Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Background

Modern biotechnology is the lab-based application of scientific knowledge to biological organisms. Its main applications are in medical, agricultural food crops, industrial (non-food) crops, and environmental uses. It combines disciplines such as cell biology, genetics, molecular chemistry and biochemistry.

Business is the driving force behind biotechnological research and application. It has a responsibility to ensure that products meet current international standards and rules and to promote an appropriate, science-based regulatory environment.

Objectives

Enhance confidence in biotechnology by fostering awareness of and appreciation of the societal benefits arising from technological innovation; seek to prevent non science-based barriers to trade in biotechnology products; advocate sound science and risk management as the basis of regulatory approaches to food safety and environmental stewardship.

Photo: National Science Foundation*

Chair

Richard A. Johnson

Senior Partner

Arnold & Porter, LLP

Vice Chair

Janet E. Collins

Global Biotechnology Manager

DuPont

Staff Contacts

Helen Medina

Director � Life Sciences and Product Policy

(212) 703-5047 or hmedina@uscib.org

Kira Yevtukhova

Program Assistant

kyevtukhova@uscib.org

Current Priorities

� Provide industry leadership on key OECD biotechnology policy and regulatory activities, including Consensus Documents for environmental risk assessment of transgenic crops; the Horizontal Innovation Strategy Project; and addressing intellectual property issues in the OECD accession process.

� Advocate to the U.S. Government and OECD for the need for future OECD work corresponding to human-health related biotechnology to be considered within a framework of innovation and economic growth.

� Promote biotechnology interests in international forums such as the UN Environment Program (UNEP) Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum and Aarhus Convention discussions.

� Through the ICC Task Force on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), continue to engage and encourage industry coordination in ongoing negotiations, particularly on the issue of access and benefit sharing (ICC positions)

Recent Accomplishments

� Met with US government officials to discuss the Aarhus Convention and the 2010 UNEP Governing Council meetings and its implications for US industry.

� Submitted comments on behalf of US industry on the OECD�s Low-Level Presence Project.

� Met with US delegate to the OECD Science Committee to advocate US business interests in OECD matters related to biotechnology and innovation.

� Coordinated with the ICC to ensure USCIB members have input into the Convention on Biological Diversity position papers and negotiations.

� Participated in an ICC delegation to Convention on Biological Diversity negotiations and met with the Executive Secretary to convey business positions.

*About the photo: National Science Foundation-supported researchers at the University of California, San Diego, altered the genetic makeup of a tobacco plant by introducing a firefly gene into its DNA. The purpose of the research was to find out which genes are activated in which organs. The researchers engineered genes that made the roots, stem and leaves of the plant glow, just like a firefly. This research will help genetic engineers who are trying to breed disease-resistant plants and biologists who are studying which genes affect which organs.� For more information, please visit

http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/mmg_disp.cfm?med_id=51552&from=search_list