News

Durham scientists congratulated for boosting UK economy

(3 June 2008)

Scientists from Durham University have been highlighted as two of the UK’s leading bioscience researchers contributing to the country’s economic and social wellbeing.

Prof Toni Slabas’s research into sustainable industrial oil alternatives from plants and Dr Stefan Pryzyborski’s work on technology to control the growth and function of culture stem cells were highlighted at an event at HM Treasury, run by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Dr Przyborski has used his basic bioscience research to establish Reinnervate, a University spin-out company founded to exploit enabling technology aimed to enhance the growth of cultured cells for use in research, drug development and tissue engineering. Last year he gained global media headlines for a plastic scaffold he has developed to grow stem cells and other tissue in the laboratory in 3D conditions similar to the way they grow in the human body. He is a member of the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI). Prof Slabas’s research is focused on providing alternatives for the lubricant and polymer industries, which could mean huge savings in carbon dioxide emissions compared to current oils. Prof Slabas and colleagues have also set up a spin-out company, Creative Gene Technology Ltd, with support from the BBSRC and other partners, which is developing new strategies for improving crop yield. Applications are in the areas of oil and starch production for biofuels, resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes, and new herbicide targets. The HM Treasury event, called ‘Bioscience:Biomillions’, illustrated how the UK’s excellent bioscience research base, principally funded by BBSRC with over £400M of public money each year, is delivering substantial economic and social impact. Participants in the event included researchers from Durham and other bioscientists being highlighted for their contributions, dignitaries including Ian Pearson MP, the Minister of State for Science and Innovation, industry leaders, policy makers and leading academics. Dr Przyborski, Reader in Stem Cell Biology at Durham University and Director and Chief Scientific Officer of Reinnervate Limited, said: “Universities are often viewed as a seedbed of innovation. It is becoming increasingly important to consider the commercial impact of research for the development of new businesses and the economic growth of the country.” Prof Slabas said: “The BBSRC programme is likely to be of major importance in contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, particularly if certain technological advances that we are expecting take place.” Ian Pearson, MP, Minister of State for Science and Innovation said: “In order to remain globally competitive and meet the future challenges of living within our environmental and population limits, it is vital that bioscience researchers continue to maximise the positive economic and social impacts of their research and activities.” Steve Visscher, BBSRC Interim Chief Executive, said: “The UK’s world class bioscience research base underpins major economic and social sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, healthcare and the environment. Our researchers are amongst the best in the world in terms of the quality of their science but they are also making huge contributions to quality of life for people through economic and social impact.”