Last week the Royal Society of Chemistry revealed that the latest figures from Ucas show chemistry acceptances across UK universities have risen 18.1 per cent since 2003
To further endorse the recent revelation that acceptances of university chemistry courses are at a six-year high and that the South West is fast becoming on of the UK's chemistry hotspots, the first ever Coast to Coast Medicinal and Synthetic Chemistry Symposium, which is set to attract around 150 delegates from the region, will take place next week.
The international event will be held in Torquay from 1 to 3 October 2006.
Exciting new developments in pharmaceutical research pioneered by companies in the south west UK will be showcased at this three-day gathering at the Riviera Centre - a joint venture by three Cornish biotechnology companies - Key Organics, Maybridge and Tripos - in association with the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Last week the Royal Society of Chemistry revealed that the latest figures from Ucas show chemistry acceptances across UK universities have risen 18.1 per cent since 2003.
So far this year, 3511 students have signed up to chemistry at the UK's 55 universities which offer the subject.
This figure is the highest since 1999 and is 3.7 per cent up compared to this time last year.
Colin Piper of Key Organics said: "Our three companies represent a chemistry hotspot in the UK where world-class chemistry projects are undertaken.
"As leading providers of chemistry services, our companies have been able to use contacts to invite some new speakers from leading pharmaceutical companies to present innovative chemistry topics which will add to the professional development of chemists from both industry and academia".
Bude-based Tripos has pioneered breakthroughs in aiding drug discovery through its research technologies.
The firm focuses on integrating leading-edge technology and innovative science to deliver research products and services for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and other life science enterprises.
Stuart Cameron from Tripos said: "Tripos Discovery Research, Key Organics and Maybridge decided undertake a number of initiatives to show the high quality of chemistry being performed in the south west of England and in the north Cornwall area in particular".
Alan Whittle, director of chemistry at Maybridge based in Tintagel, which has built a reputation for creating innovative organic modules for drug discovery with over 58,000 screening compounds, said: "The Royal Society of Chemistry has provided an exciting opportunity to showcase world-class medicinal and synthetic chemistry at the first Coast to Coast Symposium in Torquay".
"As local companies providing key products and services to the world-wide biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, Maybridge, Key Organics and Tripos are delighted to lend their support to the project.
"We believe that together we have provided an excellent scientific programme and we look forward with anticipation to a captivating three days of chemistry".
The Coast to Coast Medicinal and Synthetic Chemistry Symposium, which begins on 1 October, is sponsored by BioApproaches South West, a Lifesciences and Healthcare support organisation for the region that is funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), DTI and managed by Great Western Enterprise (GWE).
