OIST Prominent at BioJapan 2011
OIST was at the forefront at BioJapan 2011 held October 5-7 in Yokohama, the largest meeting of biotechnology industry in Japan. OIST had a very popular booth in the exhibition hall and on the first day of the meeting, OIST President-elect Dr. Jonathan Dorfan gave a sponsored seminar “Promoting Technology and Innovation on Okinawa” to a packed conference room. Mr. Yoshio Okada from the Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation also gave a talk entitled “The Condition of the Bio Cluster in Okinawa.” Together, they explained how a combination of highly imaginative academic minds and sophisticated research infrastructure at the new university can generate scientific breakthroughs in diverse areas, a driving force for innovation and technology development on Okinawa.
Dr. Dorfan also met Dr. Isao Teshirogi, President of Shionogi & Co. Ltd., the internationally renowned Japan-based pharmaceutical company. In a cordial exchange, they discussed potential joint activities following the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between OIST and Shionogi on October. 3 At the reception for exhibitors, Dr Dorfan was asked to participate in the traditional breaking of a sake barrel. His aim was true and the barrel lid was successfully broken! BioJapan2011 was a great opportunity for OIST to introduce itself to the worldwide bio industry community.
