STUDENTS INVENTING THE FUTURE

 HARRISBURG, NOV. 17 – State Sen. Connie Williams addressed students, teachers and people employed in Pennsylvania’s Biotechnology industry during Biotechnology/Life Sciences Day 2004, which was held in the state Capitol on Monday.

 “Through biotechnology human progress is being made,” Williams said. “The future of biotechnology is bright, because it is so diverse and because it touches so many parts of our life – agriculture, drugs, medical devices and equipment, research and testing and academic health centers, including our research hospitals and institutes.”

 Williams noted that everyone is a winner with biotechnology, but to ensure an available pool of qualified candidates for biotech positions in the future, there must be a greater emphasis on science and math education, and preparing young people for careers in the growing field.

 “Progress is being made in the advancement of agriculture, industrial, health-care and environmental biotechnology products,” Williams said. “And it is being made because of the thousands of researchers who have dedicated their careers to improving our world, one product at a time.”

 More than 885,000 people nationwide are employed in biosciences. Biotechnology is one of the most research-intensive industries in the world. According to a 2003 estimate, $18.6 billion was spent on research and development.

 “That investment is a drop in the bucket compared to the lives that are saved, the diseases that are each and every day being fought – and eventually through research, will be cured – not to mention the new environmentally-friendly fuels that are being created that will allow us to reduce our reliance on oil,” Williams said. “I am looking forward to seeing the progress being made in this exciting field.”

 Among the schools that provided a display at during the Capitol event was The Center for Technical Studies of Montgomery County. Williams applauded the school and its students for taking part in advancing biotechnology. She also commented on the partnership the school has formed with key community biotechnology employers.

“Through the partnership, students are applying classroom knowledge in an authentic setting,” Williams said. “This is a wonderful example of how the industry can partner with education to produce the next generation of educated and experienced technology professionals.”

Williams, who was asked to read a letter from the Governor, told Biotechnology/Life Sciences Day participants to “Keep up the good work.”

“The work you do today, will help millions of people enjoy a longer, healthier life,” Williams said.