Sydney company Proteome Systems has teamed up with US group Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics to find drug targets to combat the disease. [ + ]

Immunology therapies group Norwood Abbey has announced a research agreement with Monash University to develop and market its thymic manipulation technologies. [ + ]

UK Health Secretary Alan Milburn has announced plans for the first national network of genetic research parks to put the UK at the leading edge of gene therapy.

John Brumby, minister for innovation, has said the $157 million Australian synchrotron project was on track for site works to commence in September 2002 and had reached another milestone with Garry Seaborne, project director, beginning work.

Biotechnology will reach its potential only if companies involved in related markets collaborate and focus on standards-based technologies rather than proprietary work, said Michael Capellas, chairman and chief executive officer of Compaq, on Thursday. [ + ]

A Sydney investment fund has moved to grab a stake in Melbourne bioscience commercialisation group Biocomm Services, cementing its exposure to emerging Victorian biotechnology firms. [ + ]

A booklet addressing gene technology issues was launched this week by Agrifood Awareness Australia - an industry alliance dedicated to increasing public awareness of gene technology. [ + ]

An Australian-made tanning drug has shown positive results in its first human trials. [ + ]

Listed Australian diagnostics biotech Agenix Ltd is diluting its stake in Singapore subsidiary PhytoProtein Biotech. [ + ]

NZ biotechnology will fall behind the rest of the world until uncertainties and overbearing government regulations for genetic modification are tackled, according to leading industry figures.

One in two people in the UK believe that scientists are in the pockets of big business and that scientific research has become too commercialised, according to a survey by Mori and the Royal Society (UK).

Australian researchers and scientists will benefit from a $6 million, world standard, plant research facility which has recently opened at the Australian National University.

Grants funding is available to support a diverse range of projects and events to promote the importance of science, engineering, technology and innovation in Victoria.

The NZ government has announced which five biotechnology centres will receive help from the government's new centres of research excellence fund.

A voluntary code of ethics for the Victorian biotechnology industry was likely to be the first task of the State Government's new ethics advisory committee. [ + ]