change Around the World
The impact of Global Biotech Week has reached far beyond Canada’s borders. In fact, it helped inspire European Biotech Week, which began in 2013 through the European Association for Bioindustries, also referred to as EuropaBio. The organization works to create national and global frameworks that support the growth of biotechnology across different sectors.
During European Biotech Week, countries across Europe also hosted a variety of events that highlight the work being done in health, agriculture, environmental science and more. It shows how Canada’s idea has grown into something much bigger — a worldwide celebration of how biotechnology is shaping our future.
Global Biotech Week stands as a proud reminder that Canada’s leadership sparked a global conversation, one that continues to grow, evolve and connect science with society.
“Canada’s biotech sector is collaborative, globally connected and positioned to play a defining role in solving some of the world’s most pressing health and environmental challenges, and this year’s 100-plus activities demonstrated just that,” Zatylny says.