New DTI Measurements for Biotechnology website to provide a biomeasurement hub for the bioscience community
In collaboration with the BioIndustry Association (BIA) and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), LGC has developed and launched a new website for the Measurements for Biotechnology (MfB) Programme - part of the DTI National Measurement System.
A non-commercial, independent source of information, the site aims to provide the biotechnology sector with access to the data and guidelines arising from the MfB programme to help improve the quality, reliability and comparability of bioanalytical measurements.
John Marriott, director of analytical technology at LGC and Government Chemist, said: "This new advanced site is a definitive guide to the DTI's MfB programme and its progress, providing details and updates on all 15 current MfB projects.
With active participation from over 40 companies and universities, each project aims to make biomeasurements more robust and comparable.
This will improve the future commercial exploitation of biotechnology and facilitate knowledge transfer between the science base and business, SMEs and large companies, and business and regulators." In addition to keeping up-to-date with the latest biotechnology news and forthcoming events, registered users of the new website are able to share and benefit from information exchanged in network discussion groups, and to learn about the latest technologies employed for current projects.
As well as being notified when new material is added to the site, registered users are also able to consult the free online advisory service - the MfB helpdesk - when extra advice is needed.
In addition to FAQs and links to related websites, future benefits will include regularly updated guidance notes and the option to download the latest publications from the MfB programme online.
Denis Walker, director, DTI National Measurement System, said: "The new MfB website reinforces our continued commitment to help bioscientists improve the accuracy and reliability of the biomeasurements so important to industry.
The site will also help to build awareness of the measurement science underpinning the regulatory regime for biotechnology and to ensure that the UK biomeasurement system is co-ordinated and developed in harmony with those of other countries.
There is no doubt that this measurement framework is indispensable for the safe, competitive and sustainable development of biotechnology." Brian Kirsop of the BioIndustry Association (BIA) said: "This new website will act as an important source of information on the MfB programme for all UK businesses, university departments and public authorities in the biotechnology sector.
It provides exactly the type of support needed to assist laboratories in their efforts to make the accurate biomeasurements that are accepted nationally and internationally.
The biotechnology community needs to be aware of the MfB Programme and have the opportunity to become involved through participation in the projects.
The new website makes this possible."
