Troy, N.Y. - A symposium exploring the opportunities in commercialization of biotechnology, biomedicine, and nanoscience and examining the role of scientists in the business world will be held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Thursday, October 23. The conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Heffner Alumni House, 1301 Peoples Avenue, in Troy.

"Innovation at the intersection of biology, engineering, and the physical and information sciences is spurring new directions in research, education, and technology transfer, and Rensselaer is leading the way," said Raj Bawa, adjunct assistant professor at Rensselaer and chair of the organizing committee for the symposium.

The day-long event will bring together researchers from industry, government, and academia, as well as intellectual property practitioners, business and economic development professionals, technology transfer specialists, policymakers and venture capitalists, along with students, according to Bawa. The conference is sponsored by Rensselaer's School of Science and Office of Alumni Relations.

Nature Biotechnology editor Andrew Marshall will open the symposium with a 10 a.m. keynote address on "Crystal-Gazing Biotechnology." Panel discussions throughout the day will explore the current research under way at Rensselaer; commercialization opportunities; and the role of scientists as businessmen and women in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology. A Career Guidance Fair will be held throughout the day to give students an opportunity to gain advice from the experts.

Prior to the conference, participants will have an opportunity to tour Rensselaer's Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, which is under construction.

For more information or to register for the symposium, go to Rensselaer's website at http://www.rpi.edu. Or go directly to the symposium Web site at http://www.alumni.rpi.edu/biotech.html.

Contact: Theresa Bourgeois
Phone: (518) 276-2840
E-mail: bourgt@rpi.edu